Golden Age (7)

Falling behind the retreating band, Guts stays locked in combat with the soldiers chasing him, keeping his seat even as they cut his back. Griffith and the main force reach their fort, and when he asks after Guts, Corkus admits he does not know, quietly impressed by how hard the newcomer is fighting. Guts' horse is killed and the others leave him for lost until Griffith, Judeau, Pippin, and a handful more ride back in time to pull him free. Griffith hauls him onto a horse and the group races for the fort with the enemy close behind.

Just as the pursuers close in, the band bursts through the tree line, where the enemy is met by cannon fire and defensive stakes and forced to retreat. The fighters celebrate, all but Casca, who cannot decide what to make of the bond forming between Griffith and Guts. From within the fort two old men look down on Griffith and marvel at his unnatural gift for leading troops.

That night the band feasts, and its members begin to warm to Guts. Griffith finds him perched on the battlements, gazing out over the land, while Judeau, Pippin, and the young Rickert climb up to invite him to drink. When Guts refuses, Pippin simply drags him down to the gathering, and Guts finally decides to join them. Corkus looks on with envy as the celebration turns in Guts' honor, and Guts catches a smile from Griffith across the crowd. Casca watches the whole scene alone from the ramparts.

Guts is abandoned by the fleeing band and nearly killed before Griffith rides back to rescue him. The band reaches the fort and repels the pursuing enemy with cannon fire and palisades. The fighters celebrate and accept Guts, who joins them at Pippin's insistence, while Casca watches apart.

The chapter deepens the bond between Guts and Griffith and continues Casca's uncertainty over their partnership. It rounds out the band's core with Rickert, Pippin, and Judeau welcoming Guts. The onlookers' remarks foreshadow the wider reputation Griffith is building as a commander.