Ben stared at the old man.

  How’s that possible?

  Whatever concoction was inside that vial took away two decades of age.

  Hauxwell slowly stood as his back snapped, crackled, and popped. He stretched his arms and legs before twisting his neck at various angles to squeeze the remaining stress. He turned to face Jerry, “You’ve been holding out on me all these years. I haven't been able to stand like this for years.”

  Jerry shook his head, “Take it easy, old man. That’s the last youth potion in my possession.”

  Hauxwell huffed as if he didn't believe a word. “Knowing you, you’re probably saving a bunch for your stingy self.” He gave the archer a pat on the back. “I’m messing around with you. Alright, what’s the situation then?”

  Jerry explained the events that took place in detail.

  Once he was done, Hauxwell appeared to shake his head in disbelief and scratched his chin. “We should have seen this coming. He’s always been a sly bastard, scheming in the shadows and plotting against the duchy. This knight, Alfred of Wesport. The name rings a bell, but I can't put my finger on it.”

  “He was that skinny kid squiring for Le’Vieux back in that tournament when Aella fought that uptight mage from the capital,” Jerry explained.

  “Ahh, I remember now. Aella nearly blew that arena to smithereens.” Hauxwell started to chuckle. “I knew Le’Vieux was grooming that kid for the grand master's table. He’s going to be pissed if that kid ends up dead.” He paused as if thinking about something, then turned to Ben. “Tell me, did hot-head Le’Vieux make it to Grand Marshall?”

  Ben nodded. “As far as I know, he’s the Grand Marshall.”

  Hauxwell started to chuckle. “You know, me and him were rivals. We were even at each other's throats at one point. I was a little older than him and lost my prime while he kept rising through the ranks.” A teary smile swept across his face, and he sniffed a deep sigh. “Those days feel like a lifetime away.”

  Jerry nodded and started laughing. “Enemies at home and best friends on the battlefield.”

  “I’m happy he made it after all those years. It would have been fun if he had come along for this; it would have been like old times. Did you both formulate a plan, or did you come empty-handed?”

  Ben and Jerry shot each other an awkward glance.

  Jerry gulped and shrugged. “Ahh. Sir, I hoped you’d develop one since you have more experience. Besides, don’t you know if the others are still kicking about for one last battle?”

  Hauxwell took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m afraid it’ll just be the three of us. The others have either passed or ended up joining the Meso Knights. You’re the only one that’s kept in regular contact with me.”

  Sadness filled Jerry’s face. It looked like he was about to say something when the door creaked open.

  Hauxwell’s sister walked in with a tray containing three steamy cups, a bread plate, and sliced cheese. As the room started to fill with the scent of honey and camomile, she stopped dead in her tracks, almost dropping everything. “My god! I never thought I’d see you up and about like that again.”

  Hauxwell grinned. “Yeah, I didn't think so too. We can thank Aella for leaving us with that youth potion. The guy pulled through for me, even after his death.”

  Hannah glanced at Ben and Jerry and huffed as disappointment swept her face. “What are the three of you up to?”

  Hauxwell scratched his head. “Erm…Nothing.”

  Hannah put the tray on a nearby table. “As if I believe that.” She shook her head as tears started running down her face. She hurried out of the room, slamming the door shut.

  “Hannah!” Hauxwell yelled to no avail. “Don't worry, she’ll be the first one there with her crossbow when Sudfield comes for the farm. I better talk to her and get into my old gear. Help yourself.” He finished, motioning to the tray before leaving the room.

  Ben glanced at Jerry, who shrugged before grabbing one of the cups with one hand and a piece of cheese with the other.

  The bread was freshly baked and soft on the inside. Combined with the cheese, it melted in Ben’s mouth, tingling his tastebuds with tons of dairy goodness. He snatched a few more pieces and stuffed his mouth. When Jerry paused and gave him an awkward glance, he shrugged. “What?”

  Jerry grinned while chewing. “The best dairy farm in all of Great Malle.”

  The door creaked open with a metallic thud. Hauxwell entered, his suit of armor clanking as he walked in. “Come on, lads. We’ve got a rescue mission to conduct.” He turned to Jerry. “Did Aella tell you how long this thing lasts?”

  “After a day, the effects will slowly start to wear, and on the second day, it’s completely dispelled,” Jerry explained.

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  Hauxwell clanged his fists together. “A day is all we’ll need to kick their asses. Come on, let’s get to it.”

  Jerry put his hands up. “Hold your horses, Hauxwell. If things turn sour, then everyone here will be in danger. You need to speak with Hannah and get everyone to Robynhill. There’s more people there, and it’ll be easier to escape from there if need be.”

  Ben sat in the driver's seat, feeling squashed.

  Hauxwell and Jerry managed to squeeze into the passenger seat and the smaller one in the middle. Ben figured it would have been alright if everyone had worn normal clothes, but the armor made it a tight fit.

  Before getting in, Hauxwell had spoken with his people and convinced them to prepare for a migration to Robynhill. Some argued, but they ultimately agreed after he explained what Sudfield was up to.

  Ben glanced through the side mirror and noticed the mass of bodies, horsecarts, and cattle. Even a few herding dogs were barking around, keeping everything in check. “Are we good to go?” He asked.

  “It’ll be right. Come on, let’s get moving.” Hauxwell nodded and pointed ahead.

  After driving down the farm track, Ben was pointed in the opposite direction of Jerry’s cabin. The trail bent around the uneven terrain between the trees before going uphill.

