Chapter 36 Wales

" This is our proud breed of horse. This beautiful creature can cross any terrain in a short span of time and need only minimum maintenance."

Grace showed Wales's horse to Magnus and Freyja who were interested in this horse. Unlike their horses, this horse was a tad shorter but one could tell this beautiful creature had pride in their souls.

Especially when they locked their eyes, they seemed to recognize their worth as they neighed with a big huff. A typical good breed horse behavior that showed their power in front of others.

Magnus's big hand ran through its mane, believing this horse could serve him well. It might not be as powerful as Viking horses in terms of strength but in speed and stamina, this horse was excellent. Furthermore, it was extremely clever to the point that it was a child.

" You are willing to give us this horse? It is an excellent breed but I believe it isn't cheap to raise them."

Freyja also liked the horse but she believed this was too sweet for a deal. Grace understood her worries, so he handed her a parchment that acted like proof.

" I believe you call this a contract, no? Your people must have to obey this and this would show as proof of authenticity."

Grace loved this contract thing in his heart, it was such a good way to shut down those arrogant nobles who would place their tails between their legs after various flowery words.

Meanwhile in Kent.

Halfdan wore his helmet, adjusting his gauntlet to prepare for the upcoming battle. His calm eyes shifted toward his opponent who was buckling his helmet while checking his sword.

" You ready? I will hit real hard."

Halfdan didn't waste a second before launching himself forward. Without hesitation, his sword came crashing down to Arthur's face while the latter groaned from the shock.

He felt his arms were getting numb from the shock but he wasn't done yet.

He tilted his sword to the side, creating an opening but how Halfdan could show his weakness? His big leg kicked him in the square chest as he hit him with his sword hilt.

Then he grabbed the blade of his sword, pulling him with the hilt of his sword. Before Arthur could register what was happening to him, Halfdan threw him over his shoulder.

Thud*

Arthur groaned from the impact, not feeling great but he tilted his head to dodge Halfdan's attack. However, that wasn't over as Halfdan clenched his fist.

" Grit your teeth."

His fist came down to his face while the latter tried to protect it. Fortunately, Halfdan was half serious about the beating, so he just flickered his forehead and got up from his body.

" You have a long way to go."

Arthur wasn't convinced that Halfdan was at a veteran knight level because surely his hand-to-hand combat experience was much deadlier than normal knights.

Moreover, he can accurately gauge what he was going to do and where he was going to move before he moved, hence defeating him was almost impossible with his physical stature.

" I swear no knight is going to defeat you. You use your brains and muscles at the same time, brother."

Halfdan shrugged his shoulders at his remark, wiping his sweat while sipping the water which he got from Morgana.

" That is where you are wrong. In this world, there are many kinds of people who have different skills. Some can create weapons that can destroy armies, some can hold an entire army while some can lead a country to an empire.

We are far from them when it comes fighting or thinking. Hence, you have to be prepared for our next battle.

This time we will shed blood unlike before and lose our men."

Arthur fell into silence, clenching his fists with a serious face. The physical pain was still there but the mental pain wasn't going anywhere.

" Then we have to crush them. I don't want to see any of my men dying on the battlefield."

Halfdan burst out with laughter, knowing this journey wouldn't be that simple. Sooner or later they were bound to slice the throats of their enemies or their allies.