As soon as Glenn walked out of the town, Trinville, who had been waiting for him for a long time, came up from the shadows.
Glenn asked: "Where are those two people?"
Trinville licked his lips at the shadow under a big tree and whispered: "Don't worry, our people are watching. These two guys are more cunning than chicken thieves, and we almost let them escape. Fortunately, we I was prepared in advance and didn’t alert anyone else.”
Glenn patted him on the shoulder and smiled: "Well done, Trinville."
"This is a small thing, it's not a big deal. However, I still don't understand why you did this? Glenn, this may bring you trouble."
Glenn smiled and said: "It's not a big deal. I just looked familiar to them, so I wanted to chat with them. If they are really old friends who have heard their names for a long time but haven't seen them in person, wouldn't that be just right?"
After saying that, he mounted his horse, and several soldiers walked towards the camp with the two tied-up old friends. Trinville didn’t believe what Grein said! You can tell by the way he smiles. Besides, how could anyone treat an "old friend" like this? He scratched his head, grinned, and mounted his horse to catch up.
As soon as he returned to the camp, he took the two men to his tent. The two soldiers stood guard outside the tent and did not allow anyone to enter or exit at will.
A breeze blew from outside the tent. The two people kneeling on the ground had their hands tied, their faces were pale, their breathing was rapid, and their eyes were as erratic as lights.
Glenn glanced at his confused friend and smiled. Then he turned his gaze to the two people who were in shock and said slowly: "I was in the tavern just now and wanted to make friends with the guests from afar. Why did you leave so suddenly?"
A little man with cunning eyes replied: "We don't know you, why did you arrest us? This is an unreasonable and brutal kidnapping. We are businessmen in our duty, why did you arrest us?"
Glenn couldn't help but smile. He even said with an apologetic smile: "You have no idea how hospitable Apodoli is. It is also the duty of us hosts to make travelers like you happy. To tell you the truth, there have been some rumors recently. The pirates are wandering on the nearby sea, and they may have landed ashore. In the dark night, merchants carrying property are the most vulnerable to robbery. Therefore, I will take you back to the military camp for protection. It’s safe here, you can rest assured.”
The two looked at each other, and the little man said again: "Pirates? What pirates? We don't know, and we don't need protection. Let us go."
Glenn still smiled and said: "Wait a moment, don't be impatient. If you answer my questions honestly, I will let you go."
"Really?" The little man twisted his numb arms and asked dubiously.
Trinville was unhappy on the sidelines. He said: "Have you ever seen a Guardsman who doesn't keep his word? Answer your commander's questions honestly. Otherwise, you really won't be able to leave."
"Yes, yes. We must answer the officer's questions honestly." The two people exchanged glances and behaved meekly.
Glenn saw it. He asked: "What are your names? Where are you from, where are you going, and what are you doing in Apodoli?"
"Sir, didn't you just say that? We are here to do business."
Trinville shouted loudly: "You just answer the questions well. Just answer whatever is asked of you. My temper is not as good as that of my commander. Don't wait until I come to ask you."
"Yes, yes. Sir, my name is Rockman, and my companion's name is Maha. He is my buddy. We came to Apodoli from Monteveria in the south to do business."
"What business are you doing? Where are your goods? If there are no goods, you should bring some money, right? As you said, if you come to Apodoli from a distant country to do business, you should have what I mentioned, right?" He sneered in his heart, but had an amiable smile on his face.
Rockman and Maha's faces turned purple, and they were speechless for a moment.
Glenn said kindly: "Perhaps your belongings have been robbed by robbers on the way. Or, you have other companions, and your belongings are placed with them. And they are already rushing to Maz'er. On the way."
"Yes, that's right. Our money and goods are all with our partners. We were so frightened just now that we forgot about it." The two people woke up from a dream and echoed.
"Okay, I believe you. Then, please continue to answer me honestly. Why would a businessman who is here to do business ask the sheriff and others about a woman named Xina in the tavern? What is the purpose of this? What?" Glenn was still smiling and looked friendly, like a friend who really cared about his other friend.
Rockman gradually regained his composure, and he blinked his cunning eyes and replied: "Sir, we are indeed merchants. Before coming to Apodoli, an elder's daughter in my hometown was lost. He asked all those who are about to travel far. , help him inquire about the whereabouts of his daughter. Therefore, we will ask everyone we meet if they know any news about Miss Xina. Sir, for a poor old father to send this message out of love for his daughter This is a request that all kind-hearted people cannot refuse.”
