Chapter 39: Attack in the Night
A weak head meant a weak body.
As the Duke spent most of his time inside, loose threads throughout the knighthood started appearing.
The man was once a good strategist and an even better sword fighter. However, having someone like the Wolf of the North in his order took pressure off of him and his focus shifted to ducal duties rather than knight's work.
Once he got sick and could hardly focus in the meetings where his two highest in command updated him on the goings on of the knighthood, they realized a change needed to happen. Duke Arlin constantly promised that he would get better and things would change, but Gunnar and Arthur couldn't take that chance.
To Rochelle's displeasure, Arthur took over the touring of the duchy that year to ensure there were enough knights being sent to all corners and that the people were feeling safe. He would also ensure the people didn't need supplies to successfully winterize their towns. If they didn't, he would have to hunt down supplies as needed.
Gunnar, on the other hand, had his hands full in the Duke's Tower trying to keep the apprentices educated and practiced.
They would meet as often as they could to talk about strategizing and monster campaigns. As long as they were keeping an eye on the mountains and cutting down what was coming into the valley should have been enough.
Yet there seemed to be something they were missing as goblins and ogres continued to appear. It was almost as if they had endless numbers ready for the next time the humans cut them down.
The night after the group returned from the north-central township, there were goblins spotted going behind the stables. Night watch caught them before they could cause trouble.
However, the sheer amount coming down was what required more attention. Not only were the knights called out, but the apprentices were also asked to stay towards the practice yard and ensure that nothing could break through and into the heart of the Duke's Tower.
Even with a dagger claimed to be much too short for the situation, Irene stood there confidently with the weapon drawn. In the darkness of night, the mana stone in her handle glowed faintly blue.