Chapter 5 Chapter Four

They don't like that message.Four towering elite members of the Brücken Guard surrounded the trembling young Down soldier, listening to him stammer his important message.Three of the warriors, Erlen, Lauber, and Liam, were too angry to speak, and immediately decided that it was Lord Don's game.Every Bruiner knew the Messenger's lord was a cunning and treacherous bastard, and refused to believe a word the Messenger said.The fourth warrior, Di Liang, had the exact opposite reaction.Although he also thinks that Lord Tang is a cunning and treacherous bastard, he thinks that information is too funny, so he would like to hear more about it.

Oehlen, the most straightforward among the four, shook his head in disbelief, and stepped forward to ask the messenger to repeat it verbatim.He leaned so close on purpose that the young man had to throw his head back to face him. Young soldiers with Down syndrome feel like rabbits under siege.Lauber was behind him, Dilian in front of him, Oehlen and Liam on either side of him.The four Brinells were all at least two heads taller than him, and they could easily crush him to death just by their weight.He turned to the warrior who spoke, taking a step back to put distance between them.A young lady insisted that the lord should come to fetch her immediately, and she waited in the abandoned church near the crossroads below Lien's domain.she claims she is

Brinell's gloomy face frightened him so much that he couldn't speak.He turned to Di Liang, took a step back from his stern stare, and bumped into Lauber behind him instead. My message is for Burdie himself.He said. You'll have to call him Lord Cloth, boy.Lian growled. Yes, Lord Cloth.The soldier hastily corrected.I overstepped. Just know.Lauber muttered behind his back. Someone has already informed Bodie, but he has not yet arrived in the hall, so the captain of the guard, Di Liang, decided to question the messenger first.He knew that the Down soldiers were afraid, so he put his hands behind his back to show that he would not hurt him.go on.Di Liang ordered.

The lady claimed that she was his bride.The Tang soldier said without thinking.She asked the noble lord to escort her to his house so that she could settle down. Lauber tried to get his attention by nudging him, but accidentally pushed him forward.He bumped into Di Liang, but Di Liang didn't move like a mountain.He steadied himself quickly and turned to face Lauber.I'm not lying, he insisted.I'm just repeating what I've been told to say. May I have your name?Lauber asked.He thought his tone mild, so he was surprised that the messenger turned pale with fright. Hanley.He sighed, glad he still remembered.My name is Hanli.

Di Liang poked him with his finger and asked him to turn around.The Messenger obeyed at once, but it made him dizzy to turn this way and that in the crowd of giants.He tried to focus on Captain Bradson, but the others didn't let him go. Why did Lord Tang send a boy to deliver the letter?Di Liang asked contemptuously. Hanli dared not argue that he was a man, not a boy.Lord Tang felt that younger men were more likely to escape the wrath of the noble lord.We have all seen the majesty and strength of your lord in battle, and many claim to have seen him bring down his foes with a single twist of his wrist.We have all heard that it is unwise to offend him, Lord Tang is not ashamed to admit that he fears the noble lord.

Di Liang smiled.awe? Hanley nodded.My lord also said Burdy Liam pushed the messenger so hard that he bumped into Lauber.Robb was still, and Hanley felt like he had hit a stone wall.He turned to Liam, wishing earnestly that he would have the courage to suggest to them that all they needed to do to get his attention was talk, not hands. You have to honor him as Lord Cloth.Lian En reminded him. Yes, Lord Cloth.Hanli hastily agreed. What were you going to say just now?Oaron pressed. Hanli turned to the left to answer.My lord said that your lord is upright and will not make things difficult for unarmed people.

Hanli was forced to turn to the right to answer Di Liang's question.Did Lord Tang tell you Boddy is reasonable? Hanli knew Di Liang would see if he was lying.No, he said the exact opposite. Di Liang laughed.Your honesty saved your life. Oehlen spoke, forcing the messenger to turn back.We don't kill messengers. Unless we don't like the message he sends.Lauber grinned. Hanley turned again to Captain Bruce.The information is not limited to these, I am afraid that the part that I have not said will really make the noble lord angry.The sooner he finishes talking, the sooner he can get out of trouble, and with luck, he might be able to leave before Boddy arrives.