Glenn nodded. "That's it. You are really a noble person who is in trouble. So, you said you are from the country of Monteveria. Can you tell me which city it is? Is it the royal city of Cambra or the gardening city? Zambrol? Or the quiet and peaceful city of Bahrain? To be honest, I am very familiar with Monteveria. Maybe I happened to have been to your city."
The two people blushed again and whispered: "Sir, our hometown is an unknown small city. Even Montevea and many people don't know about it."
But Glenn was very patient. He said: "No matter how small it is, it should have a name, right? Let's hear it."
Rockman and Maha looked at each other, and he could only say helplessly: "I...we are from Ankoti."
Glenn smiled and said: "That's strange. If I remember correctly, Ankoti is a small town near the seaside like the town of Maz'er that you just visited. Of course, it may not be as good as Maz'er. The town is so prosperous, but it is by no means an unknown small village. Instead, it is very famous. Because, just a few years ago, it was looted by pirates. I heard that the famous Poseidon statue in Ancoti, It was also destroyed in a pirate attack. What a shame."
Glenn's easy-going attitude made the two of them gradually relax, and cold sweat broke out on Rockman's forehead. He rolled his eyes and whispered: "Yeah, it's a shame. I still remember when the pirates broke into our town. It scared me. Sir, I loved it there when I was a kid. Playing in front of a statue. Isn’t that right, Maha?”
Maha, who had been standing by in a daze, blushed and said hurriedly: "Yes, yes, those pirates are really hateful. It's such a pity that such a good statue is broken."
Glenn laughed again: "Yeah, it's too hateful. However, in Apodoli, pirates can't do anything random. By the way, my companion, speaking of which, his wife is also from Monteveria. Qiaoji Well, she is still from Ankoti. Her father is famous in that town. Is that so, my old friend?"
Trinville has a rough appearance, but also has a heart as delicate as hair. He listened on the sidelines and slowly understood Glenn's intentions. He suddenly heard Glenn talking about himself, and he understood it very well. He went on to continue what Glenn said without any shame, just like when he was bragging to his friends in the tavern without blushing.
He said loudly: "Alas, speaking of Ancotti Town, Josie is still nagging me these days. She said that she has not been back to her hometown for a long time, and she doesn't know how much she misses her father. My respected hon. My father-in-law is the owner of the largest tavern in Ancoti town. The wine he makes is much more delicious than what you just drank. Joelna, do you know him? A man from Ancoti, you It’s impossible not to have been to the Black Goat Tavern in Joelna.”
Glenn nodded approvingly and said, "Ah, Joelna! Ah, Josie!"
Rockman and Mahar's faces turned red and white. Seeing Grein looking at them, Rockman reluctantly said: "Yes...yes, yes. Joelna, I...of course we know. We started from An The night before Cody set off, he said goodbye to his friends at... the Black Goat Tavern. Don't you think so, Maha?"
Maha almost burst into tears: "Yes, I swear. We drink Joelna's wine the most, the most."
Glenn laughed loudly and said: "Since you know Joelna, you are friends of me and my companions."
The two people looked at him uneasily, their faces flushed.
The smile on Glenn's face was still there, but he suddenly said: "Oh, I seem to have remembered it wrong. There is no statue of Poseidon in Ancoti at all. The statue is in the royal city of Cambra. Have we all remembered it wrong?"
The two businessmen from Monteveria suddenly felt as if they had fallen into an ice cellar, freezing from head to toe. Only then did they realize that Glenn had been playing tricks on them. Rockman was heartbroken and said numbly: "Yes, sir, we did remember it wrong. The statue of Poseidon is in the royal city of Cambra. We were all frightened by you just now and our minds were confused, so we remembered it wrong. ”
Glenn's expression suddenly changed, and he said sternly: "Yes, you remembered it wrong, but I remembered it correctly! The statue of Poseidon is neither in Costian nor in the Royal City of Cambra, but in the gardening city of Zambrol .”
Rockman's face was ashen. He twisted his neck and said, "Sir, stop playing tricks on us. I really can't remember which city we are in. But we are really Ancoti from Monteveria." If you don’t believe it, just go there and ask around and you’ll find out.”
