Bold O'Ginn - Wolf of the Plain - Chapter XXXVI posted

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XV - Traitor of Khanate




Bold sighed as he put last stone on grave of his mother. He buried them few miles outside Tulga, near Dusturil. Three graves... Three O’Ginns dead. He’s the only one left.
He was already standing there for few hours. Kushi was very patient as he stood there with him all the time. He tried to cheer Bold up, but he couldn’t reach him. They were just standing there, alone.                                      ’’Kushi...’’ – Bold finally said. Kushi rapidly reacted and stood next to him
’’This is going to end soon. I am going to end it.’’ – Bold explained but Kushi couldn’t understand it a bit ’’What do you mean, Bold?’’ – he asked him.
Bold’s eyes were like glowing in the falling darkness ’’There are many nomads in steppe. Tribeless nomads are a powerfull tribe. I can defeat Ogadai if I gather them under my banner.’’
’’But you cannot promise them anything in return of your service. What are you going to do by that?’’
Bold smiled ’’I’ll teach people not to be fooled by promises. They will fight for me, I know it.’’

--

Bold and his men slowly rode towards Dusturil, village located in valley in the foot of the mountain. He had six men under his service, including Kushi. Two of them are Kiri’Kartails, former prisoners Bold and Kushi freed from Khergit patrol. Other three warriors were brothers , pure Nai’Mans. They were once warriors fighting for Nai’Man khan Tolay, but Khergits attacked their camp few days ago and killed everyone, including those warrior’s wives.  All of Bold’s warriors agreed to join him because of grudge they held against Khergits. In Bold, they saw a man who will fulfill their wishes and defeat Khergits.

As seven warriors approached Dusturil, they spotted that a small village is under attack.
’’What are we going to do, leader?’’ – one of warriors asked Bold.
Bold looked at him and then turned his head back to village ’’While I lived in Tulga, those villagers gave me some denars to be able to feed my family. We are going to help them.’’
’’But leader, there is at least fifty well-armoured bandits. We only carry sabres, bow and few arrows. We have no armour and we stand no chance against bandits. There is at least seventy villagers but they have no weapons and will be usseless in battle.’’ – one of warriors complained to Bold.
’’I’m your leader and you’ll do excatly what I order.’’ – Bold calmly said and charged into battle, drawing a sabre out of it’s sheath.

’’Slay them all and take their women!’’ – leader of bandit raid ordered ’’Have no mercy on children!’’
Villagers died one by one. This was a massacre. They stood no chance against battle-hardened bandits. But all changed when Bold joined the battle.
He charged at bandits swinging his sabre. He did cut many throats and pierced many bandits. There was not much bandits who survived his sabre. As he fought, he thought about his family and revenge all the time. Revenge was something most important to him now. He is not going to die until he kills Ogadai.
’’Look, Khergits have came in our aid!’’ – one of villagers said.
As last of bandits fell on ground dead, villagers raised their hands and some of them yelled ’’All hail to Khergits! They saved us from bandits! Sanjar-khan! All became better when Ogadai formed alliance with Sanjar!’’
Bold widened his eyes when he heard that Ogadai formed alliance with Sanjar.
’’We are not Khergits!’’ – Kushi talked to villagers ’’We are men of this young man!’’ – he yelled and pointed his finger to Bold.
All villagers suddenly looked at Bold. Some of them whispered in the ears of another
’’I remember you!’’ – said one ’’You once came here for work! You said you need to feed your family!’’
Bold’s look lowered ’’My family...’’ – he said thoughtfully ‘’Yes, it is me. I will tell you the truth now.’’
Villagers exchanged confused looks ‘’What do you mean?’’ – some of them asked Bold.
Bold sighed ‘’You heard about bounty on head of Bold O’Ginn.’’ – he started.
‘’Bold O’Ginn, traitor of the Khanate? His head needs to be severed of his body. He will only cause trouble and disturbance in Khanate. We need him dead!’’ – village elder talked while he walked in front of gathered villagers. Some villagers mourned their dead.
‘’I am Bold O’Ginn!’’ – Bold yelled and most villagers widened their eyes when they heard Bold’s words. Even those who mourned dead opened their mouth and widened their eyes ‘’It’s true. They call me a traitor of the Khanate. I indeed am I traitor. I am a traitor who is not going to allow tyranny in this Khanate! I am the one who is going to unite all of you under one banner and oppose Swadians. I am the one who is going to unite all the Calradia and restore the peace. Remember my words, because you! – who thinks of me as a worthless trash, are wrong!’’ – Bold said, turned his horse and rode out of village with his men.
So news reached far ends of the Khanate this fast… I am becoming famous among tribes…


___

Author's note:

Well, I know this chapter is a bit short, but it was intro of Bold's starting conquest. You can expect me to start my own kingdom in upcoming chapters. I know this story has not that much readers, but I hope that you
guys who read this story, to continue doing so.

