Chapter 114: Monster Wave Attack

"And no one has stopped them?"

"The Crown does not care, my lord. The Guild pays its taxes. It follows the letter of the law—barely. It has lawyers. Connections. Friends in high places."

"Friends?"

"The Queen’s uncle, Lord William Siracha, is rumored to have ties to the Guild. He has been seen at their headquarters in the capital. He has received gifts. Loans of his own—at far better rates than anyone else."

Emeric’s blood ran cold. This was getting far more complicated than it should be.

The Queen’s uncle. Again.

"Does the Guild have any weaknesses?"

Graves seemed to be in deep thought for a moment.

"They are meticulous. They keep records. They document everything. But records can be... found. Witnesses can be... persuaded. There are rumors with nothing proven, of forged contracts. Of bribery. Of intimidation."

He paused.

"They also have enemies. Many enemies. Nobles they have ruined. Families they have destroyed. People who would testify—if they thought they had a chance."

Emeric leaned back.

"So I need proof. I need witnesses. I need something I can use against them."

"Yes, my lord."

"Find it."

Graves inclined his head. "I will do what I can."

"Do what you must."

Graves stood. Bowed. Left.

Emeric sat alone.

The candles burned low. The ledgers were still open. The numbers were still desperate.

But something had changed.

He wasn’t about to let the estate fall into the hands of wolves. If anything, he wanted to let everyone who ever doubted him know he could do a good job.

He was well aware this was a position that was setting him up to fail. But they all overlooked one single thing. He could only win.

He would not let them have their way.

The next morning came faster than it normally would.

Day five of the marshland project.

Emeric stood at the edge of the trench. His tunic was soaked with sweat. His hands were raw. His back ached. But he didn’t care.

The work was done.

Two days ahead of schedule.

The trenches stretched across the marshland like veins. The primary trench redirected the river’s floodwater. The secondary trenches collected the residual seepage. The drainage channels carried it all to the pools on either side of the farmland. The irrigation channels waited for summer, ready to distribute water when the crops needed it.

The land was dry.

For the first time in decades, the marshland was dry.

Commander Gaius approached. His armor was muddy. His face was streaked with dirt. But there was something different in his expression. Something grudging.

"It’s done."

"It’s done."

Gaius looked at the trenches. At the dry land. At the pools. At the knights who were already packing their tools.

"I didn’t think it would work."

Emeric looked at him.

"It worked."

"I can see that."

He seemed to be considering his next words.

"The men are impressed. They won’t say it. But they are." He paused. "I’m not."

"I know."

"But I can respect work that’s done well. Even if I don’t like the one who did it."

Emeric met his gaze.

"That’s more than I expected."

Gaius didn’t respond. He turned. Walked toward his men.

Then the system pulsed.

---

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

[BEAST SENSE — ALERT]

[MULTIPLE HOSTILE SIGNATURES DETECTED]

[DIRECTION: NORTHEAST]

[DISTANCE: APPROACHING — ESTIMATED TIME TO ARRIVAL: 10 MINUTES]

[HOSTILE COUNT: 170+]

[SPECIES: UNKNOWN — MAGIC BEAST VARIANT]

[THREAT LEVEL: HIGH]

[SYSTEM NOTE: THEY ARE COMING. PREPARE.]

---

Emeric’s blood went cold.

He looked northeast and he could see a faint rouse of dust in the air and birds flying in different directions.

Then he felt it.

The ground trembled.

Gaius felt it too.

The old commander turned. His hand went to his sword. His eyes narrowed.

"What is that?"

Emeric didn’t answer. He was already moving.

"Get the men. Now."

Gaius didn’t argue. He shouted. The knights scrambled. Tools were dropped. Weapons were drawn.

The tremors grew stronger.

Then they appeared.

Three species. One herd.

Ironhide Bovines— massive creatures, easily the size of draft horses, their hides like plated steel. Horns that curved forward. Eyes that burned with a faint red glow.

Thunderhooves — smaller. Faster. Their hooves crackled with lightning. Every step sent shocks through the ground.

Ashmanes — their manes were fire. Not metaphorically. Actual flames. They licked at the air. They left trails of smoke behind them.

One hundred and seventy of them, stampeding straight towards the village.

Emeric mounted the nearest horse.

Gaius did the same.

"They’re heading for the village," Gaius shouted. "We have to stop them."

"We can’t stop them. Not head-on." Emeric’s mind raced. "We have to herd them."

"Herding? They’re not cattle."

"They are now." Emeric pointed to the east. "There’s an open field on the other side of the marshland. Uninhabited and perfect for them. We lead them there."

"And then?"

"We dig a trench. A circle. They won’t cross it. They’re sort of like ants."

Gaius stared at him.

"That’s insane."

"Do you have a better idea?"

Gaius didn’t answer.

"Then follow me."

Emeric kicked the horse into full gear and they rode.

He took the lead while Gaius flanked him. Behind them, fifty knights on horseback. The rest followed on foot.

The herd was close now. Close enough to see the details. The Ironhide Bovines were massive. They were leading the charge while the rest of the species were in two segments behind the Bovines.

They were rampaging but they seemed a little too controlled for beasts that were meant to be all over the place.

Emeric angled his horse. Rode toward the herd’s left flank. Gaius mirrored him on the right.

"Turn them!" Emeric shouted. "Push them east!"

The knights obeyed.

They rode hard. Fast. They shouted. They waved their weapons. They fired arrows into the air. Anything to make noise. Anything to direct the herd.

The Ironhide Bovines bellowed, protesting but the herd was moving east. The Ashmanes, littler than the Bovines, followed, going with the lead of the Bovines. The Ashmanes whinnied, and the Thunderhooves went after. Lightning crackled on their hooves, as they stomped after the leaders of the spooked herd.