Birdie, who was training on the playground, didn't like to be disturbed, but he was refreshed by the urgent message. He hoped that Mai En sent someone to inform that his son Alex was found.But the guard soldier Ge Wen told him that the messenger wore the cloak of the Tang family.Frustrated and annoyed by the failure of hope, it only deepened his determination to return to the waterfall search.He was convinced that Alex was still alive. The door to the atrium opened and a gust of wind blew into the hall.Hanley closed his eyes when he heard Boddy's footsteps.The panic made him dizzy, and it took a lot of courage to stay where he was and not run away.

The matter had better be urgent, where is Tang's messenger?Boddy asked as he entered the hall. Di Liang nodded towards the guard soldiers surrounding the messenger.Stand back and let the lord hear this important message.He tried to speak in a serious tone, but he knew he was failing. Bodie stood next to Di Liang, facing the messenger.Hanli trembled even more, because Lord Bu was taller than his captain of guards.Burtie was a true giant, with bulging muscles in his shoulders, upper arms, and thighs that suggested brute strength.He has bronze skin, long blond hair and a terrifyingly piercing gaze.Hanli felt like he was trapped in a tiger's den, and he didn't dare to hope that he could escape unscathed after telling the rest of the information.

explain.Boddy ordered. Hanley flinched.Unable to meet Bodie's eyes, he stares cowardly at the floor and recites the message he was ordered to deliver. That lady wants you to pick her up from St. Thomas Church near the crossroads below Lien's property, she wants you to escort her to your house. Hanley ventured to glance at Birdie to see his reaction, but immediately regretted his curiosity.Boddy's displeased expression made the blood rush to his temple, and he was afraid that he would pass out and disgrace Tang's name. she?Bodie asked softly. tell him.Di Liang ordered. your bride.Hanley blurted out.That lady, she is your bride.