Cheers

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Great naration, 
the things will get complicated now, eh?

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Great naration, 
the things will get complicated now, eh?

Much, much complicated... I'll also roleplay my character. 85% of my army will be Khergits. There will be troops from other factions as well, but only cavalry. Maybe I use Rhodok and Swadian sharpshooters, but just for siege only

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XVI - Outlaw's refuge


Bold and his men were resting  at the forest near Ichamur. Just few hours ago, they encountered a patrol, consisting of 30 heavy-armored lancers. Luckily, they escaped, although many warriros wanted to fight Khergits.  Also, Bold saved a young lady Deshavi, from Tulgan miltia.
’’Tell me more about your past, Deshavi.’’ – Bold demanded as he and his men ate bread and cheese, sitting around campfire.
Deshavi was looking at Bold for a few moments, then she sighed and started ’’As I told you, I was a bandit. Actually, I was a leader of a small bandit gang, which terrorised Khergit Khanate and Kingdom of Swadia. A large bounty was set on my head, about 700 denars. I have also heard about you, Bold O’Ginn. You’ve became quite famous outlaw in these lands. In less than a month, bounty on your head raised up to 500 denars.’’
Bold raised his look and looked at Deshavi with his yellow eyes ’’Yes... They indeed want me dead, especially Ogadai  of Wolves.’’
’’Ogadai, khan of Wolves?’’ – Deshavi asked with surprise ’’You must have done some pretty bad things to him since he wants you dead. What have you done?’’
Bold squeezed his fists. Girl is digging a bit too much. ’’It’s personal’’ – Bold answered simply. ’’One thing is clear, and that is that you owe me. I saved you from Khergits and ask you to join my growing army.’’
’’You call this an army?’’ – Deshavi mocked.
Few warriors stood up and took swords out of their sheats ’’You whore!’’ – said one ’’Don’t insult our leader!’’
Bold raised his hand, ordering his men to calm down and sit. When everything calmed down Deshavi replied to Bold’s question ’’All right. I will join you.’’
Bold smiled ’’It’s good to know. Now when you’re in my party, you’ll have to obey every of my orders, is that clear? If you try to betray me... You won’t live much. Even if you kill me, my men will track you down and kill you. Understand?’’
Deshavi nodded rapidly, proving Bold that she understood and that she is afraid.

--

Few days Bold and his men bravely fought bandits and Khergit patrols. Only losses are two men, who died during bandit ambush. Bold even spotted a small army, but in a distance. There was six thousand men at least.
Once, while traveling in direction of Halmar, party of 60 men attacked Bold’s small gang of 20 men. But Bold was the once who was victorious. He was always using a tactics that his father Yesugei taught him. Cavarly is charging at the enemy in a straight line, then they spread out as they approach the enemy and fires the arrows.
Bold always used that tactics, since it always succeeded. But even without using that tactics, Bold would be a great tactician. Yesugei has always thought that Bold will be a better warlord than him, and it’s slowly but surely proving.

--

Few days has passed and Bold was hiding in a forest near Halmar. For a week already, Khergit patrols are searching for him. Bounty on his head has raised to 1000 denars and that’s not a small amount of denars.
Bounty on my head will increase much more, Bold thought as he rode with Kushi, scouting outskirts of forest and Halmar. As he spotted, there was not much guards on front gates of Halmar, twenty archers at most.
’’Are we going into Halmar?’’ – Kushi asked Bold who was curiously looking at city’s gates. Bold looked at him and smiled ’’Yes, Kushi. We are going to the city tonight. I was planning to make this city my capital after I defeat Khergits.’’
Kushi looked at Bold with worry ’’No doubt you still want to ’’exterminate’’ them. I don’t think it’s possible, Bold. Even your father wasn’t able to defeat Khergits, nor your ancestor Bold.’’
Bold smiled to Kushi, who looked at him confusingly ’’I will defeat them Kushi. You can be sure in that.’’ – he said and raised his right fist in front Kushi ’’With this fist I will command my armies and lead them into victories. With this fist, I will surpass both my father and my ancestors. I swear to you.’’
Kushi listened to Bold with amazement. I am starting to believe that he really is going to surpass them. Could the legends be true? Is the Wolf of the Plain really born?



Author's note:

Hey guys, I know this chapter is a bit short, but in next chapter you can expect more blood baths and fights. Remain patient and continue reading my story.

