Henwell's determination to manage the warehouse and streamline caravan trade runs deeper than it appears. A few days later, while patrolling the trade routes, several caravans stop to greet him upon seeing the Phoenix family's wolf claw banner.
As he passes a small caravan of dozens, Henwell rides up to them. "Where are you headed?"
A burly man laughs heartily, "Hahaha… You must be the young master of the Phoenix family! We're a caravan from the Kingdom of Ogiro, carrying cloth to trade in Cloud Tree City of the duchy."
Henwell nods, "Ah, a long-distance caravan! You're welco to rest at the warehouse ahead. Travel safely, and I hope you make a fortune!"
"Thank you for your kind words, young master! Wishing you good health!"
After leaving the caravan, Knight Mark approaches Henwell. "Master Arius, these people are suspicious!"
Henwell smiles, "Of course they are! Cloth is typically traded here; few caravans take it all the way to Cloud Tree City. On the return trip, Cloud Tree City doesn't have any specialties, so they'd have to detour to Iris City for supplies. It's clearly illogical."
Knight Mark asks, "So, what are they?"
"Bandits, of course! I've already received word that they're planning to teach a lesson. The warehouse has wooden walls and arrow towers, with seventy soldiers and a hundred and fifty militian stationed there."
"While the defenses are average, they're still a tough nut for bandits to crack. And that's not counting the guards of the caravans staying at the warehouse! Clearly, attacking the warehouse isn't their choice."
Knight Mark looks tense. "They're targeting you, Master Arius!"
Knight Mark imdiately wants to send for reinforcents and get Henwell to safety.
However, Henwell just laughs, "Why panic? Constantly guarding against bandits isn't a sustainable strategy. It's better to lure them all in and catch them in one sweep! If I run away, there won't be any bait, and the bandits won't gather, missing the chance for to strike them hard. Don't worry! I've known about their plans against for a while, and reinforcents are already on their way."
Mark, puzzled, asks, "Arius, how did you know the bandits were targeting you?"
Henwell points to the caravans on the main road. "They told ! Traders often have connections with bandits. After all, bandits need food, supplies, and soone to handle their loot. Many caravans collaborate with bandits, and so even double as bandits themselves!"
Seeing Mark's astonished expression, Henwell shakes his head with a smile. The noble lords often know too little about the lives of the common folk.
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Despite Henwell's confidence, Mark remains worried. "Arius, this is still too risky! We should head back to the warehouse. If the bandits attack, we'll be better prepared, and reinforcents from Peace Town can arrive in ti."
Henwell points to a distant hill. "We're going there!"
With that, Henwell spurs his horse and charges towards the hill, leaving Mark and the guards to follow in his wake.
Once they arrive, Henwell dismounts and begins clearing away the dried grass, revealing wooden boards and a pull ring. He opens the hidden door to a small cellar.
"Get down there and bring the stuff out!" Henwell instructs.
Two guards descend into the cellar and haul out a dozen large crates, filled with weapons and gear—full sets of tal armor, round shields reinforced with tal, gleaming spears, and neatly stacked military arrows. There are also supplies for treating injuries and enough food and water for the twenty or so n for several days.
Henwell directs the guards to change into the new gear. Mark, astonished, asks, "Arius, how did you know these were here?"
Henwell chuckles, "Because I bought them and stashed them here specifically!"
Mark inspects the high-quality gear. "Why are these all weapons from the Kingdom of Ika?"
Henwell keeps the mystery alive, "To avoid drawing attention, of course."
Henwell slings a round shield over his back and fills his quiver with arrows. He surveys the guards.
"Are you all ready? We're in for a tough fight! So of you might not make it back. But I'm not asking you to risk your lives for nothing! One hundred gold coins are already prepared for you, and if you fall in battle, another hundred will be added. I swear by the Phoenix family na, your families will be cared for, and I'll personally deliver the compensation to them!"
Many mbers of Henwell's guard are knight's attendants, skilled fighters who are essentially reserve knights.
They see this as their chance—by sticking close to the young Phoenix heir, they might get closer to their dream of knighthood. Of course, they also understand that they're stepping into danger, but this is the path to rise through the ranks, and none of them hesitate.
All the guards kneel on one knee before Henwell in salute. Henwell spins his spear expertly. "Send the signal for help!"
Monts later, a firework shoots into the sky, exploding with bright light. Even in daylight, it's eye-catching and echoes far and wide. Soldiers patrolling the trade routes recognize it as the Phoenix family's distress signal, realizing Henwell and his group are in trouble.
Rather than rushing imdiately, they send out signals to gather all forces along the trade route. A small rescue team won't suffice; they need sufficient manpower.
The caravans watch the fireworks with surprise, quickly understanding that sothing major is happening. They choose not to get involved, instead hastening their pace towards the warehouse.
anwhile, the bandits disguised as traders curse loudly.
"Damn it! Who's not sticking to the plan?"
"Which bastard screwed this up?"
"I'm gonna skin this fool alive!"
...
Despite their curses, the bandits know ti is of the essence. They must seize this window of opportunity to execute their plan before the army arrives. Several groups disguised as caravans converge on the location where the fireworks were launched, while hidden bandits also gallop towards Henwell's position.
Seeing the bandit numbers grow to several hundred, Knight Mark encourages the guards, "We just need to withstand their first assault and hold out for half a day. Reinforcents will arrive!"
Henwell, however, draws his bow and takes down a bandit leader, offering Mark a reality check. "Don't be overly optimistic! I've said this will be a tough fight. There will be more bandits, and everyone should be prepared for the possibility of dying."
With a wry smile, Henwell adds, "The reinforcents won't co so quickly. After all, those who want dead aren't just the bandits."
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