"Stop acting." Glenn said with a sneer, "If you are really from Ancoti, the elf island, how can you say goodbye to your friends at the Black Goat Tavern? There is no Black Goat Tavern in Ancoti, let alone Joe Boss Erna. The largest tavern in Ancoti is the Red Moon Tavern, and the owner’s name is Madea. She is my friend, and it was in her tavern that I parted from my friends on Elf Island.”
Rockman opened his mouth wide, trying to speak but no words came out. He lowered his head in despair, while Maha's body was like chaff.
Glenn suddenly shouted: "Where is Babaya? Did he send you here? Tell me quickly!"
Glenn suddenly said Babaya's name, even Trinville was startled, but when he saw Rockman's desperate eyes, Maha knelt on the ground and cried loudly for mercy, he suddenly understood. He thought to himself: "Grain is amazing! I still haven't figured out how he knew that these two people were pirate spies."
Rockman closed his eyes and allowed Glenn to ask questions without saying a word. Glenn said: "Take him down and keep him under strict guard."
The soldiers outside the tent came in and took Rockman away. Looking at Mahar who was lying limply on the ground, Green smiled slightly. And his friend was staring at him with great admiration as if he were facing a god.
At this time, Green said slowly in a soft and long voice that could completely shatter all illusions: "Pirates in all countries on the continent have only one fate - in public, with a thin rope. , being hanged slowly. Although you haven't tasted that feeling yet, I have seen it - it is definitely uncomfortable. If you tell the truth now, maybe your death sentence can be reduced. Don't be like your companions I’m obsessed with it, but it’s not too late to say it now.”
Maha was frightened when he was first captured, and now he just wants to survive. He knelt on the ground and cried, "Yes, yes, I say. Whatever the officer wants to ask, I will tell you what I know."
Grain exchanged meaningful glances with Trinville with satisfaction. He asked: "Where is Babaya now? How many are you there? Where will you land? When?"
Maha replied tremblingly: "I said. It was Babaya who sent me and Rockman to find out the news. There were other spies like us. I don't know where they were sent. As for Babaya, he had already Already ashore.”
Glenn was shocked. He quickly asked: "What did you say? Babaya has gone ashore, where is he?"
"They came ashore with us and then separated. Babaya himself led a group of about three thousand people. I don't know where he is now."
Glenn asked: "Don't lie! Since Babaya has landed ashore and was not discovered, why didn't he launch an attack? Isn't this the best time?"
"I'm telling the truth." Maha raised his eyes and peeked at Green. Trinville's eyes were already round. "I don't know why. It is said that it will not happen until early in the morning." Launch an attack. That was when people were sleeping the soundest. Moreover, he gave special instructions to all the spies to be careful about asking for information about the two girls. Maybe he should set aside time to find out. "
"Do you still remember the names of those two girls?"
"Remember. One is named Monid and the other is named Xina. They both seem to be from somewhere in the east."
"Where are everyone else?" Glenn's heart skipped a beat, and he continued to ask without revealing his voice.
"Including the troops led by Babaya himself, there are three landing sites in total. They have been hidden and are just waiting to launch an attack together in the early morning tomorrow."
Glenn suppressed his racing heart and asked, "Are you telling the truth?"
Ma Ha burst into tears and kowtowed repeatedly: "Sir, I just want to survive and I don't dare to lie."
After the soldiers took Maha down, Trinville came back to his senses and whispered: "Grain, this is terrible. If this news is true, it would be amazing. There is going to be big trouble!"
Glenn frowned and nodded, remaining silent for a moment. At this moment, Trinville was full of doubts and finally waited for the opportunity to ask: "Grain, my friend. I have long known that you have all kinds of weird abilities. But how did you know that they were pirates this time? ?I was with you at the time, but I didn’t see anything."
Glenn's meditation was interrupted, and he laughed softly: "Trinville, as a hunter, you are undoubtedly very good. You just didn't observe carefully. If you pay attention, you will be like me. have witnessed."
"What did you see? I don't think there's anything strange about them."
Glenn smiled. "The tan marks on the forehead of the man named Rockman and their boots caught my attention. The pirates of Babaya all wear special-shaped hats. Under the scorching sun at sea, their foreheads and necks will leave unique marks. Of course, most people have never seen pirates, and naturally they have never seen their hats, let alone recognize the mark. But I just recognize it."
Trinville said repeatedly: "No wonder I didn't find anything! I'm just one of those ordinary people."
Glenn smiled again: "Well, my friend. But if you saw their boots, maybe you wouldn't say that."