Cheers

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Good chapter, short one, but good.

 

[gerrin07]

Another great chapter although i was wondering if you could post screen shots

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Another great chapter although i was wondering if you could post screen shots

Well, I am not going to post screenshots in this aar and even if I do, they'll not be from the game. I decided to write this aar in narrative form as you can see, to look more like a book and novel. So don't raise your hopes if you want screenshots.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XVII - Old enemies and new friends




Walls of Halmar were high, made of stone from Altai mountains. Walls were at least seventy paces high. And that was everything Bold wanted. High walls to defend a town from invading enemy. If he conquers Halmar, it will prove to be a good fortress and center of his operations. If he conquers it...

’’Are we getting in the town?’’ – Kushi whispered to Bold who was crouching in the brush just next to Halmar’s western wall. Bold slowly nodded and waved his hand, ordering his men to move. At the second, nothing was moving and everything was quiet, but at another moment, there were twenty men sneaking towards walls of Halmar. There were not a lot of guards on the wall, ten of them mostly.
One of Bold’s men took and bow off his shoulder and aimed. When he released the string, arrow rapidly flied right into soldier’s neck. He died in instant, without being able to yell or shout. One of Khergits saw his fallen comrade and right when he decided to sound the alarm, the same fate as his comrade’s befell him.
Bold was quite impressed by his men. They were fast-learners, hardworking and brave. That was everything he and his men need. Kushi took a hook tied to a rope off his waist and threw it on the city walls, just as some of Bold’s men.  Hook stuck well on the walls and hook was strong enough to carry men’s weight. Bold and Kushi were first to climb the walls, and just when they have done it, three Khergit guards attacked them using spears and swords. Bold didn’t wore armor because it is too hard to wear during climbing and jumping, so he only wore orinary shirt and pants. Of weapons  he only carries a sabre, not even a shield and few knives.
Before Khergit spearman could pierce him, Bold jumped in side and stabbed his sabre into spearman’s side, causing spearman to painfully yell. But in another moment, Bold gently cut spearman’s throat in one slice. When he turned, he saw Kushi killing his second attacker by cutting his head off. Kushi’s face was covered by blood but when he looked at Bold, he wiped the blood off his face with a sleeve and smiled ‘’Not bad for a begginning, huh?’’
Bold smiled and nodded ‘’We gotta go further into city.’’
By now, all of Bold’s men were standing on the walls of Halmar ‘’Leader, you haven’t told us why are we sneaking into Halmar.’’ – one of soldiers asked Bold.
Bold looked at that soldier and hesitated a bit. He just stood there and looked into soldier’s eyes. All eyes were now aiming at Bold. But in the end, Bold decided to talk ‘’I just have to meet with a friend. I needed your help to get into city, and now I’ll need it to get out of city when I meet with a friend.’’
‘’What friend?’’ – Kushi  asked. He wasn’t in a good mood now. It could be well seen by look of his face.
Bold looked at Kushi and started to explain ‘’His name is Cahal Bilguun. He was a merchant from Tulga. Once he saved my life and I owe him right now. ‘’
‘’Cahal Bilguun!?’’ – one of Bold’s men shouted,  causing angry looks of all comrades around him ‘’He was the well known merchant of Tulga. Now, he is serving as a captain in Sanjar’s main army.’’
‘’What?’’ – Bold confusingly asked ‘’You don’t mean that he wants to kill me?’’
Soldier nodded ‘’Yes, that’s the exact thing I mean, leader. He is also a good commander and tactician. He led Khergit’s into victory at Sungetch  pass two months ago. He became quite renowned in a short time.’’
I can’t believe that he lured me here just to kill me. If he wanted, he could have killed me back there in Tulga a year ago. But, what is that he wants?, Bold thought. It was really complicated. There must be a reason for this meeting. ‘’We’ll split up and search for Cahal. But beware, men. If you find him don’t attack him of approach him. Just keep an eye on him. When you find him, send the one of you to inform me of his location. I’ll come faster I can, you understand?’’