This woman claims to be my bride? Hanley nodded.real. No wonder.Di Liang said. No, I mean those were the words she asked me to say.Lord, did my information offend you?He waited with bated breath, convinced by the rumors about Birdy, that he believed that the lord's reaction would determine his fate. That depends on the woman.Oehlen said.Does she look good? Hanli not only dared to refute, but also showed a hint of indignation in his expression and voice.She is no ordinary woman.She is a lady, a noble lady. What is the name of this noble lady?Lauber asked. She called herself Mrs. Boo.Hanli took a deep breath.She must be the wife of your lord, for she is the perfect fit.I think she is very sincere. She's clearly smitten with you.Oehlen interrupted.But you're just a boy, and boys are easily charmed. Hanley ignored Oehlen's criticism and turned his attention to Birdy.Lord, can I tell you what happened? Bodi nodded in agreement, but Di Liang added conditions.Just tell the truth. OKHanley promises.On my way home from the Lowlands I was stopped by what I thought was a farmer, who spoke with an English accent.I was taken aback, for I had never heard of an Englishman setting foot on high ground without permission.I thought he was reckless, but forgave him the blunder on hearing of his noble mission. What noble task?asked Ollen. He and his brother protected the lady. Such a rare treasure is only protected by two people?Lauber sneered. Hanley broke his heart and delivered what he thought was the worst news.Your lord, your bride is English. Lian En, who was the least talkative among the guards, let out an angry roar, which startled Hanli a lot.Lauber cursed under his breath, Oehlen shook his head in disgust, and Di Liang couldn't help frowning.Only Bodie remained expressionless.He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and calmly ordered the messenger to continue talking. I didn't know that lady existed at first.Hanley explained.The Englishman told me his name was Waldot, and invited me to share his humble supper.He said Lord Lien allowed him to cross the border because his wife was a distant relative of Lien.I see no reason for him to lie.I was hungry and tired, so I accepted his invitation.He's quite likable, I mean for an Englishman.After eating, he told me he was curious about the northern clans.He knew the names of many clans, and asked me to use branches to draw the geographical locations of certain clans on the ground. Which clans is he particularly interested in?Boddy's tone hardened. Xin and Fei.Hanley replied.But he especially wants to know where the Mais and your Bruins are, lord.It's strange to think about it now, but he seems to be disappointed that Max lives so far north, but he is very happy that Brin's territory is adjacent to Xin's territory, and Xin's territory borders on Max's territory.I should have asked him why he was happy, but it didn't occur to me at the time. Did it ever occur to you then to ask him why he was interested in these clans?Di Liang asked angrily. Hanley flinched.have.Vardor said he wanted to know who would allow him to cross their lands and who would not, and I replied that none of the clans he asked would allow him to set foot on their lands. When did he tell you about that woman?asked Ollen. She is a lady.Hanli dared to make another correction. Oehlen rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Di Liang.go on. After I finished drawing the map, Vardor asked me if I knew a warrior named Burdy. You have to honor him as Lord Cloth.Lian En said sharply. Hanli nodded quickly.I'm just repeating what the farmer said.His name is Lord Burdy.I told him I knew the man he was inquiring about, and explained that he was Lord Cloth now.He asks many things about you, lord, but most of all he wants to know your integrity.It wasn't until I told him you were very upright that he revealed the real reason he had come to the Highlands.He is escorting your bride. Her father's soldiers showing up now? No.They were the only two brothers who escorted the lady, and they were both very old.I've searched, but haven't found anyone else. What kind of father would only send two old men to guard his daughter?Oehlen said. Really no one else.Hanley persisted.They were so protective of her that I wouldn't see her, but told me she was in church.They entrusted me with a message to you, lord, and said that you would reward me well.But I don't want anything from you, lord.He hastily added.For I have been rewarded. What reward?Lauber asked. I saw the lady and talked to her.There is no reward like that moment.Hanley said, ignoring Lian En's ridicule.Go ahead and laugh, but you haven't seen her so you won't understand. Get to the point.Di Liang said.Birdie's reaction puzzled him, for the lord barely spoke.The news of an English woman claiming to be his bride seemed to bore him. Hanli cleared his throat.As I was leaving, the lady called me from the open window.Immediately I jumped off my horse, and before Brother Wardle could stop me, I rushed to the window, because I wanted to see her and hear what she had to say.His attitude changed from fear to obsession in the blink of an eye.I saw her clearly and was close enough to touch her hand. did you touch herBodie asked in a chillingly soft voice. Hanli shook his head hastily.No, I would never dare to be so presumptuous.Your bride has been mistreated, lord.One side of her cheek and jaw was bruised and bruised.I noticed that she also had bruises