Chapter 48: The Barons' Meeting

After enslaving the refugees from Windermere City, Gwynnis began dealing with the guards who had betrayed Bonn. Many of these guards had family members among the refugees. Being the first to learn of the Hafdanian invasion, they had a window of opportunity to alert their families and escape with them. Some weren't so lucky; their families perished in the attack, and some of these guards either died in the wilderness with Bonn or escaped into the castle with the refugees.

Gwynnis decreed that guards whose families had become his slaves could retain their position and remain armed. They would train and fight alongside the original guards of Targas. Those who lost their families were disarmed and joined the ranks of the refugees, becoming slaves like the rest. Gwynnis was cautious with these former guards, knowing they had once abandoned their previous lord.

Yet, he was willing to give a second chance to those whose families were still under his control. After restructuring, Gwynnis's guard force rose to a hundred, plus a hundred archers, totaling two hundred permanent soldiers. He planned to professionalize these guards, exempting them from productive labor.

As for the enslaved refugees, Gwynnis had plans for them to work in his manor. Some would engage in agriculture, while those with craft skills would produce various tools. For example, blacksmiths with experience would work in the forge to increase the production of iron tools and weapons. Considering the potential expansion of his domain and the corresponding increase in guard numbers, one forge might soon be insufficient. Early preparation was crucial.

Similarly, those experienced in arrow-making were assigned to the arrow workshop to produce bows and arrows for Gwynnis. Armorers, horse trainers, tailors, cobblers, and harness makers were also allocated to appropriate workshops. The third-largest city in the north, Windermere boasted a variety of craftsmen. Even with only a third of its population, about 800 people, escaping, they covered a wide range of professions.

Recognizing the productive value of these artisans, Gwynnis promised their freedom after ten years to give them hope. He also pledged reduced servitude for good performance, aiming to motivate them. After all, motivated craftsmen create more value than despondent workers.

Many industries would rely on these people in the future. Gwynnis, aware of his limitations, had realized this during his longbow-making endeavors. He was a novice in longbow construction, merely proposing the concept. The details were worked out by his experienced guards, carpenters, and fletchers, who refined the design through trial and error to produce functional longbows meeting Gwynnis's current needs.

After enslaving the refugees from Windermere City, Gwynnis turned his attention to the guards who had defected from Bonn. Many of these guards had family among the refugees, granting them early warning of the Hafdanian invasion and an opportunity to escape with their loved ones. However, not all were fortunate; some lost their families to the invasion, leaving them with no ties and making their loyalty questionable.

Gwynnis ordered that guards whose families had become his slaves could keep their positions and weapons. They would join Targas's original guards for training and battle. Those without families were disarmed and reduced to the status of slaves alongside the common refugees.

With these arrangements, Gwynnis expanded his force to two hundred, comprising a hundred guards and a hundred archers, all dedicated to military service. The enslaved refugees, with various artisanal skills, were allocated to work in the manor, contributing to agriculture and craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, in the Earl of Anon Valley's domain, barons and knights who had received timely news and retained their strength were recovering from the initial chaos. Though isolated in their castles and unable to communicate, they began sending out cavalry to gather information. Once they ascertained the absence of large Hafdanian forces nearby, the neighboring nobles convened to discuss strategies.

Led by the Baron of Hangdi Rivermouth, one of the largest baronies in the earldom, a small-scale meeting was convened. Over ten barons and knights from the vicinity gathered to discuss survival strategies.

Baron Caidong, in a fit of rage, slammed his fist on the table. "How long will you dither? The Hafdanians are defiling our lands, and your response is to hide in your castles, waiting for them to leave? A fine display of nobility indeed!"

Baron Cloak, in contrast to Caidong's fury, remained calm. "Without clear knowledge of the enemy's numbers and plans, a hasty attack is reckless and dangerous. We should fortify our castles and wait for reinforcements."

"If you're uncertain, then go and clarify! Hiding in your castles won't clarify anything!" Caidong retorted.

"And how do you suggest we clarify? Send out a guard to take a look?" Cloak countered.

"Send the knights! Let them scout the vicinity. Once assured of safety, we barons can unite to form an allied force, liberate the besieged castles one by one, and gradually strengthen our army as more barons join us after being liberated. Eventually, we can confront the Hafdanians decisively."

"But there are rumors of tens of thousands of Hafdanians. Are you planning to face them with just our knights? It's like hitting a rock with an egg. I advise waiting for reinforcements."

"To hell with that! If the Hafdanians really numbered in the tens of thousands, the duke's main battlefield would have already fallen!"

"Yes, if their main force is here, we should wait for... No, we should attack... I mean, we should..."

The tall and burly Caidong, realizing he had been led into a rhetorical trap, struggled to articulate his stance. Finally, in frustration, he burst out, "Fine, I see now, you'll always advocate waiting for reinforcements! Are you a turtle, too scared to fight? I dare you to take me on and see if I don't rip your mouth apart!"