"Don't say anything. Let me have a moment."
Horten sat in front of the tent, looking up at the sky.
Schneider was his brother. In this body's memories, Schneider had a bit of a temper and tended to offend people, but he always treated his younger brother well.
Though they were a knightly family, fine white bread was still a rarity. The flour from the mill had to be carefully gathered to pay taxes to their superiors or be traded for necessities like spices. So, the brothers would often steal white flour from the mill. Whenever they did, Horten always got a larger share than Schneider.
After he turned twelve, the Bovenden family could no longer afford to raise two children, so they sent their youngest son to the abbey. The bond between the brothers gradually faded.
It was just a small detail of life, but recalling it now, it felt unforgettable.
In his past life, Horten had no siblings and never understood why children who weren't only children always seemed so cheerful. Now, Horten felt a mix of melancholy, reluctance, and sorrow.
Countess Canossa saw Horten's lonely back. "For us, losing siblings is just another day. When I was young, my father had four children, and I was the youngest daughter. They were very good to me, but as I grew up and they realized I would also get a share of the inheritance, they immediately distanced themselves from me. The four of us became like enemies, digging deep trenches between each other. Alas, you have my condolences."
Canossa wanted Horten to understand that if he wanted to struggle in the hell that was the nobility, he had to accept the rule that people die from time to time. That's just how the world was.
Joan 'the Flash' appeared at the right moment. She said in a low voice, "I had four brothers. Two of them didn't survive their first winter. My remaining older brother was born with a disability and couldn't inherit the family estate. If I didn't step up, our family would have been utterly ruined. It's the same for you. Go back from the abbey."
Horten gave a slow nod. When this was over, he would definitely have to leave the abbey and inherit Bovenden village.
Suddenly, Horten had a very bold idea. The plan was so audacious that just thinking about the consequences of failure made his heart pound with fear.
But what if it succeeded?
"Your Excellency, I have an idea, but it will require Lady Joan to act a part with me. I hope for your approval."
Horten explained his plan for revenge. Canossa covered her mouth in shock. "Are you mad?"
"I'm not. But Howard is a traitor. He is bound to fall into my trap," Horten said. The more he thought about it, the more he believed it was the best possible plan.
"I can do it!" Joan said, gripping her sword.
"Let's take the gamble," Horten said, extending his hand to the Countess. "If we succeed, you have to appoint me as your court's prime minister."
"Hmph. A small matter." The Countess placed her hand in Horten's.
Joan looked from one to the other, then placed her hand on top of theirs.
The two of them worked together, overriding all objections and forcing the remaining knights to agree to cooperate with Horten's plan. After all, the main body of the army now belonged to Horten. That longbowman leader, Greb, seemed to harbor a grudge against all nobles, and the knights had no desire to try and win over the "muddy-legged" common soldiers, causing them to lose their say in matters.
The next day, the army set out for Bovenden village. By evening, thanks to messages passed between the villages, both Howard and Canossa knew of the other's presence.
The closer he got to his home, the more the burnt ruins and broken walls corresponded with the childhood paradise in his memory. Horten couldn't help but clench his fists. He turned to Greb beside him and asked, "If someone burned down your home, what would you do?"
Without a second thought, Greb swore, "Of course, I'd hang him from the big tree at the village entrance, let the crows peck out his eyes and flesh, and let all my enemies see his corpse."
"My thoughts exactly." Horten balled his fist, his cold gaze shooting toward the enemy camp on the other side of the river.
At that moment, in the rebel camp, many were growing uneasy.
In the end, Howard's rebellion had started by him using his authority to trick everyone away from the Countess. He then threatened them, saying that even if they went back, the Countess would punish them, thus inciting the majority to join his revolt.
These men still held a sense of reverence for the legitimate Countess. They were unwilling to surrender, but they didn't want to fight her either.
Howard was furious. He accused them, "You lot! You don't dare to fight, and you don't want to run. What is it you really want?"
What?
The men looked at each other, then back at Howard.
Isn't it obvious, you fool? We'll help whoever wins between you and the Countess!
Howard's expression darkened with powerless rage. In truth, wasn't everyone just bluffing and putting on a brave face?
Howard's own elite forces were insufficient; he had only hired a single company of Viking mercenaries as his core. He had only been able to launch his rebellion by tricking several hundred nobles and soldiers into joining him. Without them, Howard really didn't think he could defeat Canossa.
Dammit... Howard suddenly had a bold idea of his own.
The next day, heralds from both armies delivered challenges to the other. Even in the barbaric Middle Ages, agreeing on a time for battle was quite common. It was rare for someone to go back on their word to use deception or a sneak attack.
The two armies formed up, their ranks spread out in loose clusters, facing each other across the river.
The only path across was a single wooden bridge. Next to the bridge was the Bovenden family mill.
Horten gave Joan, who was disguised as a peasant woman, a meaningful look, then spurred his horse forward.
"Howard! I am Horten of Bovenden, brother of Schneider, whom you murdered! Based on the blood feud between us, I challenge you to single combat! I hear that when Viking pirates meet at sea, they lay a plank between their ships and fight until only one man is left standing. Now, there is only one bridge between us. Why don't we fight until only one of us remains?"
Horten was dressed plainly, armed only with a spear. He brought Joan with him to the edge of the bridge and shouted at Howard.
Howard looked a little confused. He glanced left and right, then looked down and patted his large belly.
Single combat? Wasn't that something from knightly romances?
On a real medieval battlefield, so-called duels rarely happened. Everyone just ganged up and killed the enemy first.
But it was fine. Howard had a trick up his own sleeve. He held his sword with a dignified air, walked out from his ranks, and said, "I accept your challenge."
Upon closer inspection, Howard was clad head-to-toe in armor, while Horten wore nothing but tattered cloth. Was there any need to guess who would win? An armored man was a medieval tank, invincible!
The countless onlookers and the nobles on both sides had already issued Horten's death notice.
He was a dead man.
However, as they walked, Howard noticed that Horten was accompanied by a peasant woman. Just a peasant woman, she shouldn't be a problem, he thought. Perhaps Horten is even less brave than a woman.
With that thought, the two of them reached opposite ends of the bridge.
Horten raised his spear.
Howard drew his sword.
But at that very moment, Howard suddenly roared, "What are you waiting for? Move!"
A horde of Vikings burst out from the nearby mill, brandishing swords and shields as they charged toward Horten!
As it turned out, Howard had never intended to fight a duel!
Joan was stunned. Realizing that this was not part of the plan at all, her knees went weak.
Horten's eyes widened in alarm. We're both playing dirty tricks, but how are you even more treacherous than me?
"Longbowmen, draw your bows!" Horten roared, raising his spear.
Greb and his longbowmen emerged from their cover, taking aim at Howard and the Vikings.
The two men locked eyes across the bridge and couldn't help but curse each other.
"You're despicable!"
"You're shameless!"