Chapter 8: The Cruelty of the Khergit

[The Khergit Upgrade Path Introduction. Two branches.]

[Khergit Tribesman – Rider – Horse Archer – Veteran Horse Archer]

[Khergit Tribesman – Rider – Lancer – Knight Lancer]

Khergit’s highest rank only reached the fourth tier, slightly underwhelming compared to the fifth-tier Swadian Knights.

“Hmm, this is excellent, thank you,” Draxel expressed his satisfaction with the addition of the two Khergit tribesmen. Just a single promotion and they would be combat-ready horsemen.

At present, his own forces didn’t include a single cavalryman, not even himself. With these new recruits, scouting and patrolling would become significantly easier.

As Owens returned from his supply run and Safiya sidled up to Draxel, she said, “Count, where are those grapes you promised? I hope you’re not going to try and pass off watermelon seeds as grapes.”

“Do you think I would do that? Here they are,” Draxel responded, handing over the freshly obtained grapes.

Safiya’s face lit up with delight as she eagerly began to eat them, cradling them close.

Only then did Draxel realize something he had overlooked. Safiya was still in her green dress, now stained with the blood from their recent skirmish.

“That dress must be cumbersome for archery and movement. How about changing?” Draxel suggested as he discreetly communicated with the system to retrieve a noble’s robe from his backpack. A standard for every Swadian lord, this robe from Ukshor was crafted from fine silk, offering both elegance and comfort.

“You’re quite considerate. Thank you, Count,” Safiya acknowledged with a hint of warmth. It seemed that the Count wasn’t always cold and ruthless, he had his moments of kindness.

Safiya, having spent her life in the seclusion of the mountains, was unaware of the power struggles and pursuit of wealth in the kingdoms beyond. Her knowledge of the subservient status of women in that era was even more limited. She harbored innocent dreams of mutual care and affection between men and women.

Donning the noble robe transformed her appearance. Draxel couldn’t help but notice how Safiya’s beauty was accentuated by an air of aristocratic grace. He swallowed hard, caught off guard by her allure.

[Assessment: That’s enough gazing. Keep your thoughts from wandering into vivid fantasies.]

The system chose that moment to intervene, breaking into Draxel’s thoughts.

‘Such a killjoy, system. You must have been alone for far too long,’ Draxel thought, slightly annoyed.

The day, which should have continued in its earlier tone of joy and harmony, took an unexpected turn.

The once peaceful atmosphere of Xiko Village was abruptly shattered by the thunderous sound of hooves. The villagers, going about their daily routines, paused and looked up in alarm as a formidable procession rode into view. 

At the forefront was Nayan Tu Lu, the lord overseeing Xiko Village, leading his elite regular army. Each rider, clad in the distinctive armor of the Khergit Khanate, exuded an air of aggression. Their horses, powerful and well-groomed, carried them with an intimidating presence that was felt by all in the village.

The villagers’ expressions turned to fear as they quickly recognized the purpose of this visit. It was time for tax collection.

In the Khergit Khanate, ‘Noyan’ was a title denoting respect for lords, akin to ‘Earl’ or ‘Count’ in the Kingdom of Swadia. But respect was the last thing on the villagers’ minds as they watched the lord and his army approach.

Noyan Tu Lu was infamous for his brutal and sly nature. His rule had brought nothing but suffering to Xiko Village, marked by oppressive governance and burdensome taxes.

“Damn it, village chief! Who are these strangers? Announce their names to me. If there’s killing to be done, I want to know whom I’m executing,” he barked with a commanding presence.

Adorned in the distinctive armor of the Khergit Khan, Nayan Tu Lu was equipped for battle with a finely crafted Khergit bow, two quivers filled with barbed arrows, and beast-skin boots. He rode a swift, elegant white horse, exuding a formidable aura that kept strangers at bay. 

However, his rough, tactless manner resembled that of a stereotypical, uncouth brute from the prairies.

“Respected Nayan Tu Lu, our lord, I greet you,” the village chief addressed the imposing figure before them. “These travelers were merely passing through, seeking to purchase food and water. They also helped us deal with our beast problem.”

In the lord’s absence from his domain, unable to tend to such matters, the intervention of outsiders to resolve such problems should have been welcomed. Yet, Nayan Tu Lu, suspicious by nature and quick to anger, saw this gesture as a slight against his ruling.

“Young man, who granted you permission to interfere in the affairs of my village? Did I task you to eradicate these beasts? By establishing your reputation and honor on my land, you’ve incited my wrath. Leave, now!”

Draxel could sense the hostility emanating from Nayan Tu Lu. He discreetly assessed the lord’s entourage, noting the presence of at least eighty soldiers. Among them, he spotted around twenty elite Khergit Veteran Horse Archers and Lancer Knights.

Draxel knew any conflict would spell certain defeat. “Please accept my apologies for overstepping, Nayan Tu Lu. We shall take our leave immediately, and ensure no further inconvenience to you.”

“Hold on,” Nayan Tu Lu interjected sharply. “You haven’t answered my question. What is your name?”

Draxel hesitated, torn between preserving his dignity and avoiding further conflict. But before he could respond, Safiya, driven by her straightforward nature, stepped forward.

“You with the big beard, you have such poor manners. Draxel, why are you afraid of him? Stand up to him.”

Nayan Tu Lu’s eyes narrowed as he realized the identity of the young lord. “Ah, so you are Draxel, the new lord of Uxkhal and its villages. I’ve heard of you, the one who ascended to power by slaying his own father and brother. Do you not feel a shred of shame for seizing control through familial betrayal and bloodshed?”

As Draxel heard the unjust accusations, his expression turned grim, a barely perceptible glint of murderous intent flickering in his eyes.

Safiya, unaware of the underlying politics and deceit, was visibly taken aback by the news.

“Lord Nayan Tu Lu, please refrain from making assumptions and accusations without knowing the truth,” Draxel said with a controlled tone.

“And what if I am making assumptions? What can you, a lord without an army or wealth, possibly do against me? If not for the peace treaty between our kingdoms, my forces would have already crushed you. You should be grateful to your feeble King Harlaus. If he had waged war, I assure you, you’d be headless by now,” Nayan Tu Lu retorted with contempt.

Draxel internally bristled at the arrogance of Nayan Tu Lu but cautiously opened his system interface to assess his opponent.

[Nayan Tu Lu]

[Level 28, Strength 28, Agility 30, Wisdom 8, Charm 12.]

[Proficiency with bows, crossbows, throwing weapons, and polearms: 250.]

[Skills: Archery 6, Throwing 6, Horseback Archery 6, Horsemanship 6]

‘A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him. The tables may turn in thirty years, and I will have my revenge,’ he thought. There was no chance of victory for him at present. But the enmity was established today.

Draxel, masking his disdain, nodded. “Lord Nayan Tu Lu, if there are no further issues, we request your permission to leave.”

“Hmph, just another spineless lackey of King Harlaus,” sneered Nayan Tu Lu. “Too cowardly to even make a sound. Get out of my sight!”

Safiya, outraged by the lord’s disrespectful demeanor, was ready to confront him, but Draxel gently restrained her. Whispering, he cautioned, “Now is not the time to stir up trouble.”

However, as they turned to leave, an appalling scene unfolded. Nayan Tu Lu, there to collect taxes, ruthlessly began whipping the villagers of Xiko.

“You wretched peasants, pay your taxes now. Line up and pay, 50 denars each,” he barked callously.