Soldiers rapidly nodded, proving to Bold that they understood every single word he said to them. Good soldiers they were, everyone of them would give a life for Bold. That was something Bold was proud of. It’s was always better to have twenty loyal men, than one hundred soldiers that are not loyal. And Bold had those twenty loyal men.
As soon as they got off the walls, Bold’s men separated in few groups, two in each group and started the search for Cahal Bilguun. Bold and Kushi decided to go to the heart of town, believing that Cahal would be there. As the proceeded through town, they encountered few Khergit guards, but they successfully hid every time before guards would see them. They were sneaking in shadows of Halmar’s building, avoiding guards and proceeding into the heart of city.
--

After Desmondes pulled his sword out of Khergit’s throat, he continued to the heart of Halmar. His target was Cahal Bilguun. King Yaroglek this time tasked him with killing Cahal, who caused Vaegirs to retreat from Sungetche pass two months ago. This time, Desmondes was working without his men. He didn’t needed them this time. After all, he couldn’t leave his camp and Ymira unprotected. Khergits have ambushed them many times. Once they were ambushed by Cahal himself, which caused heavy casualties on Desmondes’ side. It was a big shock and loss for Desmondes and his men, as he lost over on hundred men.
Cahal will not survive this night, Desmondes thought to himself and smiled. He already killed over ten Khergits on his way to the city’s center.
After all, after killing Cahal, Desmondes is hoping to dispatch of that infamous outlaw Bold O’Ginn, traitor of the Khanate. He also proved to be a good warrior and commander, as he defeated many enemies and bounty on his head raised over 1000 denars. Although, no one can match with bounty on Desmondes’ head in Khanate, as it’s over 10000 denars. Sanjar Khan really wants him dead. Desmondes once lead Swadians into victory at fields of Dhirim, after Khergits attacked it with main army of 60000 men. After King Harlaus fell unconscious in battle, and other nobles started retreat, Desmondes led last 3000 cavarlymen against 10000 Khergits. He used advantage of terrain and defeated Khergits in the valley.
It was quite a sweet memory. It is always good to think about that victory. After that victory, Desmondes was called by some nobles ‘’The uncrowned King of Swadia’’, of which Harlaus isn’t really proud of.
--

Bold and Kushi have reached the square of Halmar and they have spotted two men standing in the alley next to the inn. After he stretched his eyes, he recognized both of this men. One of them was Cahal, and the second man was the one he hated the most on this world. Ogadai. Bold’s rage has overcame him, and he charged at Ogadai without thinking.
‘’Stop, you fool!’’ – Kushi yelled and started running after him, but Bold wasn’t listening. He is going to kill Ogadai this time for sure.
‘’Ogadai!’’ – Bold shouted
Ogadai and Cahal turned and looked at Bold with surprise. It could be saw in their eyes that they think What is Bold doing here? Bold ran, pulling sword out of it’s sheath on Bold’s waist. But, all of suddenly, a familiar person ran out of shadow.
Bold suddenly stopped and didn’t knew what to do. He was surprised.
Desmondes was also surprised when he stopped. He opened his mouth and for a moment looked at Bold, then for a moment  he  looked  at Ogadai.
‘’You…’’ – Bold whispered with his eyes widened. What is he doing here?
Desmondes’ face quickly changed from a surprised to a calm one. For a moment, Desmondes smiled slightly Wow, I didn’t expected this.

Then, Ogadai came out of shadow of the alley and stood between Bold and Desmondes ‘’I see you both want to kill me… Although I know a reason why you want to kill me Bold.’’
Bold squeezed his teeth. He wanted to tear Ogadai apart. He squeezed sword in his hand so hard that his fist became white. Tension could be felt in the air. Bold lowered his look and focused it on his sword, then at Ogadai.
Desmondes was standing behind Ogadai ‘’You’re not the one whom I want to kill, Ogadai-khan.’’
Ogadai raised his eyebrow and slightly turned his head towards Desmondes ‘’Really? Then why are you here?’’
Desmondes smiled and stood next to Ogadai. Then he turned his head and looked at dark alley ‘’You’re the one whom I want to kill, Cahal Bilguun.’’
A silent laught could be heard in the alley, and then, Cahal came into light of street. Cahal looked at Desmondes and Desmondes looked at him. Two of them were looking at each other and silently smiling, until Desmondes swung his sword towards Cahal.
Bold did not take his eyes off Ogadai. Ogadai, who was looking at duel between Desmondes and Cahal, turned his head towards Bold and smiled ‘’You still want to kill me, because I’m responsible for death of your family?’’
Never show emotions during battle, my son. That proves that  you are a great warrior. Yesugei’s word appeared in Bold’s mind. Bold looked at ground, hair covered his eyes, his yellow eyes that were looking like they glow in night ‘’I won’t show emotions in battle, father…’’ – Bold whispered and charged at Ogadai. He swund his sword and tried to cut Ogadai at his side, but older warrior easily parried Bold’s attack. Then Bold crouched, dodging Ogadai’s attempt to cut his throat and tried to stab him, but Ogadai, who was older but yet faster, kicked him in chest, knocking him on ground. Ogadai could not wait a moment as he swung his sword again towards Bold.
Bold managed to roll away and dodge Ogadai’s attack again. He rapidly stood up and attacked Ogadai without hesitation.


