For instance, take a man on horseback.
First, observe his horse.
If it’s armored and robust, there’s a high probability he’s a knight, as such horses are expensive.
But if the horse is skinny, almost skeletal, then he’s likely a common cavalryman.
His mount is probably a temporary loan from his lord, not his own, and of the lowest quality.
Of course, these are generalities.
There are exceptions, like Howard, who was once impoverished.
His horse was the skeletal kind, yet he held the status of a knight – a special case indeed.
Beyond horses, there are weapons and armor, seemingly common items that, upon closer inspection, reveal significant differences.
A single-handed sword, for example, can be an iron sword, a Norman sword, a knight’s sword, or a hand-and-a-half sword, among others.
Sometimes a slight improvement in a weapon’s damage can increase its value several-fold. .
Such disparities in value can translate into life-or-death advantages on the battlefield.
Take two heavy infantrymen, each with a similar shield, but one wields a standard iron sword while the other a sharp knight’s sword.
In a final duel, the one with the knight’s sword has a distinct advantage.
For instance, when hacking at a shield, an iron sword might require dozens or even hundreds of strikes to break it, depending on the shield’s quality.
In contrast, a knight’s sword, with its superior craftsmanship and quality, might need only a dozen or so, perhaps even as few as five or six hits.
If one combatant has a shield to both attack and defend, and the other is unarmed, facing a superior blade, the outcome becomes predictable.
Just as weapons significantly impact combat, armor plays an equally crucial role.
A good shield can withstand a dozen or more hits without breaking, while a poor-quality shield might fall apart after just a few strikes.
The worst shields are made of wood, whereas the best ones come in various types.
The round shield, typically used by infantry, is of moderate size and convenient for use.
The kite shield, designed for knights, is similar in width to the largest diameter of a round shield but significantly longer.
This design caters specifically to knights on horseback.
Some special military units in certain countries have unique shields, like the elite crossbowmen of Lombardy, whose shields can reportedly withstand a cavalry charge.
Thus, an experienced commander reviewing a cavalry unit can accurately discern which among them are nobles and which are commoners.
Cavalry, being a crucial military force, often receives some level of investment from lords, so commoners selected for cavalry duty don’t usually have to worry excessively about equipment.
They are typically provided with a horse, a single-handed sword with a shield, or a lance with a shield.
However, heavy and light infantry face a harder situation.
Despite being a seemingly higher-tier unit, heavy infantry are not always equipped by their lords.
Light infantry, often conscripted peasants, may go to war in the same clothes they wear for farming.
Their chances of surviving a battle are slim, underscoring the stark differences in equipment and the disparities it creates on the battlefield.
Therefore, the soldiers placed great importance on scavenging the battlefield for spoils of war.
To them, these weapons and armor could not only enhance their combat capabilities, increasing their chances of survival on the battlefield, but also offered a valuable source of income post-war if they chose not to continue as conscripted soldiers.
For the farming peasants, selling these items could equate to a year’s or even several years’ worth of income.
The battlefield wasn’t just strewn with weapons and armor; many of the enemy soldiers carried valuable items.
Bringing these treasures back home could mean instant wealth.
In the eyes of the soldiers, clearing the battlefield was akin to exploring a land paved with gold, an opportunity laden with fortunes.
As the soldiers were busy scavenging, Bosiden approached Howard with Portia in tow.
“Lord Howard,” Bosiden said, “I’ve captured one of the enemy’s commanders. This man is Mibo’s chief of spies, the very person responsible for thwarting my efforts to make a proclamation!”
Portia spoke to Howard, “Please, don’t hold a grudge against me, Howard. As a chief of spies, it was my job to drive your people away. Don’t seek revenge on me.”
Resarite interjected, “Lord Howard, during the battle, I noticed that this Portia possesses a natural talent for military strategy and a boldness in commanding troops.
I can assure you that given time, he could become an exceptional leader.”
Meanwhile, Howard sat on a wooden stool, wiping his sword, and pretended not to hear Resarite’s words.
