Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters-Chapter 919 - 22 Fleeing in Panic_3

Chapter 919: Chapter 22 Fleeing in Panic_3 Chapter 919: Chapter 22 Fleeing in Panic_3 Hoofbeats interrupted Winters’ train of thought as three horsemen burst forth from the hillside ahead, galloping towards the caravan.

Colonel Moritz yawned and shifted into a more comfortable position to sleep.

The trio pulled up in front of Winters, the leader dressed as a Paratu, and his two companions attired in Hurd garb.

The two horsemen dressed as Hurds dismounted, placed their right hands over their chests, and gave a respectful salutation, babbling a string of Hurd language.

Winters beckoned the Translator to come forward.

After exchanging a few words with the two Hurd horsemen, the Translator reported back, “Sir, they are saying, ‘Paratu champion, Tie Chi chieftain has sent us to guide you. Tie Chi chieftain has prepared fine wine and feasts in anticipation of your arrival.'”

Winters nodded. He didn’t understand the Hurd language but he could make out “Batu” in their speech.

The shortest route between Iron Peak County and the Red River Tribe invariably passed through the territories controlled by the Terdun Tribe.

...

For others, plunging into the lands of the Terdun barbarians was akin to suicide. However, for Winters, the danger was much less.

Since, theoretically, the lands of the Terdun Tribe were under the dominion of Tie Chi, although Tie Chi had his own troubles, he could always provide guidance and hospitality.

At this moment, Tie Chi also needed Winters to mediate between him and the White Lion.

Winters eyed the two guides, feeling a vague sense of familiarity, “I seem to have seen them before. Those brothers who hunt rabbits? Mr. Translator, ask them if they remember me.”

The Translator relayed Winters’ words. The younger guide immediately grew excited, while the older one gestured with his eyes for his brother to be quiet and bowed again with his brother.

“The older one says,” the Translator relayed with a smile, “they thank you for remembering them, and they are honored.”

According to the customs of the Hurd tribes, it was appropriate to give them some presents—or should it be called a reward? Winters also smiled, “But we’re as poor as church mice, we don’t have gold or silver to offer. Xial, pick out two guns for them.”

Xial acknowledged and quickly returned, carrying two light matchlock guns.

The older guide accepted the firearms with respect. The younger muttered under his breath and got a glare from his brother.

“Sir,” the Translator relayed softly, “the younger one says they don’t have gunpowder or lead shot. Giving them firearms won’t be of use to them.”

Winters laughed heartily and turned to command Xial, “When the guides leave the party, provide them with some ammunition.”

The two guides returned to their horses and as they spoke, the Translator relayed, “The older one says that if we continue forward for a distance equivalent to the length of an ox, there are three households who have pitched their tents where we can stay tonight.”

“Good, have them lead the way.”

The caravan, having made a brief pause, resumed its journey into the boundless wilderness.

After traversing several more hills, Colonel Moritz changed from dozing in a seated position to leaning back for a nap, and finally to lying down for a deep sleep.

As Winters wondered how the Colonel could sleep in such a bumpy environment, Moritz, like a startled wild cat, bolted upright in an instant.

“What’s the matter?” Winters asked.

Furrowing his brow, Moritz said slowly, “Someone is catching up.”

Winters strained his ears, only after a while discerning the faint sound of hooves.

The sound of hooves grew louder and clearer, and soon the figures of three more horsemen appeared on the horizon behind them.

Seeing that the leading horseman was wearing a monk’s robe, Winters also frowned, “Kaman?”

“Father Kaman?” Xial was greatly surprised, “What is he doing here?”

Winters couldn’t be sure it was Kaman, and he waved his hand, “Stay alert.”

The guards Andre had chosen for Winters drew their sabers, with several bearing short muskets beginning to load them.

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The distance between two hills was less than two kilometers, and the three horsemen from behind quickly caught up.

Father Kaman’s cool voice arrived before he did, “What’s all this fanfare for?”

“Stand down.” Winters gave the order helplessly.

The armed riders fired their muskets skyward. The thunderous sound echoed in the wilderness, startling flocks of birds.

Winters dismounted to greet Kaman, opening his arms to give a warm Venetian embrace, “I’ve been away for just one day and you’re already missing me?”

Kaman snorted lightly, “You left at such an inopportune moment; just a day after, someone came back.”

It was only then that Winters noticed the grinning young man behind Kaman—Vashka.

“Vasya!” Winters couldn’t believe it; he grabbed Vashka’s shoulders: “Where is Pierre? And Mr. Michel? And your father, Berlion… have they returned too?”

Vashka’s shoulders ached from Winters’ grip as he grimaced and replied, “Centurion, it’s a long story…”

“No matter, take your time.” Winters, pulling Vasya, walked towards the caravan.

Kaman coughed lightly, “Wait a moment, there’s also…”

Before he could finish, Winters felt a harsh blow to his back, so painful it halted his breath.

Without time to ponder the source of the attack, his instinct was to retaliate immediately.

In a flash, he entered a state ready for casting a spell, subconsciously intending to rip everything behind him apart with violent magic. But as he turned, from the corner of his eye, he saw the most terrifying scene.

Once spilt, how can the magic be undone?

Winters struggled to exit the casting state, feeling a sudden and intense dizziness, along with a stabbing pain—but it was subtly different from phantom pain.

Under Kaman’s watchful eye, Winters was pushed to the ground.

“You dare try to run again.” A garish golden sword was pressed against Winters’ throat, Anna removed her hood, tear-stained, and said word by word, “I’ll kill you, then I’ll take my own life.”