Desmondes has faced many opponents, but none of them was better than Cahal. This so called merchant does posses a skill that he could be called a blademaster. Desmondes still had no chance to attack him, but only to defend himself. He didn’t thought that this will be strongest enemy he encountered. He saw Bold’s attempts to break Ogadai’s defence and fails. That fool has increased his skill in swordsmanship, he could see it by movement of his feet and style of fighting. Two years ago, when he arrived in Calradia, Desmondes knew nearly nothing about swordsmanship, but know he knows about every style there is in Calradia, and this one looks like ko’di, an ancient style, only known by monks of Tanguza.
Legend sais that Wolf of the Plain, who will conquer the whole world, will be using this style. Could this man be Wolf of the Plain? Are the legends true?
‘’Damn it!’’ – Desmondes strained as he barely managed to block Cahal’s attack. Cahal was smiling as he held  a sword with only one hand! This man was a mere brute. With one hand, he managed to battle at par with Desmondes, who used both of his hand.

‘’What is happening over there?’’ – a loud voice could be heard not far away.
‘’Guards..’’ – Ogadai whispered to himself ‘’We can’t be seen together, Cahal.’’ – Ogadai turned his head and spoke to Cahal, who was still battling Desmondes.
‘’Then we will not be seen together.’’ – Cahal replied and smiled ‘’We will finish this later, little boy.’’
Desmondes widened his eyes and rapidly stood up. He knew he can’t defeat this man in duel. It will be best if he let him go this time.
By the time Bold stood up from ground, he saw Ogadai disappearing in darkness of night already, as well as Cahal. Then Kushi came out of nowhere. Blood covered his whole body.
Bold widened his eyes ‘’Where were you?’’
‘’I’m sorry Bold. I noticed a guard who saw you battling, so I had to chase him before he could alarm the others. On the way, I encountered more guards.’’
‘’That guard surely succeeded in his intention, as I heard one of them coming over here. We have to run, quickly.’’
Kushi nodded and two warriors started running, but Bold suddenly stopped and turned his head to Desmondes who was still standing there with a sword in his hand ‘’What are you doing there, fool? Come, quickly! Before they kill you!’’
Desmondes turned his head in surprise and hesitated few moments, but in the end he decided to come with two Wolves.
--
After three warriors arrived in Bold’s camp, they saw every warrior is there. None of them died.
Desmondes was standing next to Bold ‘’Thank you… for helping me to get out of town. I have to go now.’’
Bold looked at him and smiled. ‘’Then I’ll go with you. I want to see your camp. I can give you a horse as well, I have plenty of them.’’
Desmondes smiled and two warriors went to Desmondes’ camp.
After they arrived, they both widened their eyes after they saw every Desmondes’ man dead. Desmondes jumped off his horse and ran in center of camp, yelling ‘’Ymira!’’
But no one answered to him. Desmondes fell on his knees and started punching ground. Bold approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder ‘’I know who did this!’’ – Desmondes strained.
Bold slowly nodded ‘’I guess we have same enemy now.’’

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Great , nice long and full-of-action one,
I like how you brought Desmondes into center of action 
Hope they would avenge together, now 

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Great , nice long and full-of-action one,
I like how you brought Desmondes into center of action 
Hope they would avenge together, now 

Yeah, from now on, Desmondes is offically a member of Bold's team.

 

[Seven of Spades]

funny... With the difference in the rewards for both of them, for a time everyone will believe that is the other way.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

funny... With the difference in the rewards for both of them, for a time everyone will believe that is the other way.

Yeah, by the way what do you think about my aar?

 

[Seven of Spades]

I almost can see it like a runing gag...

Villager: my deepest thanks my lord for saving our dirt khergit village, we will always support your revenge against Odagai my good lord... Desmondes
Bold: this is bold´s party, not desmondes´s... Geez it´s the sixth time already...
Desmondes: *grin*

Jokes aside I like to read AARs very much, and I always read yours and thane´s, alonside others, they are very interesting. I tried twice to make an AAR, but normally I didn´t receive much feedback, so at the end I abandoned the second, even that in fact I played in the game to the planned end.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

I almost can see it like a runing gag...

Villager: my deepest thanks my lord for saving our dirt khergit village, we will always support your revenge against Odagai my good lord... Desmondes
Bold: this is bold´s party, not desmondes´s... Geez it´s the sixth time already...
Desmondes: *grin*

Jokes aside I like to read AARs very much, and I always read yours and thane´s, alonside others, they are very interesting. I tried twice to make an AAR, but normally I didn´t receive much feedback, so at the end I abandoned the second, even that in fact I played in the game to the planned end.