"Boots? What's wrong with the boots? Can you tell anything about the boots?" He raised his boots, not knowing why.
"Yes. There is a little bit of fresh sand left on their boots and soles. I noticed it at the Fat Duck. I carefully identified the sand they left under the tables and chairs - that It's the fine sand on the seashore, it's unmistakable. After I tested it for a while, they showed their flaws."
Trinville was convinced and nodded: "What a blessing it is to be your friend. I still have to learn a lot from you. Fortunately, you saw their whereabouts. If not, wait until tomorrow. At daybreak, before we could reach the beach, everything was too late."
Glenn said worriedly: "Things are not as simple as you think. Now, go and call all the squad leaders to come to my tent immediately. Immediately."
After receiving the order, except for Silger and Eisen who were searching the two wings, all four team captains arrived. Without any extra time to explain, Grein explained the current situation to them straightforwardly.
"If the enemy's details are true, I'm afraid the situation is critical. We are still some distance from the coast, but the pirates have already landed. Moreover, maybe some of them have gone deeper than we imagined. Maybe even our There are also pirates lurking behind us, and we are now deeply surrounded."
He explained in detail all the circumstances told by the pirate spy Mahar, except that he concealed the matters of Monid and Dana. Trinville wasn't surprised. In the face of a formidable enemy, who has the heart to care about those two girls who don’t know where they are?
"There are three places where the pirates will land, and we will directly face Babaya's three thousand people. The legion's prior arrangements have no effect at all. All squadrons will independently bear all the terrible situations in this dark night." Glenn's seemingly calm tone made everyone present feel their difficult situation.
There was silence in the tent. They were all warriors eager for battle and honor, but they were still overwhelmed by what they were about to face.
I was still complaining that it might be another futile journey, but I had to face such a cruel situation - there were three thousand pirates. Moreover, they may have been surrounded.
Glenn looked around everyone and asked, "Now, I want to hear your suggestions."
Finally, squad leader Esko whispered: "With just one of our squadrons, it is difficult to stop the attack of so many pirates. Should we inform other squadrons, move closer to them, gather our troops, and then make plans?" .”
Glenn shook his head and said: "I'm afraid it's too late. If Mahar didn't lie, the connection between each squadron has become very dangerous. The legion is too far away from us, and it will take two days to wait until they are notified to send troops. We’re on our own.”
Everyone here knows what "on your own" means. After they experienced a brief period of fear, the proud blood of the Guards flowed in everyone's heart again. "Captain Grein, we all obey your command. Whatever you want to do, just lead us to do it."
Glenn nodded and said, "That's what I think - let's quietly set off and rush to the coast now. The pirates have penetrated deep into the mainland, and they think they are unnoticed, so they will never think that we will attack their rear. We just want them to think that way so we can catch them off guard."
Everyone was frightened by his bold plan. Not long ago, he was complaining about the lack of manpower for a squadron to fight a hundred pirates. In the blink of an eye, he led them to kill three thousand pirates, and he behaved calmly and looked calm. What kind of person is their squadron leader!
However, if there were still people who had doubts and rolled their eyes at his ability to serve as the most glorious leader of the First Squadron, at this moment, they all became convinced and admired.
Their eyes were firm and they said loudly: "As you command, Captain Glenn."
Glenn was also encouraged. "We all understand what it means to go here. However, we are the Guards of Apodoli, and we have no choice. Now, listen to my order: throw away all supplies, tents, etc., and only take your sidearms. Now Just go and get ready. Esko, take your team and go to the town to collect more fire starters. Remember, don’t alert too many people. The sooner, the better.”
Someone asked: "What should we do with Silger and Eisen's teams? Do we really not need to notify the nearby squadrons?"
Glenn said: "Write 'coast' in a conspicuous place in the camp. I hope they can see it. When we get to the coast, I will have a way to notify other squadrons." Everyone else understood that the current situation of Silger and Eisen was also It was very dangerous. No one knew whether they could successfully contact the oncoming squadron and rush back to the camp. However, there was no time to think about it.
At this time, Dano said: "Captain Grein, would you like to send someone to notify the residents of Mazir Town and let them prepare. At least those who can evacuate will evacuate."
Glenn thought for a moment and made a painful decision: "It's too late. Act now."
No one else understood his decision and could only walk out silently.
There were only two of them left in the tent. He smiled and asked: "Trinville, my friend, can I trust you?"
