Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 123

+15 BONUS

Barrett stared at Carissa. He couldn’t continue speaking, as she had rendered him speechless.

She was right. She was the deputy commander of the Mystic Army and a fifth–ranked general of the court. Every word she spoke carried weight.

He didn’t have many men with him, and had hoped the Mystic Army would join him. His own troops were exhausted, but the Mystic Army had rested here for quite some time. He believed that if they encountered the Westhaven forces or nomadic tribes, they could fight.

In a low voice, he pleaded, “I want to lead the Mystic Army, even if I have to beg you, Carissa. I know I’ve wronged you before. You can punish me however you want. But we’ve been waiting for nearly two days! Aurora can’t hold on much longer. I know you hate her, but we’ll make amends together once we find her.”

Carissa’s gaunt face remained cold. “This has nothing to do with personal grudges. The Mystic Army cannot advance any further.”

Barrett clenched his fists. “Carissa, I’m already begging you! What more do you want from me?”

Violet sneered, and spat sarcastically, “Is begging supposed to be impressive? Your plea is so sincère, we’re tempted to beat you up ourselves! If the Mystic Army joins you in the plains and you encounter the Westhaven forces or those tribes, will you fight or let them handle it?”

“Be quiet!” Barrett’s anger reached its peak, and he finally couldn’t contain his fury. “Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?”

Violet lifted her chin in contempt. “What a joke! Do I need any special status to talk to you? How about you measure your own worth? Are you even qualified to be so presumptuous in front of me?”

Barrett was utterly furious. “Carissa, control your people. Don’t let every stray dog bark at me!”

It was Bun who sprang up first. His fists were large, and he quickly launched himself at Barrett. Almost immediately, his fists began to rain down on Barrett’s head, face, and body.

Travis was slightly slower to react. Nonetheless, he moved with impressive speed and delivered swift and powerful blows with his legs.

This relentless assault left Barrett unable to defend himself. He could only hunch–over, using his hands to protect his head as he endured the beating from the two men.

“Damn it! I’ve wanted to hit you for a long time! If it weren’t for my military status, I’d have taken action the first time I saw you two!” Bun spat out.

“Do you really think so highly of yourself? With your character, you dare to be fickle! We men make promises and stick to them, even if it means death! You made us look bad!”

“You said you’d accept any punishment Cari gave you, didn’t you? Well, now you’re being punished! Take it and learn to be a decent person for the rest of your life!”

All the soldiers watched the scene unfold, including Barrett’s own men. They wanted to intervene, but knew that Bun and Travis were formidable, and they were standing up for Carissa. The Mystic Army

was also there to protect their general.

Besides, everyone present was a man of honor.

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Barrett’s disdain for his ex–wife and abandonment of her was something no one could tolerate. As he and Aurora had requested a marriage edict through their military achievements, however, nobody dared speak out about it.

It was only when Carissa felt the beating had gone on long enough that she spoke up. “Bun, Rod, stop

it.”

Bun and Travis finally ceased their assault, though they spat in disdain before walking away.

The soldiers then helped Barrett up. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and staggered toward Carissa. Blood trailed down his chin as he asked, “Can we go look for Aurora on the plains now?”

Carissa looked at his battered appearance. Did he think enduring a beating would allow him to lead the Mystic Army?

Her eyes grew serious as she replied softly, “Barrett, just wait. It’s not the plains, but the mountains. Over a hundred thousand Westhaven soldiers are up there now, seeking justice. We can only wait.”

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