Volume One: The Forest Knight Chapter 41: The Battle to Reclaim Maple Leaf Manor (VII) Part Two

After downing another glass of wine in one gulp, Dock wiped his mouth with his greasy hand, not caring whether it was clean after tearing apart the roast chicken. His eyes were red and his voice hoarse as he began to explain his purpose to Berion. “Sir, if it weren’t for your command this time, we would have been worn down by the pirates, suffered heavy casualties, exhausted ourselves, and then been ambushed and defeated. If that had happened, who knows how many would have died.

I don’t care about the county soldiers or the peasant troops led by other knights, but our city militia lost half of our brothers, most of them burned to death in front of the gates of Maple Leaf Manor. You didn’t see it on the first day—so many good men engulfed in flames, shot dead by the pirates right there. It was horrifying!”

As he spoke, Dock was overwhelmed by grief and broke down in tears, wiping his eyes. “These brothers, most are the second or third sons of merchants and craftsmen from Amondeen City and nearby farms, some even illegitimate children. Among them are my cousins, nephews, and neighbors’ children. I wanted them to follow me to earn a living, but I never expected so many would lose their lives the very first time they went to battle. It’s too tragic! I led them out of their homes, but now I can only bring their ashes back. How can I face their parents?”

True emotion moves those around you most. Hearing Dock’s words, Berion and his companions felt uneasy as well. Three soldiers from Norland Castle had died in this battle, one of whom had just married. Berion and Eomer didn’t know how to face the newlywed widow when they returned. Her life had just sparked hope, only to be extinguished so quickly. In a month, everything was like a dream—better had it never happened.

“Before the battle, the Lord of the County gave us funds. This time, we were allotted six hundred denars. I consulted with the remaining brothers, and we agreed to set aside a small sum for our food and lodging. The rest will be given to the families of the fallen, to console their spirits.” Dock continued.

“You’ve done well. You are men of loyalty and honor!” Berion nodded in praise.

“Sir, all I’ve said isn’t the real reason I’ve come to you tonight.” Dock suddenly became serious.

“Oh? Then what is it you want?” Berion asked with a smile.

“I’ve come to ask you to take in the twenty-five of us.” With that, Dock knelt, begging Berion to accept the city militia.

“Oh, what are you doing? Stand up and speak.” Berion quickly rose to help him up. “You’ve probably heard of my situation—I’ve just been granted a barren land, no people, no money, no food. Why come to me? You could join the Lord of the County directly, his troops are short-handed.”

Dock shook his head. “Sir, we’ve discussed it and decided to follow you—not only because you led us to victory, but because you treat people sincerely, are kind-hearted, and willing to help the weak. Compared to others, you are a true knight!

With you, we don’t worry about survival. Rather, your wisdom and vision give us more room for personal growth. We believe you won’t settle for just a knight’s title.”

The sudden offer of allegiance left Berion a bit surprised. Although he had helped them, he hadn’t expected them to seek him out. Was this the aura of a true leader? Berion suppressed his excitement and kept his composure. “Brother Dock, Norland Castle is still in a tough spot.”

“Sir, we’re not afraid of hardship now, only afraid of dying for no reason, like in the siege—being used as cannon fodder is a terrible feeling, especially without any reward. I’m a veteran; I know that following a good leader is far better than following someone just because they have noble status,” Dock said earnestly.

Berion nodded, acknowledging his words. “In that case, when the troops return in a few days, I’ll be escorting the manor’s serfs back to Norland Castle. Starting tomorrow, I’ll hire you to guard these serfs and escort them with us. How does that sound?”

“That’s fine, sir. We won’t let you down!” Dock understood that Berion was testing him and his men.

Berion then had Eomer bring paper, pen, and a bag of silver coins. He wrote the terms of the employment contract on two sheets of gray straw paper and stamped them with his seal, then had Dock sign as well. Two copies of the contract, one for each party. After Dock took his copy, Berion counted the coins in the pouch—one hundred denars.

“This is a week’s wages, paid in advance. We’ll provide meals—starting tomorrow, you’ll eat three meals a day with us,” Berion said as he handed over the money.

Dock accepted the money, tears brimming in his eyes. This seasoned, burly veteran choked up. “Sir, your kindness is unforgettable. I, Dock, swear by the Fire God to be loyal to you!”

As he tried to bow again, Berion quickly supported him. “No need for so many words of thanks. Go back and explain to your brothers, rest well, and be ready to work hard tomorrow.” Dock nodded and departed after Berion finished speaking.

After Dock left, Barrett smiled and asked Berion, “Sir, I’m curious—why did one hundred denars and free meals move Brother Dock so deeply?”

Berion gazed thoughtfully outside the tent. “When my teacher was alive, he told me: when a person is living well, even a grand gift won’t move him—instead, he’ll think you want something from him. But when someone is down and out, even the smallest kindness will earn their lasting gratitude.

Dock and his city militia suffered heavy losses and received neither compensation nor reward. Though I argued for them at the council and secured some funds, it’s barely enough for the families of the dead, let alone for those still living to eat and drink.

They aren’t true mercenaries, so a week’s wage of one hundred denars—four denars per person—is unheard of. Our regular army captains don’t earn that much per week; outside of wartime, it’s only one denar weekly.

By giving him this money and providing meals, their livelihood is secured for now. Dock needn’t worry about complaints from his surviving men and can use the viscount’s funds to properly console the bereaved families. How could he not be moved?

Meanwhile, we can assess Dock and his men in this period. With army expansion ahead, if a group of battle-hardened, well-equipped warriors joins us, it’ll make things much easier.”

“Sir, but when this week ends, won’t you have to pay them the same wage again? I feel for your silver coins,” Eomer expressed his concerns about Berion’s generosity.

Berion smiled after Eomer spoke. “Don’t worry. Next week, I won’t pay him anything.”

Eomer and Barrett were stunned. “Sir, why?”

“Because he knows I did this to help him. He’s seen the fighting ability of Norland Castle’s soldiers and knows his city militia can’t command such high wages. Tonight, when he talks to his brothers, he’ll certainly say this is a month’s or even longer pay. If you don’t believe me, ask the city militia tomorrow at breakfast.”

Berion explained confidently. Eomer and Barrett laughed. Barrett said, “Sir, tomorrow morning I’ll ask them. But I think, no need—since I’ve known you, your judgment has never been wrong.”