The Sorceress: Blossoming Power

More commotions happened within the camp. The remaining Knights gathered inside Lieutenant General Gerd Hollies tent. Sir Gerd stood up front with a deadpanned expression.

"Sir, what is going on?" a man asked Sir Gerd.

"The general and Tyriece killed soldiers and we don't know why. But the soldiers are angry. They want justice." Sir Gerd spoke bluntly.

"But why did you attack Lek, Padu, and Silg?" asked another knight. Their confusion heightened and concerned about where this incident would lead.

"Because they are conspiring with the killer."

"Hey! Don't disrespect the top general. He is still our general unless proven guilty," an older knight spoke with teeth grinding and fisted hands.

"A sinner is a sinner and no longer worthy of the title. While General Yvon is still fighting out there, as the next high-ranking officer, I'm in charge of this camp," said Gerd with a firm voice and sword in hand, silencing the lower-ranking knights. But doubts ruled in their minds.

---- o ----

Back with General Lofey and the other two Chiangdas.

"You're lying. How could Mafan control anyone from the capital? He needs to be closer if he'd control anyone."

"I don't know but I have a hunch. Just hear me out. I'm not lying. Those soldiers are under Mafan's spells. He spoke to us through the man. Didn't you see the soldiers' bloodshot eyes? I think even the king is under his control. Think first. Why is the king insistent on attacking this city? What is in this poor city for Goding?"

"Don't you dare malign our good king," shouted Sir Balin with a grim face as he came out of hiding but he didn't attack.

"I am not maligning the king. Don't you understand? The king is not in control but Mafan and you saw that but you won't dare to admit it." He paused and waited for them to react. Sir Balin opened his mouth and closed it again. They were in deep thoughts. He knew they saw this. During their meetings back in the capital, Mafan did most of the talking than the king.

He continued. "We greeted the governor because he is a fellow Chiangda. I won't hurt a fellow Chiangda who's willing to die for his people. I also don't trust Mafan. Why do we need to take the city by force unless he is after the mines?"

"He is also a Chiangda?" Sir Balin said while the general was explaining and his expression softened.

"Mines? What mines? And why would he want the mines? Goding has richer mines," asked the one chained on the tree.

This made their minds reeling. The reason they heard why they attacked Fengfu was that its location was strategic but in reality, was not. Mountains isolated Fengfu from the trading route and from other cities. Its geographic formation was superb as a fortress if fortified. But as sworn knights, they couldn't question or disobey their superiors.

"I think this war is all about the mines. Our scouts told me after we arrived here that they heard this place had many mines and Wag stone could be found here. I really couldn't find any other reason."

"That is absurd. Why would the king want more of that Wag when he gathered the Chiangdas?" asked the chained man. The Wag stone would inhibit them. So, why would the king want more?

"You, too, Sir Gib. You're also naïve. Do you think you can get a promotion after this war?" said General Lofey to the chained person.

"What do you mean?" the two asked in unison. This was their goal why they agreed to come out from hiding and become a knight after the king's men found them, to become generals someday, not just assistants of a non-Chiangda.

---- o ----

Six years ago, after the old Goding King died, the son became the fifteenth monarch, King Lenhart. He grew up with a nanny who was a hiding Chiangda and was enthralled by her tales and powers. So, when he became king, he sent out men to search for Chiangdas and hired them to work for him.

The searching men went to neighboring countries at the west and down south, where their blond hair could mix in the crowd. They avoided other countries with different hair colors so as to not attract attention. From this search, General Lofey came out in the open and admitted he was a Chiangda after years of service as a general.

The king was glad of the general's admittance and founded a circle of Chiangdas. He supported them in full, financially and morally. And charged them to contact and encourage other magic-wielders to migrate to Goding with a promise of wealth, position, and freedom. After a year, the circle grew bigger.

After two years, the Chiangdas could walk on streets in Goding cities with no fear after the king scratched the law from imprisoning the Chiangdas. They hailed Goding nation as the haven for Chiangdas.

These were the talk of the town and became a sensation to other countries. But some Chiangdas were skeptical on why this big nation would hire them and for what purpose? Ming was one of them.

Also, other countries began checking their borders for defecting people and began imprisoning them with a conclusion that they were Chiangdas. In other words, Chiangdas from nations like Youshi heard of it but didn't dare to go out, fearing for their lives and families.

However, Mafan, a former Youshian came out using his mind manipulation powers. Then he pledged his allegiance to the young Goding king and became the adviser, while the other Chiangdas who were ahead of him was still waiting to sit in higher positions.

Yes, they had a good life and most was entitled as knights but the promised wealth and position was still far off from the truth. General Lofey saw the bias treatment and felt something wasn't right. He was also wary of Mafan's power. Though it wouldn't work with Chiangdas, he could manipulate ordinary humans.

---- o ----

After those questions were left unanswered, Sir Balin and Sir Gib listened to General Lofey's reasoning. They didn't follow Tyriece's group but the two returned to the camp to understand the real situation base on the general's suggestion and worked as spies.

The two reported that the general and the rest escaped. However, they began to realize that a conspiracy was in play after the Lieutenant General Gerd announced that they would attack Fengfu City tonight.

---- o ----

Outside the Fengfu gate, Lifen and some maids prepared a good meal for General Lofey and Tyriece's promised visit. Ming, Zhai, and Zang Wei were also there waiting. They had no knowledge of what occurred at the Goding camp. Their minds were full with the hope that this war would be settled peacefully tonight.

---- o ----

On this day, before dusk, Xinyi was already on her way to Herketish Lake.