Chapter 37 The Hunt

  "Ian's original plan was to cooperate with Black Falcon to organize mercenary teams in all the important inns, ports, and villages on the north shore of the Eye Lake to hunt players passing through this area.

  With such a large operation, he naturally didn't dare to get involved in the Black Fire Treasure. Firstly, he was too busy, and secondly, he was worried about damaging his relationship with Black Falcon.

  Now that Black Falcon is dead and without the support of the mercenary group, he can only focus on two locations, this cross road inn and King's Avenue outside. These are the primary locations, and the other places, at best, are left to luck. He almost no longer needs to do anything himself.

  Moreover, the powerful Black Falcon mercenary group is now engaged in internal strife due to the death of Black Falcon. So, what reason does he have not to get involved in the Black Fire treasure?

  "But before we discuss this issue, I need to arrange your original mission," Ian changed the subject.

  "Sir, what exactly do you need us to do for you?" Sir Grantham was now more proactive.

  "Hunting."

  "Hunting?"

  "You can explain, Martha." Ian didn't explain directly but decided to let Martha do it for him.

  Soon, Martha told the story of 'Sir Lucien' and the others who came here from King's Landing to capture fugitives. She didn't mention the reward offered by the queen, perhaps out of self interest.

  "In short, your mission is to monitor this inn and King's Avenue outside, and secretly capture the person I want," Ian took over.

  "My people don't have horses, so I can take charge of actions in the cross road inn," Denzel spoke first.

  "How many of you can ride a horse?" After Ian finished speaking, he adjusted his words, "How many of you can fight on a horse?"

  "Three of us, including me, 'Pickled Len', 'Split Pants' and Jimmy. We used to be free riders, but due to the bad market in the past two years, we had to sell the horses."

  "Now you are free riders again. I will provide you with horses, more sophisticated weapons, and concealed chains that can be worn under your coats. Armor or plate armor embedded with iron sheets, these are all gifts from me." Ian looked at Grantham again, "Of course, you will have them too."

  "Your generosity astounds me," Denzel was visibly pleased.

  "I will provide you with funds later, and you will arrange for people to go to the nearby castle to purchase them. After that, you and your two cavalrymen will be under Sir Grantham's command. You will be responsible for monitoring the King's Road and pursuing those who are suspiciously monitoring the cross road inn from a distance."

  "Oh, I have no problem with Sir Grantham commanding us, but what about the rest of my men?"

  "The others will stay in the inn and be under my personal command. Before that, you need to select a leader from among them who will report directly to me."

  "This may weaken my reputation, sir," Denzel objected.

  "Aren't you going to be my attendant? Do you still care about your reputation in the mercenary team?"

  "As you wish," Denzel conceded, unable to find any other reason. He bowed his head to express his obedience.

  "Bring this person in. I want him to attend our meeting."

  After a while, Denzel brought in a strong man with a gray beard.

  "This is 'Eric', Eric a senior swordsman and my life mentor," Denzel introduced. "I recommend him to temporarily take over my command of the mercenary team he like to tell dirty jokes".

  "Sir, it's an honor to serve you," Eric smiled at Ian. But as he was about to speak again, Ian interrupted him firmly.

  "My first order is, don't tell dirty jokes in front of me."

  "Oh, seven hells," the dirty jokes pretended to be frightened. "I know you were the son of a noble, but I believe the Archbishop is not as pious as you. Maybe one tenth of his piety."

  "My second order is, don't smile in front of me," Ian continued.

  "As you wish," Eric responded noncommittally, still wearing a playful and smiling expression.

  "Then, you must remember every word I say next," Ian clapped his hands, gesturing for everyone to pay attention. "What I want to arrest is a group. They consist of mercenary knights, wandering mercenaries, and a few archers, perhaps even ironmen. During our pursuit, they all fled, but it's possible they regrouped here. The mercenary knight among them wears a full set of chain armor, including chain mail gloves and greaves. Their weapon is a half hand sword, they have only one horse, and no attendants. The archer uses a yew wood longbow and carries a dagger. There's no armor or horse. The ironborn warriors carry three throwing axes, one of which is larger and can be used as a battle axe. The wandering mercenaries wear leather armor and have short swords and daggers."

  "Sorry, sir," Denzel couldn't help but interrupt Ian, "Seven out of ten mercenaries are dressed like this."

  "So, this is not all, be patient, my friend," Ian smiled. "For those who meet the requirements, focus on new faces you've never seen before, loners, and individuals who appear very alert. Your mercenaries will be divided into two groups. The first group, all cavalry, under Sir Grantham's command, will monitor the King's Road outside the inn. If a suspicious person who matches the description passes by without entering the inn, follow and seize them, then I will personally identify whether they are the fugitives I want to capture."

  "Group 2."

  "I have a question, Ian," Denzel interrupted again.

  "Go ahead."

  "What should we do if we capture someone who isn't the person you're looking for?"

  Ian was momentarily stunned, he hadn't thought about this problem yet.

  "Let the mercenaries apprehend individuals based on these criteria. It's normal for people to be mistakenly arrested. So, what should we do with those who are arrested by mistake? It's not possible to release them directly, so lock them up first".

  "You intend to let them go, right?" Denzel seemed to have guessed Ian's thoughts. "Sir Lucian, you and your companions are from the great Lannister family. Naturally, you don't have to consider the feelings of the wrongly captured knights and mercenaries".

  "But i and the mercenaries we can't do that. We have been operating here for a long time, and if we mistakenly capture someone, for any reason, it would create a grudge. If they happen not to be the individuals you want to arrest, then release them will make us their target for revenge this we can't accept".