Chapter 314: War and Mercenary

But even so, after Hode told them that this time the mercenaries would fight alongside the lord’s army to attack a baron, it was still inevitable that some people fled.

“They are warriors of the Comrades Group! But when facing war, they ran away! We came here in admiration to join the Comrades Group, but is this what the Comrades Group really looks like? So cowardly!” someone shouted loudly.

His name was Zeke.

Hode knew that Zeke was actually someone sent by the lord, so he only kept silent with a dark expression.

In truth, he was indeed furious.

As many as twelve people had escaped under the cover of night!

Hode had not treated them poorly. Just by joining the Comrades Group, he had given them a full set of equipment.

This was produced in Greenwood, far more exquisite than the rough leather armor made locally in the North.

And for those who had previously followed him on missions, besides the three hundred gold coins they looted, Hode had also given each of them ten York gold coins.

Yet, after his fury passed, Hode actually felt some relief.

At least there were still those who dared to follow him into war.

But if one looked at the numbers, excluding himself and Cooper, there were only twelve mercenaries left, while the lord had sent eight men from his side.

Hode had no doubt that these eight could easily crush the twelve mercenaries.

These eight exuded the aura of men who had slaughtered countless people. They had absolutely been to battlefields before, and that Zeke who stood up, although registered as a third-rank warrior, was in fact a fourth-rank warrior.

Hode remained silent, but Cooper could not endure the accusation. He stood up and shouted at Zeke, “They ran, but Hode is still here. They can’t represent the Comrades Group.”

Zeke retorted, “But they were recognized as members of the Comrades Group by Captain Hode. Their every word and deed represents the Comrades Group. Does Captain Hode truly believe that such people can be part of the Comrades Group? Look at Greenwood’s Oath Knights. Every single one of them upholds their oath. Only because of that are they worthy of being sung about.”

News of Greenwood was not something ordinary Northerners could know. At least those twelve mercenaries looked bewildered, completely unaware of what the Oath Knights were.

Only Hode and Cooper truly understood the meaning in Zeke’s words.

Cooper shouted back, “What bullshit knights! If you admire that bullshit knight order so much, then go join them yourself. Oh, that’s right, they require every member to be a knight. You, a mere third-rank warrior, aren’t even qualified.”

In truth, only Hode understood what the man really meant.

Cooper did not know that this man was sent by the lord.

Hode dared not let Cooper know too much either. He knew all too well that even his own head was not enough for the current situation, let alone Cooper’s. Knowing less would actually be better for Cooper.

At least Cooper would not have to rack his brain over endless matters, and could just live like a true Northern Warrior—killing and lusting, nothing more.

Zeke shouted, “At least the knight order upholds their oaths, and that is only the most basic of things. But what about the Comrades Group? What makes them any different from vagrants? Even the will you claim to follow—not bullying the weak and challenging the strong—has not been upheld. Those people only heard they had to fight nobles and immediately fled! And you, as deputy captain of the Comrades Group, bear responsibility for allowing them to join!”

Only then did Cooper remember that he was indeed deputy captain, which meant he really could not say anything to refute it.

But that was fine. This was the North, after all, and matters should be settled according to Northern rules. So he simply threw a punch at Zeke.

But Zeke caught it with ease, twisted hard, and brought Cooper down to the ground. Cooper’s arm was twisted back against his throat while Zeke’s knee pressed into his back.

Even the pain of a dislocated joint could not dispel the doubt in Cooper’s eyes.

He truly began to wonder whether his body had really declined to third-rank.

The two knights of York Territory were understandable—they were knights, and of high standing at that.

But ever since he and Hode formed the Comrades Group, he had never fought a fourth-rank warrior, only third-rank ones.

This man pinning him down—if he was truly a hidden fourth-rank warrior like himself—should not have been able to defeat him so easily.

Thinking of the two fourth-rankers he had fought before, and now this suspected fourth-rank, all easily subduing him, Cooper could not help but doubt himself.

Zeke said, “Is this the will of the Comrades Group? To use fists without reason? How is this any different from vagrants, bandits, mercenaries, or Northern Warriors who bully the weak?”