I know that 95% people who starts an aar abandon it soonafter... Even I wish to abandon my aar sometimes, but then something makes me to continue writing it... Once I read a novel about Genghis-Khan, and that's the biggest reason of starting this aar.. That's why is it like a book. That's why I am writing it in narrative form..

I must admit I would really like to see you start an aar. It would be really interesting and to see another aar...
Monnikje once started an aar era of Mount and Blade, so I thought... Why shoudln't we start another era of aars?

 

[Seven of Spades]

You do have read something of mine? The Nordwoman or the other AAR?

They are full of grammar mistakes, so maybe because that they didn't were accepted very much. Maybe I should have put screenshots on them

 

[Bruce Almighty]

You do have read something of mine? The Nordwoman or the other AAR?

They are full of grammar mistakes, so maybe because that they didn't were accepted very much. Maybe I should have put screenshots on them

I just had a chance to read first few sentences, but then I had to work with my dad.. I'll read it all as soon as I find time

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XVIII - Kingdom of Swadia





Several miles from Narra, in depths of forest Uhhun, Bold and his men were preparing to finally escape the Khanate. Since last week, bounty on his head has raised for another 500 denars, and even some Noyans are sending mercenaries to catch him. Two times last week, two times Bold’s enemies tried to kill him in sleep. But they failed both times, all thanks to Desmondes and Kushi.

’’When are we going to return?’’ – one of soldiers asked Bold curiously, while holding saddlebags on his back.
Bold raised his look and smiled to him ’’Don’t worry. We will get back soon, when things lay down a bit.’’
Soldier nodded saddly ’’I’ll miss the steppe..’’, and walked away slowly.

As Bold put both his saddlebags on his horse, he mounted it slowly. He felt a pain in his left leg, a wound he recieved in last battle with Khergit patrol. This time, there was at least one hundred of theme, a little too much for a patrol.
In that battle, they lost thirty good men. There is only fifteen men left now. And every one of them was badly wounded. Few of them waren’t able to walk on their own.

As the sun sets, small group of warriors gallop out of steppe, until te encounter a high green grass. It was not steppe, but it was beautiful plain, high trees could be seen everywhere.
’’Is this... Swadia?’’ – one warrior asked with amazement on his face.
Even air was different. It was not so cold like in steppe, but it was warmer, more peaceful ’’It is Swadia...’’ – Kushi said while looking at beautiful land ’’This is the home of our ancient enemy.’’
’’Our enemy...’’ – Bold whispered those words ’’Like we don’t have many already.’’
All warriors were looking at Bold with worry on their faces. But they haven’t said anything. After all, even they weren’t in a good mood. ’’We have to go deeper into this land, my warriors...’’ – Bold moved his horse in front of his warriors and turned it towards them to announce further orders ’’I haven’t been in Swadia as well. This is new for me too, my warriors. But this is the land where we have to go if we want to make our enemies fear us! And they will do. I swear to you my warriors that we will return in steppe as a mighty army of Gods!’’
All soldiers that were depressively looking at ground now started raising their looks. Few of them even  smiled to Bold.
’’We will be Gods, my brothers! And we will prove that to all peoples of not only Calradia, but the whole world!’’
Every single warrior raised his sword and shouted ’’Bold O’Ginn! Bold O’Ginn!’’
Desmondes slowly rode his horse until he came to Kushi ’’He truly is amazing man. I must admit that I am really impressed.’’
Kushi slowly nodded his head ’’He is... After all he is O’Ginn.’’
’’Have you saw how he fights? His fighting style?’’ – Desmondes asked after few moments ’’That fighting style is ko’di.’’
Kushi wasn’t surprised. After all, he knew about Bold’s fighting style at the moment he met him in Ulusamai’s army. ’’I knew about it all along, Desmondes. Some things about him may be a proof that he is Wolf of the Plain. Look at his eyes for exception.’’
Desmondes nodded ’’Legends sais that Wolf of the Plain will unleash the wrath of the tribes and conquer world. Legends also say that he will be the one who will bring the order to this world, while destroying it.’’
’’Even if he’s not the Wolf of the Plain, I doubt he will not bring the Calradia to it’s knees.’’ – Kushi said while still being amazed by Bold. For a moment, small group of warriors just waited there and shouted Bold’s name.
But they continued their journey in a good mood and high morale, all thanks to the Bold O’Ginn.

