Chapter 26: Dense Fog

In the thick, impenetrable fog, which felt as dense as liquid ink, the world was shrouded by a heavy, suffocating curtain. The surroundings were as silent as a graveyard, save for the occasional, distinct sound of dripping water that only served to deepen the deathly atmosphere.

Even though his guards stood within arm's reach, Baron Morley could not make out their faces. Yet, he could clearly sense the surge of surprise and excitement in the Baron’s demeanor—a feeling akin to sensing the fluctuation of someone's breath in the dark, even when their features remained obscured.

The man posing as "Heinrich" was actually Roberto, with Carlo beside him, using Roberto as a "megaphone" to communicate with the Baron. Baron Morley’s voice trembled with agitation as he shouted:

"Is that you, Heinrich? I have it! I have it! Five thousand pounds, not a penny short. Where is my son, Richard? Let me see him at once."

At the same time, a flicker of imperceptible cunning crossed the Baron’s eyes. He had secretly held back a squad of elite soldiers, who, according to his plan, were stealthily circling toward the source of the voice. They moved with light, cautious steps, striving to remain utterly silent.

The booming voice of "Heinrich" rang out again:

"You old fox, tell your men to stay where they are. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Be careful, or I’ll hack Richard to pieces right now. And address me as King Heinrich!"

Immediately, the sounds of flesh being struck and faint, whimpering cries echoed from the distance, piercing the silent fog with chilling clarity. Panic-stricken, Baron Morley shrieked at the top of his lungs:

"Everyone, stay where you are!"

He then quickly added, "King Heinrich! My men have stopped! I am having them bring you the money! Please, there is a misunderstanding; I beg you, do not hurt Richard." His brows were knit tightly, and fine beads of sweat clung to his forehead.

"Heinrich" continued: "You old rascal, it seems you’ve brought quite a few men. What are you planning?"

The Baron stomped his feet in anxiety, gesturing wildly with his hands as he explained, "King Heinrich! This is 5,000 pounds—it’s very heavy, I couldn't carry it alone! Besides, we are too close to the French camp. I needed more men to guard the transport!"

"Heinrich" asked suspiciously: "Are you sure you aren't trying to finish me off?"

The Baron replied desperately: "How could that be, King Heinrich! Please, just let me see Richard!" His body leaned forward, as if he were impatient to pierce through the fog and behold his son.

"Heinrich" replied: "That won't do. You have too many people there. My brothers and I don't want to take the risk."

"Then, King Heinrich!" the Baron asked anxiously. "What would you have me do?"

"Heinrich" commanded: "Tell your men to throw away their weapons and armor."

Intent only on retrieving Richard, Baron Morley did not pause to consider the demand. He turned and shouted to his soldiers, "Do not worry, I will compensate you all!" He then impatiently ordered his confidants to carry out the command.

Some of the more honest soldiers, hearing the order, discarded their weapons and armor without hesitation, the sounds of clattering metal filling the air. However, many others thought that since the fog was so thick, no one could see them; fearing for their safety, they did not comply.

"King Heinrich!" the Baron shouted. "My soldiers have done as you asked. Can we begin the exchange now?"

"Heinrich" remained relentless: "No. Who knows if your men actually followed orders? Collect all the weapons and armor. Send no more than ten soldiers to bring me all the horses, weapons, and armor."

By now, Baron Morley had completely lost his reason. Wanting only to see his son, he issued the order without further hesitation. Although many soldiers were reluctant, their trust in the Baron led them to obey. They tied their gear to the horses and allowed the Baron’s men to lead them away. Of course, many remained skeptical and secretly held back much of their equipment, and about a hundred soldiers, finding the situation too bizarre, simply ignored the order altogether.

The scene descended into chaos. After a long while, the cache of horses, armor, and weapons was finally delivered to "Heinrich." The ten soldiers who delivered them moved with extreme caution, making no sound. One could only hear the horses being led away, the sounds fading into the fog in an eerie manner.

Baron Morley asked impatiently: "King Heinrich! I have done everything you said. Can we exchange now?"

"Heinrich" sneered: "No. You have too many men; even unarmed, my brothers cannot handle them. Have all your men tie each other up!"

Helpless, the Baron issued the order once more. The scene fell into disarray again as the soldiers scrambled to bind one another in the fog. However, in such uncertain and dangerous conditions, no one truly tied their knots tightly, each man retaining a sliver of vigilance.

After a short while, Baron Morley called out expectantly: "King Heinrich! My men are bound. Now, let me see Richard!"

"Heinrich" laughed heartily: "Haha, no problem! I am sending you to see Richard right now!"

Overjoyed, the Baron quickly asked: "Should I come over, or will you bring Richard here?"

However, the only answer he received was the sound of thousands of crossbow bolts whistling through the air. The white fog was first disturbed by the flight of the bolts, creating a swirling, black chaos. Then, as the bolts found their marks, red blood began to diffuse through the mist, staining the fog a sanguine hue.

The stone bridge was instantly filled with the dying cries of men and horses, a cacophony that rose and fell like a symphony of death. In truth, "Heinrich" had not lied to the Baron—firstly, because no such person as "Heinrich" existed, and secondly, he was indeed sending the Baron to see Richard, albeit in a most brutal fashion.

Baron Morley perished in the very first volley of crossbow fire.

The battle concluded with terrifying speed. The force, once numbering 800, was now trapped in a desperate plight. The narrow stone bridge had become the site of their nightmare. No matter how formidable their combat prowess had been in daily life, it now amounted to nothing.

They were packed like sardines in a tin, crowded onto the bridge. Those in the front and back shoved against one another, their shouts and curses weaving through the mist. Many, stripped of their weapons, armor, and the horses that could have served as cover or mounts, and with their hands bound, could only watch helplessly as they were slaughtered.

First suffering through multiple volleys from hundreds of crossbowmen, and then falling into an ambush laid by the three thousand troops of Countess Jeanne of E堡, those who survived were only the most fortunate and the most decisive in their surrender.

The Morley family was effectively erased. The Baron’s ambition, his hopes, and his life vanished in an instant, like a phantom in the mist.