The Winter

Roland stood on the city wall and looked out toward the north. In the past month, he repeatedly inspected the castle, the mine, and the city walls, checking every possible detail that might have been neglected.

The Militia became increasingly skilled at handling the weapons. Under Carter's repeated drills, they had been able to stabilize their spears until the captain who was in charge of the observation gave the order to attack.

Standing behind them was the Hunter Squad. The hunters who stayed in Border Town that were skilled in bows and crossbows were absorbed into this squad. These experienced hunters were the main force to kill the demonic beasts. Standing on the 4-meter-high city walls and shooting at the corner, it was almost impossible for them to miss the target.

The last squad, which was comprised of Iron Axe, Carter, and other two elite hunters, was the Flintlock Squad. It used four pre-installed flintlocks that were forged by the Blacksmith Society and welded and assembled by Anna. Their job was to kill tough monsters whose skins could not be penetrated with crossbow bolts or demonic hybrids. In that 200-meter section, they would be anywhere if there was a need for them.

As for the explosive packages, they were stored in a tightly guarded warehouse next to the city walls. They would be separately transported to the city walls when needed—after all, if there was an accident, the explosive packages might cause greater destruction than the demonic beasts did. The demonic beasts could not bite the cement or the rubble, while the explosive packages could send the whole city wall to heaven.

So far, Roland had organized two actual combat exercises, including the use of explosive packages. Thanks to these two exercises, the Militia was not so scared of the noise of the explosions that they would throw their weapons away. The other benefit was that the team morale suddenly rose up when it was discovered that the prince held such powerful weapons.

"Your Highness," Barov tightened his collar and said, "we've spent half of the income of the ore trade. If the Months of Demons are as long as the astrologers said, I don't think we can get through the winter."

"Then use mine to fill up the vault," Roland said without hesitation, "and continue to trade with Willow Town. The first steam engine has been transported to the mine, and the cleaning of the collapse has almost been completed. So we'll still get a little yield in winter. Especially the rough gemstones, they should be sold as soon as possible and you don't have to consider too much about the price. Storing more food, especially jerky, is always right."

Barov nodded. "I will, Your Highness. But... "

Seeing the hesitant look on his assistant minister's face, Roland surely understood what he wanted to say. "Don't worry, I've arranged a boat. If we're totally defeated, I'll leave."

"Then I'm relieved," Barov said.

Roland smiled at him. "You can go and do your work. I'll have a look again."

When Barov left, the prince slowly went up into the watchtower. It was the highest point in the center of the city wall. Standing here, he could overlook the vast jungles and rolling hills ahead. The cold wind whistled, but he did not care. Only in this open and high platform could his tense mood in the face of a war calm down.

"You lied to him," said someone around him. "You don't intend to leave at all."

"Since life is so hard, some things are better hidden."

"I don't understand what you're talking about. If you think it's difficult being a prince, imagine how hard it is for us?" Nightingale appeared. "Even if you won't become a king, as long as you get through the five years of the Royal Decree on the Selection of the Crown Prince, you'll become a lord. Instead of worrying about this, you'd better accompany Anna. I'm afraid... she won't live long."

Roland was silent for a moment. "I don't think she'll die during the Months of Demons."

"Why do you think so?"

"She said she wouldn't lose to the Demonic Torture." He paused. "And I believe her."

"You even believe a witch," said Nightingale shaking her head. "We are cursed by the demons."

"Really? I believe you, too."

"..."

*******************

Brian wore casual clothes and stood in front of Greyhound's grave.

He gently touched the brand new stone, and looked at the line of words engraved on the pure white surface: "Nameless but long-living. In memory of the hero of Border Town."

"Greyhound."

[I've realized my dream. At the end of the Months of Demons, Prince Roland will hold a canonization ceremony for me.]

[But I don't want to sit on the bed waiting.]

[My wounds have healed, so the city wall is where I should be.]

[The Months of Demons are coming soon. The demonic beasts may be terrible, but they'll be held back by the line of defense we built together and they can't move a step further.]

[I'll wield the sword to guard the town, for you, and for myself.]

[This won't be the end.]

[The man who framed you is still alive... but he won't live long. It's His Highness' commitment to me.]

[Next time I come to you, I'll bring good news.]

Brian bent down and placed a bunch of flowers at the grave.

"So, goodbye, my friend." Brian silently said to Greyhound.

*******************

"Sister Anna , aren't you scared?" asked Nana lying on the bed with her legs crossed.

"Scared of what?"

"The Demonic Torture. Nightingale said it would be in winter. I became a witch in autumn this year, so it'll be my first time... "

"The first time," Anna said, "will really hurt, and sometimes you even wish to die at once."

"Ah!" Nana shouted and immediately covered her mouth.

"But you'll survive, just like me."

"I don't know... " Nana whispered. "I'm not as strong as you."

"I'm not that strong." Anna closed her eyes and envisioned the scene when she met Roland for the first time. It was in the dark and cold dungeon that he put his clothes on her body and softly said he would hire her. Until now, she still felt it unbelievable. "You'll encounter some things that make you want to live on, even if you have to struggle to survive."

"Such as…?"

"Such as a steak with sauce." She sighed. "How can I know what you want, huh?"

Seeing Nana staring at herself, Anna wiped her face with her hand and asked, "Is there something dirty on my face?"

"No... " Nana shook her head. "I'm just a little surprised, you never talked to me so much before... Sister Anna, you were so beautiful when you were thinking with your eyes closed."

Anna rolled her eyes, jumped out of bed, and went to the window.

Nana followed her. "What are you looking at, the Misty Forest?"

"The Forest is in the west," Anna said sourly. "I can only see the Redwater River here."

"Sister Anna, look!" The girl pointed at the sky.

Anna was startled, and then pushed open the window. A cold wind mixed with little snowflakes poured into the room.

She stretched out her hand and squeezed the crystal-clear snowflakes. A chill came to her fingers.

"It's snowing."

*******************

"..."

After a long silence, Nightingale said, "You didn't lie."

"Of course." Roland laughed. "I rarely lie."

Nightingale did not say anything. She tilted her head, with some unknown look in her eyes.

Suddenly, she felt cold on her neck and could not help shrinking. She looked up and found that snowflakes were floating over the city wall. It seemed that there were countless white spirits in the gray sky. They danced in the north wind and flew around, accompanied by the slogan of the Militia.

... The Months of Demons had begun.