Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 186: New masters(2)

Jorundr's sharp eyes flicked over the faces of Aric's companions, taking in their surprise and unease. The corners of his mouth curled into a mocking grin. He let out a booming laugh that echoed across the field. "Your faces say it all!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with contempt. "The real lord is nowhere to be seen, and instead, the pup has come out to face the wolves."

Aric's men stiffened in their saddles, but none dared to speak against the warlord's taunt. 

Jorundr stepped forward, his heavy boots sinking into the earth, and his voice rang out with an air of finality. "It matters not who your true lord is." He waved a dismissive hand, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Your father, your so-called lord, is nowhere to be found. From now on, you are the new lord of these lands—by absence if not by right. And I," he raised his arms, his tone now laced with both arrogance and ceremony, "declare this by the authority given to me by the great Knotur Geowulf, to whom all these lands shall soon answer."

He took a step closer to Aric, his towering frame casting a shadow over the young man. "I am the warlord of Knotur Geowulf, and I claim what is his by conquest. Whether you call yourself lord, regent, or son—it matters not. You face me, boy, and your time to decide your fate is now."

Aric straightened his back, forcing himself to stand tall despite the looming presence of Jorundr. His voice was firm, though he couldn't hide the strain. "My father is still alive,that would be treason" he said, locking eyes with the towering warlord.

Jorundr shrugged, utterly unfazed. "If you fear for your position, boy," he said with casual indifference, "then kill him." The statement was so blunt, so devoid of emotion, that it sent a chill through Aric's men. Their faces twisted in bewilderment, horror flashing in their eyes as they glanced at their young leader, unsure if they'd heard correctly.@@novelbin@@