The Prince and Axel sat in the room and debated some of their options on ways to secure enough food for the people here and for their attack on the Capital. They had the option of trying to clear the Bandit encampment that was discovered by Major Drifter. Or they could begin raiding the supplies area of Creekside. However, if they raided the supply depots of Creekside it might affect innocents. The more they brainstormed the harder the decision became. The Bandit Encampment more then likely didn't have enough supplies to last. But they only needed enough supplies until they could get food production which would be in a few months.
"Honestly, I think avoiding the supply depots is the better option, but would be the easier option for a lasting food source until your food production is in a good spot. However, attacking the Bandit encampment would be good for the people, possibly rallying some to our cause but would keep us strained for supplies." (Henry)
"How about we make a deal Prince?" (Axel) A small grin appears on Axel's face causing chills to the Prince.
"A deal? What else do you want from me?" (Henry) regaining his composure, the Prince looked into Axel's eyes.
"Anyone saved from the bandits camps that wishes to stay with IronHide is not forced to return to the Creekside. Basically they will be allowed to live under our protection. Think about it. You already failed to protect them once. If they feel safer with us, why don't you allow them to stay." (Axel) The prince froze, his mind wandering beginning to think what this man had planned.
"Are you trying to build your own Kingdom? Do you realize what you're asking? I know we promised the forest to be yours but if you keep ingrateing more people into your area other Kingdoms will find you as a threat."(Henry) Axel didn't say a word and only turned away from the prince staring out the window.
"Prince Henry, sometimes you shouldn't let your imagination run wild. However, I'll tell you one thing as the person who's gonna help me make it happen. One day in the future our name is gonna make the Kingdoms shake in fear every time we enter the battlefield. Your mages are no match for our weaponry. Don't worry though Prince because when we return Creekside to you. I'll allow you to become our first Vassal State." (Axel)His voice rang in the ears of the Prince, although he couldn't understand everything that was being said the Prince knew one thing. This man doesn't view any Kingdom as his equal and believes he has the power to unite everything.
"You think you have the power to conquer the lands! So many have tried and failed! You're chasing a false dream. No where do you have enough men, and no where will you be able to hold against the elite mages of a Kingdom. I will not submit myself to be a vassal state!" (Henry) Anger could be seen on the Prince's face as he faced the back of Axel who began laughing.
"Haha, Prince one of these days you'll come to understand the might of Ironhide. But for now we can forget the matter. As a friend working towards the same goal of saving your Kingdom I offered Vassal State, this would allow you to govern your own land, and seek expansion within other vassal states or kingdoms. Anyways, do you agree to our terms or not? Otherwise I'm hitting the supply depots which will cause problems for you in the future." (Axel) Helplessness overwhelmed the Prince because he knew he didn't have the power to stop IronHide at this time, and wouldn't for the foreseeable future, because his elite mages will be dead if he regains his Kingdom.
"Fine. but in return for allowing the people to stay within IronHide you must protect the Kingdom until we get an elite mage again at the end of this war." (Henry) Although he didn't have much power he must at the very least bargain so he doesn't lose out.
"Of course, as a future Vassal of IronHide, why wouldn't I protect you from future foreign enemies. That's a complete given." (Axel) Completely shocking the Prince, his voice raised extremely quickly.
"I already told you, I will not become your vassal!" (Henry) Not budging an inch Axel stood extremely firm staring out the window before finally turning facing the Prince directly."
"Everything will become one in due time. It's safer to be with me than against me, my friend. I'm just offering the easiest and safest route. Anyways, I suppose we should begin focusing on our attack on the bandits." (Axel) Turning around back towards the window Axel summoned Gold Squad mentally.
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's discuss the plan." The Prince grew impatient as silence filled the room.
"Ah right, sorry they are on their way right now." (Axel) Taking a seat across from the Prince. *Knock Knock*"Come in. Prince, this is Terry and Sam from Gold Squad, the main two culprits who killed the mages in their assault on the cabin." Instantly grabbing his attention he looked at the two Gold Squad members and looked over them. They wore the same exact gear as the rest of the squad he came across. How did they kill the mages without even being seen? In the meantime he nodded at the two members of the Gold Squad and remained quiet listening.
"Anyways they will be handling most of the scouting and killing/capturing key targets during our assault on the bandit base." (Axel)
"Why are you making your strongest units capable of killing mages to scout. Shouldn't that be handled by some of your lowest ranks? As mage killers they should be deserving of respect," (Henry) The prince pushed to defend the two members of Gold. He thought if he could get on the good side of the two he could possibly persuade them to join Creekside in the future.
"I don't think you understand Prince. There is no honor in killing a nobody. The only respect one gains is following and completing orders as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have no time for failure." (Axel) Again shocking the prince, he just couldn't fathom how some of these soldiers could stay loyal to this man. The treatment of his prize soldiers is horrible. "Don't interrupt again. Gold Squad will handle all scouting, while Black and Green will attack from the South. Meanwhile, Red will hold the eastern exit and blue will hold the western. Leaving the North completely open for their retreat. After finishing up the scouting Gold Squad will move north with your Knights and myself baiting them into this ravine. Your Knights will hold the north part of the ravine preventing them from running while the Black and Blue follow behind blocking off their retreat. At the top of the ravine we will wait for them to die. So how does that sound?" Relaxing back into their chair and taking one last glance at the map. Axel smiled.
"Overall, the plan sounds good. However, how do you know everything will go according to plan?" (Henry) Leaning forward expecting to hear a solid answer.
"We don't but most should try to escape to the ravine, if a few escape so be it, but I wouldn't sweat those types of details too much, after we cleanse the main group. The ones that split can be hunted down. In the end there will be no survivors." (Axel) Again the Prince felt a small chill before resuming the conversation.
"What about those they have captive? How do you plan on taking care of those?" (Henry)
"Depends on the situation but it'll be considered a danger close mission. Meaning we will have to check targets before commencing or attacking within the structure. Although, there might be some friendly casualties. We should technically be able to keep the number at zero. Enough of this we have a mission to finish." (Axel) Not exactly satisfied with the answer, the Prince admitted defeat.
"Very well, Let's get the mission going."
A/N: Honestly, for the people who have been patience and waiting for new chapters honestly your guys are awesome. Thank you for the patience.