Chapter 106

Naturally, the vampires didn't deploy fifty people for battle. All the camp residents, except for the guards, were hiding on the left bank of the river, waiting for the agreed signal. Upon hearing the battle commence, they took positions in the forest near the supply convoy. Now they had to wait for the sound of the trumpet to begin plundering and capturing prisoners, or wait for the drums to sound, signaling them to rush to aid and strike the city army from behind.

The sound of the trumpet was instantly heard, and vampires emerging from the forest seized the convoy servants and laborers, drinking a little of their blood before passing the prisoners further into the wagons, aiming to snatch the most valuable goods before the victorious army and its embittered soldiers arrived.

The archmage, who had inexplicably left his position near the commander, was treated with utmost tenderness and handed over personally to Maria, who with maternal tenderness and a smile stroked the unconscious old man's head.

The victors didn't rush to reveal themselves, and the losers didn't flee backward. Why would they? Behind them were the formidable mountains they had already traversed. Under these circumstances, the convoy was looted much more thoroughly than originally planned.

Afterwards, the vampires dissolved into the forest. The Duke's knights who had ridden to the convoy found that no one was guarding the wagons, and for some reason, the convoy laborers had fled into the woods. Shrugging, the soldiers began searching for something more valuable.

Alexander approached the Duke's camp with mixed feelings. The fury of battle had already dissipated, leaving only the joy of victory and a pleasant sense of fulfillment. Now it was necessary to find out how much people here had witnessed of what had happened on the hill and around it. This would determine if anyone besides vampires and their captives would leave this field alive.

They paid attention to him. Sincerely congratulated him on his victory, shook his hand. In a surge of emotion, the Duke hugged him.

"You saved us all, Alex! You saved us all!"

Baron Savoyardi's castle was buzzing. Despite the late hour, the people were celebrating victory.

Duke Kas approached Alexander and led him to the center of the hall. With a gesture, he asked for attention. In the ensuing silence, he placed his hands on Alexander's shoulders.

"I, Duke Richard Kas, the rightful ruler of my lands and their lord, declare you, Alexander Blood, worthy. From now until death, you are a knight. No one and nothing can change my decision. Remain worthy until the end!"

The onlookers, witnessing the knightly induction ritual, responded with a hearty roar:

"Remain worthy!"

And the worst part was that his consent was not required, and he wasn't even asked.

"Wow, I'm in for it."

***

The elder stood, nervously twisting his hat in his hands, unable to speak. Nearby stood the tense Constantine. It had been nearly a minute of this silent scene, and if the vampire was as immobile as a rock, the sturdy older man in his prime was extremely nervous and kept shifting on his feet. Finally, Alexander grew tired of observing this mute scene.

"So, what's the matter, my friend? What brought you to me?"

"Well, Your Grace... My daughter was defiled," the elder finally spoke up.

"W-what daughter?"

"My daughter, Your Grace."

Winter and the beginning of spring had passed. Enough time had elapsed since the bloody battle at the bridge for emotions to calm. The kingdom of Orod's army had been defeated. Duke Kas's army resembled a sorry band, and if not for the city militia, which hadn't participated in the battle and suffered no losses, there would have been significant problems even transporting the spoils.

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