Hode had no choice but to speak. He said, “Just as weapons forged in the furnace become strong only after endless hammering, those who truly wish to become members of the Comrades Group must also endure trial after trial. Clearly, those who fled were not fit to pass such tests.”

Zeke then released Cooper, turned to Hode, and said, “But the materials for forging weapons must themselves be of good quality. Only then can they become strong. Some people, from the very beginning, are unfit to be part of the Comrades Group. If such people are allowed in, then they are like weapons forged from scrap—shattering at the slightest touch.”

Hode stood, swept his eyes across those who remained, and said, “Everyone deserves the chance to become part of the Comrades Group. They wish to pursue its honor, and I should give them that chance.”

Zeke said, “But who can tell whether they are truly pursuing the honor of the Comrades Group? How many only cry out about honor, but in truth, joined merely for gold and protection?”

Hode replied, “Such people will naturally leave once danger comes.”

Zeke said, “Like them? Leaving with the equipment you gave them? They didn’t even fight a single battle, yet they walked away with gear worth twenty York gold coins. And you would simply let them go? Is that fair to the comrades who stayed?”

Glancing at those who had fought with Hode before, Zeke continued, “Everyone followed you, putting their lives on the line for the honor of the Comrades Group. Yet those men only shouted slogans and got to share in the glory earned through blood. Should that be allowed?”

Zeke’s words stirred memories. The men recalled that in that rebellion, some had died, and others had been scarred.

They did not truly understand what the honor of the Comrades Group was, but from Zeke’s words, they realized that what they had bled for was being divided away.

Someone could not hold back and said, “This isn’t fair!”

Hode fell silent, looking at those who had fought beside him. Though they said nothing, their eyes betrayed the same thought.

So Hode said, “I think you are right. In the North, there are good materials that can be forged into weapons, and there is scrap that can only be discarded. I need someone to help me distinguish between the two.”

Without hesitation, Zeke said, “I believe I have that ability.”

That was exactly why Aureus had sent him.

Yes, Aureus—not the lord of this territory.

Aureus had told him not to reveal that he was sent by the Greenwood King. If Hode pressed, he was to vaguely imply ties to a merchant.

He must not state it directly.

Aureus knew that Hode was clever, but not very. Give him a small hint, and Hode would fill in the rest himself.

Just as with the territory’s lord—he had been under Aureus’ control since the day before Hode became a mercenary in this town. All the lord’s contacts with Hode had been Aureus’ orders.

Aureus understood well that a pure Northerner like Cooper could never aid Hode in this way.

The North revered strength. Hode had to become the strongest in the eyes of everyone.

But he also needed someone to share in the thinking, for Aureus judged that Hode’s head was not much use.

And later, the Comrades Group had to step beyond this small viscounty. Then, Zeke would become Aureus’ hand guiding Hode.

For Northern nobles were still nobles, and Aureus could not guarantee control of every lord Hode might meet.

Hode looked at Zeke and said, “From now on, you are the second deputy captain of the Comrades Group. All matters concerning new recruits will be your responsibility.”

Zeke replied, “I am honored to serve you.”

No one else objected. In terms of strength, Zeke had defeated Cooper, the second-strongest of the group. In terms of wits, they had just seen proof.

So it was decided. They continued their march, but as Hode passed Zeke, he handed him The Glory of the Hall of Heroes.

Hode had read it several times. He found the stories exhilarating, even making his blood boil, but he could not glean from it the core will that Greenwood wanted spread.

Now, seeing Zeke’s sharp mind, he handed the task to him without hesitation.

Zeke glanced at the cover and gave Hode a knowing look.

Hode barely contained his laughter.

Having someone with a brain instantly lightened his burden.

He had already spent much of the resources given by Greenwood. Without Zeke, they might not last until next year. If, by then, without gold to sustain it, the Comrades Group remained as it was, it would collapse instantly.

Everyone rose to continue the journey. Zeke nudged Cooper, who was still doubting whether he had truly fallen back to third-rank, and said, “Time to move, Deputy Captain Cooper. Before Morning Star sets, we must meet the lord.”

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