__

Bold cut the throat of the last bandit they encountered in plain near village Iyindah.  Bandit’s body flabbily body fell on ground. Small rills of blood flowed from the throat and pool of blood was made.
Bold turned his horse and saw that other bandits are dead as well. Some of them had two arrows in their body. Theri leader, for exception had seven arrows in his chest. That man was a muscrular, persistent bastard.
Most of bandits are killed by melee weapons. Bold’s warriors galloped on their horses around those men until they killed them.
’’Take anything valuable. Leave the rest.’’ – Bold ordered his men and sighed. This time, he fought over fifty bandits. When they approached them before fight, all of them fired arrows at them. They barely managed to defend themselves, but no one died.
After searching a purse of every dead bandit, Bold’s men found over 300 denars. ’’Lord Bold!’’ – one soldier called his master as he swiftly rode towards him  ’’We found over 300 denars in bandit’s purses. And a loot we can sell at market.’’
Bold smiled to his soldier and jumped of his horse ’’Put denars at the chest where we keep all denars. As for loot...’’ – Bold said and suddenly stopped, not knowing what to say ’’... As for loot, we’ll sell it at market in Praven. I’ve always wanted to visit that renowned capital of Swadia.’’

It took Bold and his men more than three ours to get out of forest. It rained heavily last night. There was no dry ground, only mud. A lot of times horses did stuck at the mud and it was pretty hard to free them. But everything was better when they got out of forest, as they galloped towards Praven. As soon as they got on a hill, they spotted a large town in a distance. It’s high towers were looking like they were reaching skies. They were made of light gray marble, which can mostly be found at the Rhodok mountains. What was even more amazing is that Praven is the largest city Bold saw in his life. Even he couldn’t hide his impression. Praven’s double walls will offer good defence in time of siege.
Even walls of Halmar, largest town in the lower steppe cannot compare to the Praven’s. ’’We are going into the city, my warriors.’’ – Bold moved his horse in front of others and ordered ’’In Praven, we are going to rest a day. Tommorow at dawn, we will continue our journey.’’
Warriors kept quite and obeyed their master’s order s. As group of warriors approached the main gates of Praven, which were widely opened, ten armored knights blocked their way. Swadian Knights... wearing heavy plate which covered every part of their bodies. It must be heavy, but those knights looked like they wear plate with ease. Few months ago, while Bold was still soldier to Ulusamai Noyan, he wore Vaegir knight plate armor, and it was pretty heavy, he barely moved. But this one was looking so much heavier.
’’In the name of our King and savior Harlaus, tell me your names, outsiders!’’ – Knight ordered as he humbly sat on his horse alongside other knights. This one had a golden lion on his chest, while others had a silver ones. Armor of this knight was also slightly different. He had a winged helm, and a red cloak.

’’Order of the Lion...’’ – Kushi whispered to Bold’s ear. Bold slowly nodded his head and approached the knights. Order of the Lion.. Once he heard stories. Stories tell about this Order, established by St. Gregorious II, first king of Swadia. In the time of his reign, Swadians nearly conquered all of Calradia, except northern parts of Rhodok highlands and deep Vaegir tundras.
’’Speak, outsider!’’ – knight ordered. Some of the knights already placed their hands on hilts of their swords.
Bold approached knights with his horse and stopped some ten paces in front of them. He looked at the high walls and spotted crossbowmen, about fifty of them, already aiming at Bold and his men.
’’My name is Bold O’Ginn, last of my clan, true Khan of the Wolves, and nemesis to the Khergits. That’s my name, Swadians..’’ – Bold confidently said to the knights and smiled only a bit. He couldn’t see knight’s faces, since they wore full helmets. There was only small horizontal cut, where their eyes should be. It must be hot inside their armor, since it was very sunny day.
’’Outlaw in Khergit Khanate, a bandit and a Wolf..’’ – knight started. ’’I may kill you at this moment, infidel, but I won’t. What is your reason to enter the city?’’
Bold wanted to pierce this knight through his head, but he kept a calm mask on his face ’’We just want to rest. We traveled a lot these days without rest. Our journey we’ll continue tomorrow, at dawn.’’
Knight kept quiet for a few moments then slowly approached Bold, and stopped by his side. ’’You can enter the city, infidel. But remember, if you try to deceive us... you won’t survive for long. We really hate tribesmen here in Swadia, so I recommend you to keep preferential.’’

