Chapter 1366

Yuvan and Harvey were escorted from the city gates, Wayne personally seeing them off. Harvey had expected his release after surrendering Yuvan, but when the Capital Army soldiers moved to seize him, Wayne remained silent.

Panic surged through Harvey. He struggled against his restraints, his eyes pleading for an explanation. Wayne offered a small, reassuring nod, urging calm. Yet, something felt amiss. Wayne had promised only Yuvan's surrender. Why was Harvey also being taken? The terrifying thought that he was being abandoned took hold.

“I’m innocent!” he cried. “I captured Yuvan. Release me!”

Thomas dismissed him with a cold glance. “What a fool!”

“Wayne!” Harvey’s heart sank. His anger morphed into helplessness. “Wayne, you know I’m innocent! I never rebelled. Please, tell General Farrell the truth!”

Wayne’s voice was calm, firm. “I trust our king will discern the truth, Your Highness. He will know who is guilty and who is innocent. You needn’t worry.” His emphasis on “our king” offered a flicker of hope.

Clifford's arrival would turn the tide; the Capital Army would be trapped in Valken, and he would escape. But why hadn't Wayne warned him?

Despite his anxiety, Harvey sought reassurance. If Wayne intended to abandon him, he could have simply killed him. Why risk letting him fall into Thomas's hands, potentially revealing Clifford's plan? Wayne’s brief, subtle nod eased Harvey's mind somewhat. The Capital Army couldn't leave Valken; there was no reason to doubt Wayne.

After capturing them, Thomas quickly led his troops into the city. Eighteen miles from Valken, a fierce battle was already raging. Clifford's forces, arriving in scattered groups, had been ambushed near Wandale by Chester's forces, who seemed to appear from nowhere. The sudden attack, coupled with the undisciplined nature of Clifford's private soldiers, shattered their morale. Chester's troops, riding high on recent victories, seized the opportunity for glory.

As the battle raged outside the city, Thomas entered Valken. A rider announced, "By the king's orders, General Farrell is here to apprehend the rebels! All citizens must return home immediately! The rebels are ruthless and bloodthirsty! They will slaughter the innocent! Return home and remain indoors until the rebellion is quelled."

Valken, besieged for days, had been on edge. Citizens remained indoors, merchants had closed their shops. At the soldiers' command, those remaining outside scrambled to secure their homes, fearing the city's potential destruction.

This sudden action surprised Wayne. He expected discussions with Thomas, clarification regarding Yuvan's betrayal, evidence gathering, and a public announcement. Even fabricated evidence would be necessary to regain public trust. Instead, Thomas initiated immediate combat.

Yet, Wayne wasn't overly concerned. Thomas's haste might even prove advantageous. Clifford's arrival would catch Thomas and his men off guard.