Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Booooom.

As the long trumpet call rippled through the air, the gates opened and the armored cavalry, led by the knights of the Maclaine family, charged forth from the castle.

53 knights.

Over 550 cavalrymen, not drafted soldiers but regulars, and apprentice knights.

And nearly 5,000 draftees.

In total, an army exceeding 5,000 in number.

Three days after the declaration of war, the Maclaine territory had summoned a force beyond its limits.

Among the conscripts, there were even young lads whose cheeks were still downy with soft fuzz.

Moreover, a quarter of the draftees lacked proper equipment, brandishing spears and clad in hastily assembled wooden armor.

It was no exaggeration to say they had merely filled a quota.

We have no choice. If the invaders wager their fate, we too must mobilize everything we have.

Padric tried to justify the excessive drafting and forced his gaze upwards to the sky.

Riding a giant black steed, much larger than the average warhorse, and clad in a helmet with a red plume, he was at the very front, waving his hand.

Waaaaah!

The people of the territory cheered at the sight, but underneath the forced cheers, their expressions were filled with anxiety.

The enemy?

They have entered within a days journey.

Well encounter them by half a day then.

Yes.

Tension laced the conversation between Padric and Hainkel.

Despite their inner unrest, their faces were calm as they looked back at the territorys people.

It was a feigned front to assuage the troops and the peoples anxiety.

However, that calm facade dissipated not long after they left the gate.

Where did Logan go?

He left at dawn with the mercenaries.

Why?

Im not quite sure

What?!

Padrics face contorted at Hainkels reply.

Why didnt you stop him?

Command over the mercenaries falls under the young master. And

He showed some diligence lately, is that it?

Youve gotten lax, Hainkel.

My apologies.

As Hainkel hurriedly bowed his head, Padric sighed deeply.

Sigh People dont change easily after all.

Hm?

Hainkel looked puzzled at the sudden lament, but Padric wasnt blaming him.

Seems like I placed false hope in Logan.

!

Likely hes fled. Exclude him from the forces.

Padrics resolute tone made Hainkel lift his head.

Despite a short time, the Crown Prince he trained with didnt seem like someone who would flee.

But before he could say anything, someone next to Padric erupted.

Thats impossible!

The boy barely older than his own gear objected vehemently, his eyes blazing red.

My brother would never do that!

Ronian recalled the image of his brother who visited him during training not long ago.

Not yet, not yet. You still cant control it.

Pondering over his brothers disappointed sigh, his brother had demonstrated an astonishing skill, even to the inexperienced Ronian.

A secret technique shown by none other, not even their father.

I will teach you soon as well. Lets save our family together.

Ever since, it had been clear his brother sensed a looming bad atmosphere.

Such a brother wouldnt abandon his family and flee.

My brother was already anticipating the war. Theres no way he would

Ronian, as if fighting his own battle, raised his voice to defend Logan.

But Padrics expression only twisted further at the sight of his youngest.

Ronian. Stop defending Logan. The fact remains he is not here.

No! That cant be, my brother wouldnt just run away!

Ronians big voice filled the area, stirring more murmurs.

Did the Crown Prince desert?

So the rumor was true?

The lords son?

Whispers buzzed.

As the soldiers mood soured, Padric bellowed at Ronian.

Regardless, he is not here now! He has missed the battle upon which our familys fate hangs! If that is not desertion, then what is?!

Unable to rebut, Ronian hardened his face in frustration.

Padric looked at him and spoke in an icy tone.

Nobility must fulfill their duties to be true nobles. One who shirks their fundamental obligations deserves not the privileges of nobility!

The basic duty of nobility was to protect their people from external threats.

For the knightly Maclaine house, it was of paramount importance.

Padric grasped Ronians shoulder as he declared,

You must now fulfill your brothers role as well. Do not waver!

Meeting his fathers fierce eyes, Ronian could only nod weakly.

Padric turned away with a sigh, his heart heavy.

It wasnt pleasant to treat his own son as if he were nothing.

But the rapidly plummeting morale of the soldiers, evident as they whispered amongst themselves, made any such feelings a luxury.

Maybe I should have expelled him then.

He regretted giving credence to obedience that was perhaps feigned.

Even with the memory of his late wife haunting him, he should have been harsher.

Then, before this gloomy war, perhaps the soldiers spirits would have been higher

No, no.

Padric shook his head, throwing away the weak thought.

A knight on the eve of war has no business indulging in such sentiments.

Clenching his jaw, the bitter taste of blood sharpened his mind.

Yes

His own actions, the strength of his forcesnone of that mattered now.

We must win.

That was his greatest purpose in life, to protect the family.

The resolve became fighting spirit, elevating Padrics aura inexorably higher.

Bleeding from his bitten lip as he resolved for victory, the lord.

We will win! We must!

His energy and willpower radiated outwards.

Yes!

Sensing the shift in the air, Padric hollered with conviction.

Advance at full speed!

* * * Boom. Boom. Boom.

The enemy moved in perfect unity to the resonating drumbeats.

Just the sight of their vast numbers, in better formation than the allies, demoralized Padrics soldiers.

Moreover

The Crown Prince deserted, they say.

Shh!

Careful, such words can cause trouble! Its just a rumor!

What rumor? Just look. Can you see that redhead anywhere?

Unintentionally, another rumor regarding Logan gnawed at the soldiers courage.

Still, there were those who didnt believe it, who defiantly rebutted.