Trinville said displeasedly: "Grain, is this the first time you have met me? How can you doubt my loyalty to you? Whatever you want me to do, just say it. If I fail you, Or if I didn’t do it, then why would I have the nerve to wear such a beautiful Guards uniform and follow you around?”
Glenn smiled and said: "I knew I could rely on you. Trinville, listen carefully. I am going to give you a very urgent, very important, and very dangerous task now."
Trinville smiled with satisfaction and said: "You don't know how much it suits me to hear you say that. I like dangerous tasks the most, the more dangerous the better. Don't worry, Captain Glenn, let I'll be the vanguard and rush into the pirate group, it's no big deal, I just like that. Just give the order."
Glenn smiled and put his hand on his shoulder: "Of course, of course. You will. But what I want you to do is more important and dangerous than that."
Trinville smiled and said: "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm listening to you, Captain Glenn."
Glenn's tone suddenly became serious. He whispered: "You know very well, excluding the people that Silger and Eisen took away, plus my direct team, we now only have one hundred and forty people. Even if our soldiers are really capable of one against ten, facing the pirates I am afraid that the crowds will not be able to withstand it for long. Therefore, I want you to take Maha, return from the path to find the new camp of the legion, and tell Captain Philo and Prince Charles about the situation here. Only the main force of the legion will arrive as soon as possible, us……"
Trinville's eyes were red, and he said loudly: "What! Glenn, you actually want me to leave you at this critical moment? Let me be a deserter? No, never."
Glenn smiled bitterly and said patiently: "You still don't understand how important the responsibility you shoulder is. Even if my plan goes well, the first squadron alone has no chance of winning against three thousand pirates. Unless the main force of the legion rushes Otherwise, with only nine squadrons, even if all of them are sacrificed, they will not succeed. Are you willing to see that result?"
Trinville gasped and blushed and said: "But, for things like delivering letters, can't you send someone else? I don't see why only I can do it?"
Glenn held his hand and said: "As I said, the road we came on may not be safe anymore. Since the messenger will take prisoners, I can't send you more soldiers." . Now, do you know how dangerous your mission is? If I didn't firmly believe that only you can complete this arduous mission, how could I put you in a dangerous situation with my own hands. The main force of the legion arrived in time, it was us The only hope. Completely eliminate the pirates, so that this peaceful continent will never be invaded by pirates again. Trinville, isn't it just for this moment that we join the Guards? So, please execute my order and prepare immediately Let’s get going.”
Trinville's eyes were red, he lowered his head and whispered: "Yes, Captain Grayne. Wait for me, I promise to bring the legion back. Do you have any other instructions?"
Glenn let out a long breath. Suddenly, he smiled and said: "When you go back, say hello to your Josie for me. I haven't seen her yet."
Trinville was about to say what time it was, but Grein was still joking. Suddenly, he also realized that Glenn's words were both a blessing and a farewell. He felt sour in his heart, turned his head away from looking at Glenn's face, and said resolutely: "Grain, wait for me to come back!"
After seeing off Trinville, a heavy stone fell on Gray's heart. His expression became stern and terrifying. He looked at the soldiers who were neatly arranged and ready to go, and shouted loudly: "Bring the pirates up!"
Rockman, who had his hands cut behind his back, was kneeling on the ground. He looked at the angry eyes of Glenn and the soldiers and had a premonition of his fate. He struggled to stand up, but was held down by two soldiers. He shouted desperately: "It's too late, no matter what you do, you can't save your fate. Babaya will not spare you, he will kill you all."
Glenn sneered: "What a pity, you and Babaya will never see such a day!"
His soldiers gathered behind him, eagerness and courage shining on their young faces. He said loudly: "Soldiers of the First Squadron, your history of never killing a real pirate is coming to an end. This is the first, but it is by no means the last." He stopped shouting,
"Soldiers, please remember that today, use the blood of pirates to sacrifice our flag."
The soldiers were excited. They raised their spears and shouted after their captain: "Kill him! Kill the pirate!"
Esko laughed ferociously, he stepped forward and raised a sword, and Rockman's head fell to the ground. He wiped the blood on his sword and looked at their captain. It was the first time for many young soldiers to see real blood, the blood of the enemy. However, they did not feel dazzled or timid at all. Their pride aroused by the enemy's blood turned into a surging roar that echoed in the night sky. Glenn mounted his horse and faced the cool breeze of the night sky.
"First Squadron, move forward!"