Bold just looked at knight and nodded his head without hesitation. He even smiled a bit. But what is most important is that they now got access in town. As soon as they rode the main street of Praven, Bold and his men were surprised by tradition of Swadians and look of city. Halmar, Tulga and other steppe cities didn’t had paved streets and markets at every corner. The one who could sell something would just put his stall in the street and wait for customers. Here in Praven, people had markets in their own houses. They just open their wide windows and wait for customers. This way of trading was very useful. Almost no one can steal from a person that has shop in his house from outside. Instead, they will have to get into the house from the back doors, since main house doors weren’t leading to the shop.
Bold was indeed amazed by Swadians. As for their culture and tradition, they wore different clothes. Not many people were looking poor. He didn’t saw any beggar since he entered the city. A lot of women dressed silk in many colours. Men wore mostly black and grey coats and had swords at their waists. Swadian soldiers wore metal armour and every single of them had a sword, and a shield on their back, except guards who also had a halberd. On the towers of Praven, Bold spotted crossbowmen, who wore scale armour and had a short sword as a secondary weapon.
If he would engage Swadians in battle, it will be pretty hard to defeat them, especially their knights. ’’We have to find good inn to rest, Bold.’’ – Desmondes approached Bold and said. ’’I’ve visited Praven few times before. I know some good places.’’
Bold looked at Desmondes and smiled ’’Then lead us at the best inn you know, my friend.’’
Group of warriors soon turned to a narrow street which led off the main street to the western part of city. In these streets, Bold spotted lowest part of community of Praven. In these streets were mostly taverns, where one could mostly find drunks and deceivers. Out of taverns, Bold spotted prostitutes who offered their services at high prices, 70 denars at least. It was pretty much. But Bold wasn’t interested in  prostitutes. Although some of his men were eagerly looking at these women.
Bold smiled to them, but decided to do nothing. Although they fought in many battles alongside Bold, they still haven’t deserved body of woman. At least Bold thought that way. But he will reward them soon.

’Bannered Mare’ was a name of the inn. It’s sign was a black horse on a white field carrying a Swadian banner. Bold jumped of his horse and approached a man standing in front of doors leading into inn. ’’Are you innkeeper?’’ – Bold asked the man.
Man shook his head ’’I am not, young master. He is inside. Do you want me to go get him?’’
’’Do that.’’ – Bold simply answered and man rushed into inn. After few moments, plump man got out of inn. His white apron was crystal clear.  ’’Welcome to the Bannered Mare, young master. My name is Setall Anan. I am the inkeeper of this inn. Are you in need of my services?’’
Bold nodded his head several times and started ’’Yes.. I am in need of your services, Setall. First of all, I want to find a place for my horses.’’
’’Oh, that will be easy.’’ – Setall answered ’’Rohelio!’’
Muscular man ran out of corner and approached Bold and Setall ’’Yes, inkeeper?’’
’’I want you to lead this horse to a stable.’’ – Setall ordered.
’’You’re wrong, Setall. Not my horse only, but all these horses behind me. Everyone of them.’’ – Bold smiled and corrected the inkeeper.
Inkeeper suddenly started laughing. His voice was so shrill ’’Oh, I am sorry, young master.’’ – but then he his laugh suddenly stopped and he retained a serious tone ’’Rohelio. Take all horses to stable and keep them there until young master decides to leave. Feed them well!’’
’’Yes, inkeeper.’’ – Rohelio said and called few other men, who helped him lead horses in stable.

After Bold got into inn, he spotted a lot of people in drinking and watching  a woman standing on platform and singing ’’A Halmar girl’’
‘’A Halmar girl, she came to town,
to see what she could see.
With a wink of her eye, and a smile on her lip,
she snagged a boy or three, or three.
With an ankle slim, and skin so pale,
she caught the owner of a ship, a ship.
With a soft little sigh, and a gay little laugh,
she made her way so free.
So free.
...I’ll wear no shift at all.
At all. ‘’

After she finished, she recieved a round of applause. Some men even stood up and shouted ’’A great song! Sing again!’’
A woman spotted Bold standing at doors and smiled to him. She was pretty young, 25  years mostly. But Bold ignored her and went to innkeeper to rent a rooms for himself and his men.




Author's note:

Well, sorry guys, but this chapter didn't had a lot of action. In this chapter, I tried to explain what Bold and his men think about Kingdom of Swadia. But in next chapter, there will be much more action and fighting

 

[Seven of Spades]

I was wondering to what kingdom you would go. I fail to guess because I think you would go to the Vaegir kingdom but Swadia is always a great option to meet new and new and new enemies of all the other Calradian kingdoms.

I have a question anyway, the Swadians shouldn't recognize more their "uncrowned king"?

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Good choice
Hope you would start your revenge quest, soon

 

[Bruce Almighty]

No, Bold would never side with Swadia.. Altough in next chapter you will discover which kingdom will be his ''future home''...
As for Desmondes, I forgot to write that Desmondes only fought in one battle, and not many people saw him, 5000 men mostly...

I have already started to write next chapter, I'm 20% finished, so you can expect it on weekend...