on her hands and right arm, and her left arm was bandaged from wrist to elbow with blood on it.I wanted to ask her how she got those injuries, but found myself at a loss for words.I see weariness and pain in her eyes, her charming green eyes are like our spring hills, and I can't help but stare at her.He blushed and admitted.I believe I saw an angel in that moment. Hanli turned to Erlen and said: You asked me if she was good-looking, and good-looking is not enough to describe Lord Cloth's bride.His face was getting redder and redder.Her beauty cannot be described in words.I swear she must be an angel because she is flawless. Boddy hid his irritation.Angels, he thought, yes, blatantly lying angels.Have you ever described that lady's perfection to your lord or other clansmen?he asks. have.Hanley admitted.But I'm not over-rendering. Why?Lauber asked. Hanley knew he couldn't turn his back on Lord Cloth because that would be considered an insult, so he didn't turn to Lauber in answer.If they had known the true impression she made on me, they would have gone after her and kept her for themselves.I only said that the two Englishmen wanted me to bring a message to your lord, and the brothers hoped that your lord would know that it was time for him to fetch his bride.My lord didn't ask any more questions, and directly ordered me to send a message, but his captain of the guard wanted to know more details. Bucky?did you tell himDi Liang asked. He asked me if the lady was on the heights at this time, and I couldn't lie to him.I replied yes, but did not specify the exact location.I only said that she was near Lien's territory, and did not mention the church. Batch might be on the verge of taking Birdie's woman by now.Oehlen said. Baqi will definitely search for the lady in Lien's territory.Everyone in the Highlands knows how much he wants to outwit you, lord.if he can take your bride He dared to take what was ours.Lian En interrupted angrily. Even if only one member of the Tang clan touched her, all members of the Tang clan would die.Lauber speaks for others. Di Liang was a little annoyed that Lauber, Oehlen, and Liam had suddenly become the lady's protectors.You were all furious at this news five minutes ago, why did you suddenly change your attitude? The Tang family.Lauber replied. Especially Batch.Oehlen pouted. That lady belonged to Birdy, and no one else could have her.Lauber said. They kept talking more and more absurdly, and Birdie couldn't help smiling.I haven't recognized her yet.He reminded his warriors. But she recognized you, lord.Lynn retorted. Does that count?Di Liang asked. Boddy raised his hand to signal the others to silence.I want to ask the Messenger one last question, and I hope to hear his answer. What's the problem, lord?Hanley began to tremble again. You say she called you to the window to talk to you, but you haven't told me what she said. Hanley took a deep breath, hoping it wasn't his last, and blurted it out.She orders you to hurry. Lian and Alex waited in the abandoned church for nearly twenty-four hours. If they were willing, Lord Cloth would have arrived long ago.She knew she might not have the strength to stand up once she sat down, so she wandered the aisle thinking about their situation. We cannot wait any longer.She told Alex sitting on the bench. We couldn't leave because Uncle Birdie would be mad when he got here and couldn't find us.We must wait for him. She sat down beside him.Let's wait for him for another hour, but no more, shall we? He nods.Liane, why did the Baron have to get that box?Ali asked curiously. Because it's priceless, and it can solve a mystery from long ago.Do you want to hear a story? He nodded eagerly.I like listening to stories. Before John became king, he fell in love with a peerless beauty named Anna and wanted to marry her.He ordered his artisans to make a box that only he knew how to open.Craftsmen spent a year designing and manufacturing the ornate box that is hard to tell from top to bottom, as it has neither latch nor keyhole.The surface of the box is criss-crossed with gold threads, inlaid with colorful gems.Only John knows where to press to open the box. No, the craftsman who made the box also knew how to open it. John understood this too, so he ordered the artisan to be executed. Did he execute the beauty? No, he just wanted a lock of Anna's hair, because he believed she would bring him good luck when he went to war.He opened the box and put in his jeweled dagger, and ordered the squire to take the box to Anna's room, and told her to cut a lock of gold and put it in.The servant entered the room, put the box on the table, and left.He later told John that Anna was alone in the room, not even her maid. I know what happened next.She stole the box and the dagger, didn't she?he asked enthusiastically. Liane smiled.wrong.He heard her lock the door as the servant left.Later, he wanted to get the box back, but he called for a long time and no one answered.John had to find Anna by himself.There was no sound in the room, and the impatient John angrily ordered the soldiers to split open the door with an axe.He rushed in and saw Anna lying in a pool of blood.Someone had stabbed her to death, and the box and dagger were gone. Where are they?Who killed her? Nobody knows.John believes that the person who stole the box is the murderer who killed Anna.He not only sent troops to search around, but also offered a huge reward.But after all these years, the box is