Behind Howard stood Margaret and Anna, who had earlier insisted on cleaning his armor and weapons but were refused by Howard.
His reason was that they were now knights and needed to be mindful of their status.
Engaging in menial tasks could violate the codes of nobility, leading to significant loss over a trivial matter.
Margaret didn’t argue further, though she didn’t bow her head in submission.
Anna, after sarcastically remarking, “Wow, just a few days as a baron and already putting on such airs,” fell silent.
Howard was slightly angered by Anna’s comment but suppressed his irritation.
He reasoned that Anna, possibly repressed for too long in her own family, might have a short temper, and he tried to persuade himself to forgive her impudence.
Resarite hesitantly spoke to Howard again, “So, I think it might be better to persuade Portia to defect to our side.”
Howard had heard Resarite’s earlier suggestion but had deliberately chosen not to respond.
It was crucial for him to maintain his core position in the team.
While it wasn’t necessary to assert his authority at every turn, he needed to show firmness when it mattered.
Now that Resarite had made his opinion clear, Howard had to respond.
Nodding, Howard looked directly at Portia and asked, “Do you have any lands under Mibo, Portia?”
Portia replied, “I am but a commoner, my lord. You flatter me.”
Howard, finding the situation simpler than anticipated, said, “Since you’re not a noble, there’s no need for noble formalities. Surrender to us. Since Resarite sees potential in you, you’ll serve under him from now on.”
Portia hesitated, and Resarite did not rush him.
Nobles, always concerned about face, needed to accept the olive branch with dignity.
The gesture had been made; it was up to Portia to accept the outcome with grace.
Ultimately, Portia refused to surrender.
Anna, drawing her sword, pointed it at Portia in anger, exclaiming, “What are you doing? Do you take our kindness for weakness? Our lord offered you respect by treating you as more than just a prisoner. Be warned, if you continue your obstinacy, my sword will show no mercy!”
Margaret’s gaze towards Portia was also filled with icy coldness.
Had Howard not been present, she might have already pressed her dagger against Portia’s throat.
Howard glanced sidelong at Anna, neither stopping nor endorsing her outburst.
Portia, lifting his chin defiantly, declared, “Do what you will – kill or maim me! I am a brave man and will not surrender!”
Resarite, valuing Portia’s loyalty, tried to mediate, “Rest assured, we are civilized people and will not resort to barbaric acts. Your steadfastness is admirable.”
After some thought, Howard decided to release Portia.
Holding a commoner like him captive would tarnish the nobility’s honor, and yet the situation didn’t warrant his execution.
Demanding ransom wasn’t an option either, as Portia wasn’t of noble birth, and such an act would break the rules of nobility.
Thus, in a bid to win hearts and minds, Howard chose to free Portia.
Upon his departure, Portia cast a deep look at both Resarite and Howard, remarking, “You will regret this.”
Howard exchanged a look with Resarite, who could only offer a wry smile in response.
The next prisoners to be dealt with were Karlondo, the president of the Wislot Merchants’ Association, and his deputy, Madam Agate.
Though not nobles, they possessed substantial wealth.
Demanding a hefty ransom could bring in a significant sum, but their status as commoners complicated matters.
Nobles could demand ransom from fellow nobles they captured, but it was against the rules to demand ransom from commoners.
This distinction was key in differentiating nobles from bandits and kidnappers.
Karlondo immediately knelt before Howard and pleaded, “My lord, don’t blame us. It’s all Portwan’s fault. He demanded soldiers from our merchant association, but we are businessmen – who among us knows anything about warfare?”
Madam Agate echoed his sentiment, “My lord, I have long heard of your esteemed reputation, and seeing you today, you truly stand apart. Young and handsome, I’m sure many women admire your valor.”
“If you would kindly release us today, our Wislot Merchants’ Association pledges, regardless of who wins or loses this war, to assist you in establishing trade routes between Wislot and Castle Fernsouth, thereby promoting economic development in both regions.”
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