Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The meeting room at Trossky Castle.

The old count and von Olitz were both shocked after hearing the scout's account.

Although they didn't witness it firsthand, the two seasoned veterans could sense the danger of the battle from the few words they heard. Even if they had led the troops, they probably wouldn't have fared any better than Ulrich.

This lessened the old count's anger towards Ulrich somewhat, and he even began to consider what amount to pay to redeem his old butler.

"Someone leaked the marching route."

After carefully considering the ambush, Commander von Olitz concluded, "Someone must have leaked our plans to the rebels!"

"You're right!"

The old count also realized that everything was too coincidental. If the rebels hadn't received advance notice, they wouldn't have been able to ambush there. Who could have leaked the information?

He rubbed his temples, his first suspicions naturally falling on Hans and Henry, who had just been imprisoned in the dungeon. "Could they have overheard something during the banquet?" he muttered to himself, then extended an invitation to von Olitz: "Would you be willing to come with me to the dungeon? Let's see how long these 'distinguished guests' of Rattay can keep up their act."

Vonn Olitzer shook his head slightly, a hint of disgust on his weathered face. "I am a soldier, Your Excellency." He stood up, his black plate armor gleaming dimly in the candlelight. "I am skilled at taking lives on the battlefield, but as for torture and abuse... forgive my bluntness, but that is not the behavior of a knight."

The old count paused for a moment, then lost interest. He already loathed the damp, filthy environment of the dungeon, let alone the thought of interrogating someone himself. "Semioda!" he called towards the door.

The young, newly appointed captain of the castle guard entered in response to the call. He wore chainmail, over which was a flying fish cloak embroidered with the coat of arms of the Borgo family, and a longsword at his waist. His face was resolute, but his eyes held a sorrowful look.

"You've heard about old Semi's capture, haven't you? Don't be sad, I will definitely ransom him. But there's something more important now. Go to the Old Lady's Tower immediately to interrogate Hans, and go to the dungeon to torture Henry," the old count ordered. "I need to know how they got the message out."

Semioda bowed to accept the order, and as he turned to leave, his gaze inadvertently swept over the blood-red wine stain on the ground.

"Cruelty is just a coward pretending to be brave," Auda thought to himself, and quickly left.

About an hour later, Oda returned to report.

"How is it?" the old count asked eagerly.

"They didn't leave the city last night," Auda replied calmly. "But... a cook named Catherine is missing from the kitchen."

"Catherine?" The old count frowned in thought, then remembered—the woman who served wine at the banquet, with a full bosom and a charming smile. She had stood behind him holding the wine jug, and she had been nearby when he discussed military plans with his vassals!

"Damn it!" the old count roared in fury, "How did she get out of the city?!"

"With the banquet last night and a large army stationed outside the city, the castle gates were inevitably less guarded," Oda explained. "According to the guards, Catherine said she was ordered by you to go out of the city to buy wine..."

The old count was so angry he could barely speak. He certainly remembered that there had indeed been a shortage of wine halfway through the banquet, and he had even thrown a tantrum about it. Under those circumstances, it was impossible for the city gate guards to rigorously question the servants who went out to buy supplies.

"Who brought her into the castle?" he asked finally, his voice laced with suppressed anger.

After a moment of silence, Oda replied, "It's Steward Ulrich."

The old count was utterly speechless. He slumped back into his chair and waved for Oda to leave. The thought that had just crossed his mind about redeeming the old steward vanished.

"Old friend, we don't have time for the troops to rest. We should set off at midnight tonight and catch them off guard at dawn!"

The old count was also a little scared. If he allowed the news of his vassal's defeat to spread, who knew how turbulent things would become within his territory! Moreover, could he really guarantee that his old friend and his Prague puppet army wouldn't have any ulterior motives?

This militia, composed of Prague vendors, workers, artisans, and minor nobles, was equipped by the municipality and trade unions, and was also encouraged to provide their own equipment, but their discipline was never very good.

"A surprise attack? I agree with your strategy." von Olitz rubbed his bald head. These bandits knew how to ambush and send spies; they could no longer be considered ordinary bandits. They had the characteristics of a rebel army and had to be taken seriously. "Who should we attack first? Or should we split up?"

The old count considered it carefully for a moment and said, "I still insist on the strategy of tackling the easy cases first. The bandits entrenched in Nebakov are easy to deal with, but Red-haired Peter, hiding deep in the forest behind Devil's Canyon, is the real tough nut to crack!"

von Olitz nodded in agreement. He also didn't want his heavy troops to go into the woods, and his artillery would be difficult to transport in the dense mountain forests.

"My lord, I request to go into battle. I am willing to serve as the vanguard in order to rescue my father," Aoda immediately volunteered from the side.

"No, young Semi," the old count shook his head. "I know you're anxious about old Semi's capture, but don't rush into it. Ever since my bodyguard Black Bartosh was captured, the loyal Thomas left, that fool Ulrich was captured, and the vassals were all defeated, I need someone equally loyal to guard the castle, and that person is you."

The old count has no one else to rely on and is even less willing to entrust the city's defenses to the Prague soldiers, so he can only trust and appease little Sammy.

"But, my lord..." Aoda's face was conflicted, and finally he sighed helplessly, "Very well, I am willing to obey your orders, guard the castle, and await news of your victory."

"Very good, you are very good. Once we win, I will definitely rescue your father and give you the reward you deserve." The old count didn't forget to make a promise to the other party.

"Loyalty~" Oda patted his chest to express his gratitude.

After a series of coordination efforts, some orders were relayed, and the military camps outside also sprang into action, preparing supplies, dinner, and dry rations in advance, just waiting for the midnight operation.

Night fell, around ten o'clock, in the dungeon of Troski Castle.

Henry was bound to a cold stone pillar, his wrists bleeding from the rough ropes. The dungeon reeked of mold and excrement, with only a few drops of moonlight filtering through a small window high above.

"Old Oz..." Henry whispered, his voice filled with anguish, "Nicholas, Tanrad, Conrad...they're all..."

He closed his eyes, and familiar faces floated into his mind: old Oz, always nagging yet utterly loyal; Nicholas, taciturn yet always there when needed; the generous and courageous brothers, Tánrard and Conrad...

Suddenly, the dungeon door opened silently.

"We originally thought this was just a simple mail delivery," Hans said with a wry smile. "My father often said that 'politics is the art of compromise,' and I thought von Polgár would at least adhere to the most basic aristocratic etiquette and the rights of a guest..."

"Hans! I thought you'd been locked up by them."

Henry looked up sharply, surprised to see Hans walk in, followed by little Semioda carrying an oil lamp.

"Semiola!" Henry looked at him warily. "Is this another trick von Polgar sent to torment me?"

Henry couldn't quite understand this new captain of the guard. He had come in before and sat there silently for an hour. What tricks was he planning to play this time?