Chapter 29: Owens’ Sacrifice

“Count Draxel, how can we assist you?”

“I need grape seeds, and I need them now.”

His tone was more commanding than inquisitive, perhaps a reflection of the urgency and anxiety in his heart at that moment.

“Absolutely, there’s no problem at all. It’s thanks to you that we were able to reclaim our vineyards from the wild beasts.”

The village chief was a man of action. He quickly went back into his house to fetch some intact grape seeds for the baron. Shortly after, he returned with several bags of grape seeds and handed them to Draxel.

Draxel exhaled in relief, pleased that things were turning out to be simpler and smoother than expected. Now, he just needed to leave quickly, envisioning how these seeds, once given to merchant Marnid, could lead to immense wealth, bringing a smile to his face.

[Task Completed]

[Evaluation: The next second, I can reveal the secret. You guessed wrong before…]

Suddenly, a loud gong and drum sound echoed not just in Xiko Village, but across the entire territory of the Khergit Khanate. The village chief, initially startled by the noise, quickly realized it signaled war between kingdoms.

“Honorable Count Draxel, please leave now! I think, I think…”

“What are you thinking?”

“I believe the Kingdom of Swadia and our Khergit Khanate have declared war! You must go, we are now enemies.”

‘Damn it, system, playing with secrets about such a big event.’

“Thank you, village chief. We’ll depart immediately.”

Draxel hastily rallied everyone, preparing to make a quick escape from the territory of the Khergit Khanate.

Once the war officially commenced, clashes between the kingdom’s lords and their regular armies would be sanctioned. This meant that Noyan Tulu, along with other Noyan lords, could mercilessly attack Draxel without restraint.

“Roar. Count, this is serious, we must hurry. Even with me, we can’t stand against any formal army right now.”

“You boast about being the mightiest dragon, and now you’re backing down? Enough talk, we need to escape!”

With imminent danger looming, Draxel had no time for arguments. His sole focus was on returning to Uxkhal safely. They spurred their horses into a desperate sprint toward Uxkhal, the horses’ sides heaving under relentless whipping.

As they neared the border of the Khergit Khanate, they unexpectedly encountered someone who had been lying in wait for them.

“Draxel… I’m after your life this time. You’ve made me a noseless joke across the steppes!”

Noyan Tulu, though not fully healed, had personally taken to horseback. He and his troop were positioned on the critical passage between Uxkhal and Xiko Village.

He had brought his most formidable soldiers, commanding an army of over 120. Among them were at least 30 elite Khergit Lancers and Khergit Veteran Horse Archers, a force to be reckoned with.

At this moment of crisis, the system chimed in with an infuriating update.

[Evaluation: Your chances of victory are zero. Best of luck.]

“Damn it, am I really going to…” Draxel’s voice faltered under intense stress, his body drenched in sweat.

In a moment fraught with tension, Owens, embodying the spirit of knightly honor and loyalty, bravely stepped up and declared, “My revered lord, please let me cover your retreat. You all must survive and return to Uxkhal.”

“No… no, Owens, I can’t afford to lose you. We have to stick together!”

“Lord… Count Draxel, knowing you and fighting for your cause has been the greatest honor of my life,” Owens reflected on their journey filled with trials yet laced with laughter and joy.

From a simple recruit to his present stature, his journey had been extraordinary.

Tears shimmered in Owens’ eyes. How he wished he could continue by his lord’s side, but his resolve was unwavering at this crucial juncture.

After fitting his combat helmet securely, Owens assumed a stance ready to charge.

“Owens, Owens! Owens…” Draxel’s voice cracked with emotion. It was rare for him to shed tears for another man, but now his grief was visible to all around.

Noyan Tulu, unrelenting in his pursuit, signaled the start of the battle, ordering a full-on charge.

Draxel understood the grim reality: Owens alone couldn’t hold back an army of over 120. He might only buy them a few precious seconds to escape, but it would have to suffice.

In his final moments, Owens repeated that respectful nod one last time.

Then, with unwavering courage, he plunged into the throng, prepared to be engulfed.

Simultaneously, Draxel, along with Safiya carrying the young dragon Lein, and Awang, retreated rapidly from the battlefield.

Noyan Tulu, nursing his injuries, pushed himself to his limits to lead the battle astride his horse.

Fueled by fury, Noyan Tulu thundered, “Forget about the madman charging at us, focus on capturing Draxel and that woman!”

As a result, his forces divided–a small contingent faced off against Owens, while the bulk of the troops chased after Draxel and his party.

Seeing this, Owens took an even more daring action. He swiftly dismounted to engage a small group of the enemy as a foot soldier, while his horse, now without a rider, charged towards the larger segment of Noyan Tulu’s army.

The horse, brave and fearless, disrupted Noyan Tulu’s main force, increasing the distance between them and Draxel’s group.

But what awaited both rider and horse was nothing but death…

Arrows from numerous Khergit veteran archers ruthlessly pierced Owens’ chest, while the spears of many Khergit lancers viciously impaled his legs.

Owens’ warhorse also met a tragic fate, overwhelmed and trampled by the enemy cavalry.

Unsatisfied, Noyan Tulu commanded his men to behead Owens and raise his head high.

He shouted towards the fleeing Draxel, “I’ll make sure your soldier won’t even have a complete corpse! If you want his head back for a proper burial, come and find me in Xiko Village!”

Everyone was certain Draxel heard these words, yet he did not turn back, fleeing frantically with his men.

No one could discern the true turmoil in his heart at that moment. His inner voice screamed for revenge, telling him that even ripping out Noyan Tulu’s heart wouldn’t be enough to avenge Owens or soothe his fury.

In such moments, both the young dragon Lein and the system remained silent, quietly standing by Draxel’s side. Safiya, too, wept softly nearby, her quiet sobs audible to both Draxel and Awang.