39 Prelude to the Battle of Knightsend (2/2)

Centurion Lyn did not say anything. He just glared at Luther.

”In case you did not catch my words Centurion, I am ordering you to take over for a while. Do you understand?” Luther said

Centurion Lyn was still silent. He then slowly nodded but the Centurion was still glaring at Luther.

”I asked you a question Centurion. Answer me!” Luther shouted

”Yes! I nodded didn't I? Just go. Go now.” The Centurion conceded.

Luther smiled. Finally the Centurion gets it. He mounted his horse and went to the front of the line.

It didn't take him long to find his uncle because the General's banner was huge. There were also many officers at the front, including Centurion Stan.

”Good morning General” Luther gave his uncle his most radiant smile.

”Why are you here? Your cohort was supposed to be at the back” General Sigurd said grumpily.

”My second-in-command can handle them. I just want to see Knightsend as soon as possible.”

”Who are you kidding?” His uncle scoffed ”You just want food. Well tough shit, we don't have any left. And even if we still have food, I won't give you special treatment”

Luther's heart broke after hearing that. He just wanted a few more bites, but fate wasn't good to him.

”No Uncle, I wasn't here for that. I just wanted to see Knightsend as soon as possible.” He gave a nervous laugh. ”Besides, I can't eat with that around.” He turned his head towards the thing that was being dragged by the General's horse.

It was the body of one of the sentries who failed to guard the food wagons. General Sigurd tied the man to his horse and dragged him. The sentry's hands and feet were tied so he was dragged while lying down. The rocks and the ground shredded his body like minced meat. The wails of the sentry lasted for a few hours until the poor man died. After a few more days of marching, the sentry was reduced to grounded meat. It was revolting. Luther can't stomach seeing such a disgusting display.

Many soldiers, especially the Knights, protested after seeing such horrendous sight. Centurion Stan even tried to cut the rope once, but he was stopped and the General himself cut one of the Centurion's fingers as punishment.

”What? Do you want to follow Centurion Stan's footsteps? My punishment for the Centurion was not severe because of his good performance in the past. You, on the other hand, failed to kill even a single Castonian. Don't test my patience nephew.” He warned ”So endure it. I know you're weak but I need to show the soldiers the price of failure. The sentry deserves it anyway. Isn't that right, Centurion Stan?” he turned to the Centurion. His muscular appearance was terrifying.

Centurion Stan was silent for a long time until he said softly, ”Yes General”

”I can't hear you Centurion Stan”

”Yes General” Centurion Stan gritted his teeth.

”Good. See? If righteous and noble Centurion Stan understands, then you should shut your mouth Luther. Now, go back to your Cohort”

Luther was just about to turn his horse around when the General stopped him.

”Wait” General Sigurd called. Luther turned to his uncle ”You said that you wanted to see Knightsend. That's Knightsend.” He pointed forward.

Luther squinted. At the distance, he could see a white dot. The dot grew as they approached it. After a few minutes, the figure of the castle became more apparent.

The finally arrived at Knightsend.