Rise of the Horde - Chapter 359: Chapter 359:

Exhausted, thirsty, hungry and filthy, the duke finally arrived at the territory under the control of Baron Ragab. He was finally able to relax a bit after reaching a somewhat friendly region. The residents of the place watched the group of the duke making their way towards the center of the town with questioning gazes.

All of them were curious about the identity of the group since they are far from being merchants with the number of weapons that they had and they also don’t look like some mercenary group with how they arrange themselves.

The army of the duke or what remains of it made a beeline towards the castle of the baron. Although the duke wasn’t on good terms with the baron he had no other choice but to seek his aid in order for him to make it back to his own lands safely.

“Well… well… If it isn’t the mighty duke… This weak and poor noble is truly honoured by your presence.” Baron Ragab was quick to set out from his castle to welcome the duke per etiquette as a noble.

“Can’t you see that the His Grace is exhausted and famished… Quickly provide accommodations for him to have some rest and provide a banquet for him to have his fill… Also get your best ladies to entertain him.” One of the guards protecting the duke quickly fired out words.

“If I remember correctly… You and your huge army passed by our lands a few weeks ago looking high and mighty but look at you now. If I didn’t recognize the face of His Grace, I would have mistaken you to be some group of beggars.” Baron Ragab’s sharp tongue made the duke uncomfortable.

“Watch your tongue you insolent fool… You are speaking to the duke of the kingdom! Assigned by the king himself! I will have your head if you continue to disrespect His Grace.” The guard threatened as he rest his hand upon the handle of his sword.

“My bad… My bad… I am amazed that you still have some loyal dogs accompanying you. I expected that they would have feasted upon your flesh already.” Baron Ragab continued while ignoring the guard who seemed to be trying his hardest to make himself look good to the duke to earn some points for himself.

“That’s it!” the guard quickly unsheathed his sword then slowly led his horse towards the baron with his weapon in hand. Although he had no plans to kill the disrespectful man, he will surely give him a heavy lesson.

Baron Ragab donned on some normal clothes and the guard of the duke was oblivious to the formation of the people that were in front of them. He had mistaken the baron to be some lowly servant of Baron Ragab. If he was just a little bit more observant, he would have known that the man insulting the duke wasn’t some lowly servant but the leading figure of the people that were in front of them with how the others were respectfully staying behind him with the soldiers of the castle closest to him.

“You will pay for your insolence.” The guard yelled as he prepared to strike down the man in front of him with his weapon but his target suddenly thrusted a spear towards him, piercing him cleanly through his torso then out his back. The guard felt cold, really cold and his vision was starting to darken as a stinging pain assaulted his senses.

The loyal dog of the duke died without even figuring out where the man that killed him got his spear from.

“Tsk… Idiot!” Duke Hanbal wasn’t bothered by losing one of his guards.

“Enough of this charade Lord Ragab! He disrespected a noble so his death is justified! Now as a noble loyal to the kingdom, you should provide me some aid with the misfortune that had fallen upon me.” Duke Hanbal finally spoke out less someone among his group would lose his life in trying to get on his good side.

“Ah… And here I expected that there were more of this fool accompanying you…” the baron shook his head in disappointment. “Well, at least I helped you in eliminating an idiot which is a bit risky since you won’t know what is going on inside the head of lunatic… Who knows if suddenly gets the idea of taking your life.” The baron acted like he just did a great favour for the duke who was grinding his teeth in anger but he had to hold it in since he truly requires the help of the hateful fella but he had made a note inside his head that he would settle the scores with him later.

Lord Ragab then turned around to address his people, “Prepare the best hospitality for us since we have been grace by the presence of a mighty figure.” He shouted then turned around to face the duke, “Duke Hanbal, I hereby welcome you to my humble home!” he continued then went away.

Although the baron wanted to eliminate the duke who is not far off from the current king of the kingdom in his scale of being a bast*rd, he can’t ensure that word of it wouldn’t get out and reach the capital which would then spell doom for his family and people. He’d rather play it safe than risk it.

The servants of the castle began attending to their guest and provide them with their best hospitality. Food and wine were quickly prepared for the beggar looking guest while they clean themselves up.

Before entering the castle, the duke gave his people a reminder that they shouldn’t create any trouble or else the baron would find some reason for him to reduce their numbers. The remaining soldiers of the duke nodded their head in acknowledgement and they had no plans to follow the footsteps of their foolish comrade who was skewered by the baron with a spear. They now know that the two nobles had some qualms with each other but they were still being held back by their identities as being a noble of the same kingdom.