Chapter 442 - 243: Knight Squad? Knight Order!

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In the late spring, Black Pine Ridge finally shook off the chilly grip of winter, as the gentle hand of spring breeze took over.

In this most comfortable season, Markulu shed his heavy bear fur coat and sat on horseback, his gaze sweeping across the vast convoy.

The merchant convoy stretched like a giant dragon for hundreds of meters.

A dozen carriages rolled over the muddy dirt road, crossing the boundary between the town and Black Pine Ridge with a low creaking sound.

The carriages were loaded with grains, seeds, and various daily supplies, followed by hundreds of ragged refugees.

Around the convoy were fifty well-equipped soldiers, and behind them was a guard team selected from the refugees, clutching long spears and nervously watching everything around.

At this moment, scores of figures appeared in front of the convoy.

Markulu reined in his horse, his gaze fixed on the flag within the team ahead, then he looked up at the eagle circling in the sky.

"It’s Black Pine Ridge’s patrol team."

Only Black Pine Ridge’s patrol team donned exquisite chain armor and carried longbows.

Sure enough, a young strong man rode forward, immediately showing his badge, shouting,

"Who is Lord Markulu Wheel?"

"I am."

Markulu exerted a bit of pressure with his foot, urging his horse forward, and revealed the badge insignia of the convoy supervisor.

"Good morning, Lord Markulu."

The young man slightly nodded in greeting,

"I am Hark Giant Wood, captain of the first patrol team of the South, now responsible for taking over the convoy escort until reaching Frost Leaf Town."

"Thank you, Captain Hark."

Markulu smiled, "With you and your team, I can rest assured."

The patrol team captain didn’t exchange pleasantries, slightly nodding in response, then turned around and waved to his team.

The soldiers of the patrol team quickly dispersed to both sides of the convoy.

After the patrol team took over the security for a short while, a captain with a bushy beard drove his horse to Markulu’s side,

"Since Baron Rod’s team has come to assist, we should take our leave."

"Captain Dis, there’s no need to be in a hurry, is there?"

Markulu hesitated for a moment, then invited, "You’ve worked hard escorting us all the way, why not rest for two days at Frost Leaf Town, and give me a chance to properly thank you?"

"No need, we were just carrying out the tasks assigned by our Viscount."

Dis smiled, "Task completed, we should head back; there’s more waiting for us to handle."

"Alright, then I won’t delay your journey."

Markulu dismounted, took out a heavy pouch from his bundle.

"Thank you for your escort all the way."

Markulu’s voice was loud, as he presented the pouch to Dis with both hands, "This is a reward for your brothers’ hard work."

Dis waved his hand, his tone firm, "Viscount insisted that we do not accept rewards."

He met Markulu’s eyes with a hint of sincerity,

"The Viscount wishes to establish friendship with Frost Leaf Town, this escort is our Viscount’s gesture of goodwill."

Markulu nodded,

"I will pass on Viscount Giant Bear’s kindness, but please accept these meager copper coins."

Markulu pushed the pouch forward,

"Don’t be polite, it’s for the brothers to drink."

"And we welcome everyone to Frost Leaf Town anytime; I’ll join you all for a good drink then!"

Dis hesitated for a moment, accepted the pouch, his lips slightly curled, "Alright, thanks."

"It’s me who should be thankful."

Markulu said with a smile, "Looking forward to next time we meet."

"Hmm, goodbye."

Dis then turned and waved, twenty soldiers turned their horses around, heading towards the distant desert.

Markulu watched as Dis and his men left, then returned his gaze to the refugees and caravans behind him.

Markulu exchanged a smile with the patrol team captain, "Let’s depart, Captain Hark."

"Okay."

The patrol team captain waved, shouting loudly, "Depart, return to Frost Leaf Town."

The convoy resumed moving, wheels crushing the mud, slowly advancing towards Frost Leaf Town.

Far behind the convoy, in the pine woods, a man in tattered clothes stopped, watching the convoy leave.

"The number of these refugees could be around eight hundred... Can Black Pine Ridge sustain this?"

He murmured softly, eyes full of shock.

"Never mind, it’s not my concern; these are matters for the lords to ponder."

The man lay down on the ground, slowly retreating backward.

Several days later, in the basement of Rose Manor.

"Madam, it was truly witnessed by Gray Rat."

The skinny man knelt before Lady Rose,

"At least eight hundred, maybe even more!"

"Yes, I believe it, recently everyone near the border knows Baron Black Pine Ridge is collecting slaves."

Lady Rose gently stroked the ruby ring on her finger, her eyes gleaming with a hint of curiosity,

"But, can Frost Leaf Town sustain so many people?"

The skinny man bowed his head, his voice respectful, "Madam, their convoy had plenty of food, maybe it’s for the refugees to eat?"

"Frost Leaf Town recently took in six to seven hundred refugees, even ten carts of grains won’t be enough."

Lady Rose frowned deeply, "Frost Leaf Town is truly an enigma... No other news?"

"No more news lately..."

The skinny man swallowed, his hands trembling slightly under his cloak,

"Black Pine Ridge’s defense is too tight; our men were caught just entering the desert."

"And the spies you sent?" Lady Rose showed some displeasure.

"Ivan... no one knows where he went, some say he died of exhaustion, some say he was taken away."

"Taken where?" Lady Rose squinted and pursued.

"Don’t, don’t know, we haven’t found him for quite a while now..."

"You people are really useless, can’t even bring back a shred of news."