Author: Sociable Hermit
Category: Reincarnation
Go to read content：https://thereadnovel.com/enlightened-empire/chapter-19
Howling winds surrounded the caravan all around, signs of an oncoming storm. Though he was no native, Fadelio had been in Etra long enough to understand the signs of nature around these parts. His worried look went up, into the black sky. The lack of stars told him of the clouds which had spread themselves all over. Although he could not see them, they still pressed themselves on the atmosphere, and his mood with it. With the sky covered as well, they were were surrounded by deepest blackness on all sides, the dark driven out by nothing more than a handful of torches and lanterns stretched along their row of donkey carts. He remembered Corco’s words during one of his lectures, speaking of distant cities, illuminated bright as day throughout the night. In his current position, he found the story hard to believe, but of course he knew better than to doubt his prescient master. Still, surrounded by invisible enemies, his unease grew with every step. The darkness had tried its hardest to sap his spirit and it appeared he was not alone in the notion.
"Why’re we not taking a break then? The men and donkeys are tired, and there’s a storm brewing. Wild beasts will come as well. We’ll only take longer once the animals get injured in an attack." Panting, Brokahrt shouted in Fadelio’s ear, in an attempt to overpower the howling wind. Erratic swivels of his head scanned the surroundings and betrayed his worries.
"No time," Fadelio answered. If he had been so inclined, he could have explained, in detail, how most animals would seek shelter before a storm instead of look for an attack, how his scenario was unreasonable. Just the same, he could have explained to Brokhart the gravity of their position and the importance of their task, but found that no fancy words would make a lick of difference. Over the passing months, Fadelio had learned that oftentimes, only few words were needed.
"No, there is! I know of a copse not far from here. There’s a hunter’s lodge large enough to fit all the men. We can find shelter there, and build an overhang for the animals, just before the rain hits us."
"We need to get back to Etra," stoic, the warrior stared ahead, into the western darkness.
"I get it boss, we’ll need the extra food and those new-fangled guns for when the Bornish show up, but it’s gonna be trouble either way. At this speed, we’re not gonna reach Etra until sunrise, even if nothing bad happens. Plus, the powder’s gonna be useless anyways if it ends up getting wet."
True to himself, Fadelio just nodded his head in understanding. Brokahrt’s words made some sense, but he wouldn’t give the man an inch, not unless he had too. Unfortunately, by now his arguments sounded quite convincing to the men around, so it seemed as if he would be forced to pay attention or risk more discontent within their group.
"What good are those toys anyways? Even if we use them, those soft little balls won’t get through a real knight’s armor. One charge from a line of knights and our craftsmen will break apart like a bottle under a hammer. Since the things aren’t gonna do much good either way, why force the men and beasts to death with a rush like this?"