still missing. Speaking of daggers, didn't you mean to send my dagger to Boddy?Why did you change your mind later? If I send the dagger, Boddy will know you're the reason I want to see him, but I'm afraid someone will recognize the dagger.I dare not take such a big risk because I don't know who to trust. But you see that traitor on the road and he reminds her.You said you saw him go down the mountain when I fell asleep. Yes, I did see him, but remember when I told you not to let anyone know about it? Not even Boddy? Yes, not even him. How long do we have to wait? She patted the back of his hand.I think we've waited long enough.He's not coming to get us, and I shouldn't be so stupid as to tell the Down soldiers I'm Birdie's bride. But Boddy may need a bride, and he may come to fetch us. Then there was a knock on the door.As soon as Liane stood up, Waldo rushed in. There is trouble, miss.he said angrily.Hanley must have told the other Down soldiers that you were here, because more than thirty of them were coming here through the grass below.They wore cloaks of the same color as Hanli's, but I didn't see him in them. I don't understand, she replied.I didn't tell Hanley about Alex.What are his people doing here? I guess they're here to take you, miss. She was taken aback, shook her head and said: But they can't take me by force. Waldo said with a bitter face: People here have different styles, they take what they want. She took Alex by the hand and pulled him to his feet.let's go now.Go and call your brother, Vardo, and we will meet at the tie-up.hurry up. But I'm not done yet, miss.Another clan rode their horses and galloped towards the Tang soldiers from the other side of the grass.I'm not sure who they are, but I think they must be the Bu clan you're looking for.There are nine of them. If it was Boddy and his soldiers, they were outnumbered unfortunately. No, the unlucky ones are the soldiers of the Down family.I have never seen such a fierce-looking warrior, and I can see how scared the Down soldiers are from the way they back away.If anyone bleeds today, I don't think it will be the Brinell soldiers.Are you sure you want to take that child to those savages? She didn't know what to think, the panic made her heart almost stop.Hope it's Boddy and his men. Alex writhed and tried to break free from her hand and ran outside to watch the battle, but she wouldn't let go. Waldot, you and Henry get out of here before they get there.Thank you for everything you do for Alex and me, let's go. Waldo shook his head.We brothers will not leave until we are sure you are on your way safely, miss.We will stand outside the door.Unless we die, those soldiers will never touch you. As soon as he was outside, she turned to Alex.Tell me what Boddy looks like. He looks like Birdy.he answered. But what does it look like? He shrugged.Great. He smiled as he thought of an adjective he could add.And very old. ancient? He nods.Old as hell. She didn't believe his words.What color is his hair? White. are you sure? He nods.do you know? Her heart sank.What? His hearing is not very good. She had to sit down.Why didn't you tell me Boddy was an old man before I sent word that I was his bride?He may have been overwhelmed with shock, and died.She jumped up, pulled Alex and walked back.we are leaving. What about Buddy? The other group of soldiers was clearly not Boddy and his men.If the old man was among them, Wardor would have mentioned it. I want to go and see, and I can tell you if it's a Bruce soldier. Wa Duo opened the door and shouted: The soldiers of the Tang clan have fled, miss, another clan is coming here. Liane grabbed Alex by the shoulders and forced him to look at her.I want you to hide behind that slab until I'm sure who those are.Don't make any noise, Alex.promise me. If it's Bodie, can I come out? Not until he promises to help us. Well, I promise you to keep quiet.He said. Gaining his cooperation made her kiss his cheek with delight.While wiping his face with the back of his hand, he wriggled in her arms.You keep kissing me, he complained, but the big smile on his face showed he didn't mind at all.Just like my mother. go hide.She took him deep into the church.No matter what happens, you can't come out and you can't make a sound.Can you lend me the dagger that Boddy gave you? He handed her the dagger, but called to her in a low voice as she turned to walk away.Lian, are you afraid? Afraid.Well, don't make any more noise. She ran across the passage and stood before the altar to wait.A moment later she heard Vardor yell to stop.His orders were apparently ignored, for a second later the church door was flung open, revealing the most fearsome warrior she had ever seen in the center of the arch.Huge, he has long flaxen hair and bronzed skin, and is clad only in a dark plaid cape that doesn't reach his knees.He was unarmed, save for a short sword in his moccasin boot. She was trembling before he stepped into the church.His huge body blocks most of the sunlight, but the halo around his body makes him look like a god descended from the earth.She slid the dagger into her sleeve behind her back, then slowly moved her hands to her front and clasped them, deliberately pretending to be calm. The soldier Wenfeng stood motionless for a few seconds, his eyes searching for threats that might be lurking in the corner.When he was sure she was alone, he stooped through the door frame and stepped into the church, slamming the door behind him.