Chapter 230: Mysterious Adviser.
Theodore Mansion.
Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.
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The morning sun cast long shadows across the training grounds of Theodore’s mansion as Hound and the three newly hired guards prepared for the day. Each man moved with a sense of purpose and quiet determination, fully aware of the weight of the responsibility that had fallen upon them. With both Conan and Theodore absent, the burden of protecting the mansion rested squarely on their shoulders.
With swift and efficient movements Hound checked and rechecked his weapons. His blacklined eyes, a mark of his past battles, were sharp and vigilant. He donned his armor with practiced ease, each piece fitting snugly into place. The weight of the metal was a familiar comfort, a reminder of countless battles fought and won. He strapped his sword to his side, the blade gleaming in the morning light, and secured a dagger in his boot for good measure.
Nearby, the three newly hired guards were similarly engaged in their preparations. Each man had his own routine, honed by years of training and experience. One, a burly fellow with a scar across his cheek, meticulously inspected his crossbow, ensuring the string was taut and the bolts were sharp. Another, lean and wiry, tested the balance of his twin blades, their edges honed to a deadly sharpness. The third, a tall and stoic man, adjusted his armor and hefted a heavy mace, its head studded with iron spikes.
Despite their individual routines, a sense of camaraderie permeated the air. They were united by a common purpose: to defend the mansion and its inhabitants at all costs.
Hound, as the most experienced among them, took a moment to address the group.
"Remember," he said, his voice low and steady, "we are the first line of defense. We stand between whatever comes and those we are sworn to protect. Stay vigilant, stay sharp, and trust in each other."
He had a feeling something was coming and they needed to be ready.
The men nodded, their expressions grim but resolute. They had been chosen for their skills and their loyalty, and they would not falter in their duty.