  Hauxwell and Jerry decided to use their time for a much-needed catch-up. They shared nostalgic tales of their days and the battles they had fought in, even speaking of a few great knights whom they idolized while grinding the ranks of the Hollow Moon. They remembered their fallen comrades and agreed to share a few drinks at Arthel’s in their honor once everything blew over.

  From their conversations, Ben learned that Hauxwell seemed more like a father figure to Jerry than a mentor. This could have been due to their years of service together, or the old man had taken him in.

  Ben’s chest tensed, and his eyes started to water. He felt somewhat jealous of their relationship as he had never experienced something like that before. On Earth, apart from a few friends, there weren't many people who had noticed him, let alone cared for him. Living in the van for years had isolated him from a normal life. Since disappearing, he figured no one would have even gone out looking for him.

  Jerry, who was sitting in the middle, must have noticed Ben’s face and decided to change the topic of the conversation to be more comedic.

  Ben took a few breaths to calm himself and continued till he reached the verge. All his worries faded as he took in the grand view before him. A large fortress had appeared, its circular towers rising into the sky while its foundations sat on an island in the center where three rivers merged into one. “What is that?” He asked.

  “That right there is The Trident Fort. She is also known by many around here as Chateau Meso and was built by the Hollow Moon almost two centuries ago to defend against the great army of the dark fairies. One of the greatest castles you’ll ever set your eyes upon.”

  Jerry sighed. “We spent too much time there training and perfecting the art of war. I sure miss those youthful days.”

  Hauxwell started to laugh. “Youthful days? Half that time you spent chasing women.” He then glanced at Ben. “You know, he used to spend hours gathering flower bouquets. A real ladies' man. They used to call him ‘The loverboy of Meso.’”

  Jerry facepalmed. “I swear if I find out any of you blabbered that to my wife, I’m going to shoot arrows in both your knees. Is that understood?”

  Ben raised his eyebrows and said. “My lips are sealed.”

  Hauxwell shook his head and chuckled. He then pointed ahead. “Ben, we’re nearing the outskirts of Dimiwood. Stop this thing behind that hill so we can look at the situation and create a plan based on what we learn.”

  Ben did as he was bid. They got out and crawled to the vantage point. Hauxwell removed a looking glass from his spatial storage and started observing. Once he was done, he passed it over to Jerry.

  Hauxwell pointed. “Most of them are gathered near the guardhouse.”

  Jerry chuckled. “That’s why it’s called a guardhouse, Sir. Where else would they be?”

  Hauxwell shook his head as if annoyed. “Stop being a smart ass. Around a dozen are on duty, including the four out on patrol. They will rotate the men each time a patrol is completed.”

  Jerry raised his eyebrows and gave Hauxwell a funny look. “I wonder who taught them that.”

  “It’s a good strategy, but it has one weakness. If they are attacked when their patrol is at the far end of the perimeter, then their manpower is down a third. From the looks of things down there, it looks like most of Sudfield's army must have fallen back away from here, or they could be hiding in ambush. Either way, we need to get in there, find the Knight-Captain, and haul our asses out of there.”

  Jerry finished with the looking glass and passed it to Ben.

  Seeing the smaller end, Ben looked at the village below. It was split into two areas, each with distinct architecture. The side closest to the forest looked newer, was constructed from wood, and resembled Jerry’s cabin. Then, they shifted to stone and mortar as they neared the main road to the fortress. That was where Sudfield's men stood, alert and looking around.

  Jerry cleared his throat. “The main problem I will face is the wall surrounding the guardhouse. It’s got the height to provide them with cover from my bow. And I can't even see a decent vantage point to pick them off from a distance. It’s going to be a tough one.”

  Ben approximated the wall's height to be around a meter and a half, and it didn't look too thick. He retracted the looking glass and passed it to Hauxwell. “I think I might be able to remedy the situation.”

  “Go on then, what is it?” Hauxwell asked.

  Ben cleared his throat. “My van should be able to drive through the thin part of the walls easily. It should be enough to catch them by surprise.”

  Jerry shrugged. “That still doesn’t fix my situation with the bow.”

  Ben grinned. “Well, that’s why we’ll tie you at the top of the van. That should provide you with enough of a vantage point. And the ones you miss, I can always run them over.”

  “What? You can't be serious. I’m not getting on top of that thing while you crash through a stone wall.” Jerry objected.

  A wide grin filled Hauxwell’s face. “He’s right. That’ll work wonders.”

  “Yeah, while the two of you do nothing, I’m putting myself in danger.” Jerry crossed his arms and quickly shook his head.

  Hauxwell patted him on the shoulder. “Come on, you’ll be the first archer in the world to say he did that. He did say you’ll be tied down, so I don't see the problem.”

  “I won't need to drive fast to break through it, so all you have to do is hold tight.” Ben interrupted.

  Jerry shook his head in disappointment and huffed. “Fine. The two of you owe me a drink.”

  They returned to the van, and Ben hurried back to grab his tow rope.

  “How do I even get up there?” Jerry asked, glancing up.

  Ben passed him the rope. “Just climb up. When you get there, you will see some flat panels stay well away from them and move to the front. Under the front of them, you’ll see metal feet bolted into the van's roof. Make sure you tie the rope in two places and wrap it around yourself so it’s tight.”

  Jerry cursed with every step up. “I’m getting too old for this shit.”

  Once everything was set, Ben put the pedal to the metal.