Chapter 100: Everspring Riverbank

Chapter 100: Everspring Riverbank

Generations of the Hyde family had lived here. The great defeat back then caused the loss of nearly all their adult males. Yet, despite their heavy losses, they did not receive the due reward or help they deserved. When they were at their weakest, what came was even more cruel and bloody plunder. With only women and children left, the Hyde family had to retreat again and again, until there was nowhere left to retreat.

With no way out, they finally fled to the banks of the Eternal River, a place no one dared approach in those days. Everyone thought they were doomed, and the family waited in despair for the final moment. However, a miracle happened. The Northlanders showed no interest in these women and children, leaving them to their own fate. When they discovered in panic that a hungry child had actually sneaked across to the opposite bank, the child received pity from the Northlanders. The Northlanders threw some food at the child’s feet.

The Northlanders never crossed the river, and the castle by the North Fort Bridge was already empty. Driven by hunger and cold, these women and children cautiously entered this castle, this former barracks. They then discovered that the terrified deserters had left all the military supplies here—weapons, armor, food, and more. Though more than half were damaged from years of neglect and lack of maintenance, it at least eased their crisis. These arms and armor, which the Northlanders looked down upon, allowed them to re-arm themselves and regain the confidence to face difficulties.

So, they settled and lived here. Gradually, some surviving families also gathered here one after another. They helped each other on this land, quietly licking their wounds.

This place was safe; it already belonged to the Northlands. Since the Northlanders allowed them to stay, no one dared to kill openly here. They protected themselves by borrowing the lingering might of the Northlanders. They survived and grew in this narrow strip of land, gradually recovering their strength.

But what were they? They accepted the protection of the Northlanders but were not accepted by the Northlands. Their former country had completely abandoned them.

No one here knew what they were. They once held noble and glorious titles; their ancestors had paid too much, too much for it, until they paid everything. In the end, what they got was betrayal. At their time of greatest need, after their ancestors had given loyalty and life, the Royal Family betrayed them, and their former companions betrayed them. Then, they lost everything, including their final identity.

Generations passed. The new generations already saw this place as their hometown, their home. But the elders constantly reminded them that this was the land of the Northlanders; they were not the masters here. They only lived here as guests; the Northlanders had never promised them anything.

Whenever the Delegation from the Royal Capital passed through here, it was the most tense period for the people. They feared changes would occur; they feared disaster would strike. This sense of crisis made the people here united and also xenophobic. They had never truly relaxed. From childhood, under the strict discipline of their elders, they trained themselves hard. They did not hope to fight the Northlanders, but if one day the Northlanders no longer sheltered them, they could at least independently face those former betrayers.

They had excellent heritage; their ancestors were experienced Knights. Through the efforts of generations, the people here were all decent Knights. So, if they wanted, they could form a Knight Order at any time. Only this time, they would not fight for glory or loyalty like their ancestors, but for their homeland and for revenge.

Last year, they obtained much news from the Delegation, and people’s attitudes toward them had some subtle changes. All signs indicated that the Northlanders were coming, and this place would inevitably be the first stop.

It was a hard winter. Though they had plenty of food and warm houses this winter, the tension, oppression, and possible disaster made everyone shudder.

Spring came somewhat early. The ice and snow melted early, and the roads turned from muddy to dry and easy to travel. The people here, while busy, began to constantly polish their weapons and armor. Household items were also packed neatly, ready for a quick evacuation at any time.

On the south side of North Fort Bridge, that old castle still stood here. The people living here called it Northland City. Now, a group of people gathered in the Council Hall at the castle’s center. Though it was supposed to be a council meeting, no one spoke. What needed to be discussed had already been discussed. One winter was enough to complete various plans. People just came here out of habit, seeking psychological comfort.

Lady Earl, the head of the Hyde family, said wearily, “Everyone, go back.”

As her words fell, people stood up mechanically and silently dispersed.

…

Amid people’s anxiety, what was coming finally arrived.

First, a giant falcon flapped across the sky above the Eternal River, letting out a cry that echoed through the clear sky. This caught everyone’s attention. People outside put down what they were doing and looked up, immediately stunned speechless.

The people living here were familiar with this cry and the sight of Snow Falcons. Every year around this time, Snow Falcons flew over, giving loud cries. Reminding people who the true masters here were.

But this year was different. Following this cry, cries began to rise one after another. More and more figures appeared, gradually covering the sky.

Startled, people came out of their homes to look up at the sky. Then, they too opened their mouths one by one, stunned in place by the scene in the sky.

Shadows occasionally swept over their heads, making people’s expressions grow darker. Everyone began to tremble.

As Snow Falcons grew in number, they gradually formed a storm, pressing down toward the ground. When one Snow Falcon dived past over people’s heads, the strong airflow woke the stunned crowd. They panicked and scrambled to hide inside their houses.

Lady Earl and several Elders had already climbed onto the city wall. The few of them watched the chaotic scene below, seeming helpless. Plans on paper were ultimately useless; when truly faced with it, all plans became bubbles. Right now, they were already soaked through with cold sweat.

Wolf howls came from afar. Several huge White Wolves entered their view. As these White Wolves kept approaching, a pack of wolves surged out afterward. The howls grew clear, grew shrill, grew boiling.

Several tall figures on horseback appeared with the wolf pack. In the distance, a troop followed behind them.

Earl heard someone cry out in terror, “The Northlanders are here! They’re here!”