With spring around the corner, Aisrin had set about teaching the villagers more about crops, based on the knowledge given to him by the villagers.
"So all you grow is wheat? Yet, you can grow cotton, corn, various other vegetables and fruits? The soil must be sapped then. Well. that's fine. Because we ate scrapping the fields you use now, and we are moving them elsewhere. Those fields will be further developed for residential and other functional facilities, a smart on the expansion.
Once we begin the destruction of those fields, and the construction of new ones, I'll show you what crop rotation is. This method allows for various products that can and will provide not only income, but a new variety of dishes that you can make.
A more varied diet provides better nutrition and adds more vibrancy to your daily lives... What the hell is going on over there?" Aisrin was giving instructions to a few villagers, mainly hunters, when a commotion broke out near the entrance of the village.
A soldier rushed towards Aisrin, his face full of fear.
"Lord Aisrin! It's terrible! Graycastle has sent an Army here! I was doing my patrols as you instructed with my squad, and we saw them on the horizon!" The soldier reported.
"How many?" Aisrin asked him.
"About five hundred my Lord!" The soldier responded.
"Hmm. Bring word to the commanders, have them meet me at the Barracks." Aisrin instructed. He dismissed his small class and went and put on his uniform.
"These need insignias..." Aisrin muttered as he put the plain draw green uniform on with the brown leather boots.
'Better boots too. All can be solved during this year's harvest though...'
Aisrin rushed to the Barracks where he was met by his four commanders.
"What's the plan?" Fena immediately asked upon Aisrins arrival.
"Obviously battle. But, this army is more than four times ours. So, we need to incorporate strategy. You learned it during training, now you get to put it into action. First, we need to place traps. Pit falls and snares. I'll also have Archers on stand by to ambush, though I mostly hate that tactic, it is useful against a bigger and stronger opponent.
We will also do night raids. I'll call it, operation 'Counting Coup'." Aisrin began explaining his strategy and the course of action.
"What's does Counting Coo mean?" Del asked.
"Its where you stealthily enter an enemies camp, after taking out any patrols and night watch, remove as many weapons as you can carry, and flee back towards home. Now, usually, if you are able to take every weapon and horse they have, you could also make as much noise as possible when leaving. It's an old tradition from a place I've visited.
Certain tribes or Clans would preform this against others, though usually only the opposing tribes leader would be killed, or no one at all." Aisrin explained a tradition done by the notorious Sioux tribe from his home country on earth. It was a brilliant use of strategy and stealth, but was done pretty much just for fun, and they were damn good at it before they were herded into reservations and then practically governed into dependency.
"I see, that's brilliant." Gabriel nodded.
"Obviously, that won't be enough to determine or really weaken them, it'll only make them more weary. So we will of do a night raid twice , three if possible. The third time might be more difficult with increased patrols and night watches.
Lucky for you, I'll be on the front lines once open conflict begins. The swords and such we pilfer from them starting tonight, will be used against them. This way, we can gain actual weapons rather than wooden ones. This begins tonight. The Baron thinks he can march his soldiers here as if he owns it, then we show him that he is sorely mistaken." Aisrin smiled. Today just advanced his plans to the next phase, earlier than expected, but not too early.
*That night, enemy encampment.*
Aisrin wanted to join in on the raid, but was convinced otherwise by Syphra. So he had Aren and twenty of the best and most silent soldiers go forward with the raid.
Aren was a lean 17 year old with grey hair and equally grey eyes. He had chiseled and handsome features. He stood a fair height of 5'10" and weighed roughly 190lbs. He was silent, from his extensive experience in sneaking off, even during training, though he was always caught by Aisrin.
The squad wore their uniforms, but they had moss and grass attached to it, so when they moved, they moved low to the ground, blending with the tall grass of the Plains.
Approaching the encampment, Aren made sure to observe enemy movements. He took twenty minutes, observing patterns. There weren't many patrols nor night watch. At most maybe five or six men were awake. Aren noted the movements and gave signal to begin on him.
As soon as one was out of eyesight, Aren snatched him quickly and silently ended the man's life using a small stone knife that Aisrin had quickly made for each of the raiders. The knife performed well. It sliced deep with ease.
Aren laid the body in the grass and moved into the camp. All five of the others had swiftly been taken care of and the raiders set about collecting weapons. Aisrin gave each of them a bag with an enchantment that allowed upto 25 square feet of storage.
Aren peeked into tents, when he noticed the soldier peacefully asleep, he'd find their weapons, stuff them in the bag, and move on. He found bows and arrows laying about, spears, axes, shields, daggers, he even grabbed boots and armor for fun.
Soon, his bag was full, and so were the others. They silently left the camp and headed back towards the Barracks. Operation Counting Coup was soundlessly successful.
*Enemy Camp Next Morning*
Grole was rudely awoken by a loud commotion. He knew something was wrong, he could feel it. He gathered all his gear and rushed out. He grabbed a nearby soldier.
"What's going on? An attack?" Grole asked the man.
"Last night! Six men were killed and a goid portion of weapons and armor were stolen! Some men have naught but trousers to wear!" The man exclaimed and ran off.
"Clever... Too clever indeed. A night raid... but, only six were killed? Night watchers and patrolmen? They purposefully targeted our supplies rather than our lives. I fear this man may be too much for Seloth..." Grole muttered, a slight smile threatening to spread on his face.
*Same Time, Barracks*
Aisrin looked gleefully at the prior night's spoils. 109 swords, 47 battle axes, 12 full sets of armor, some clothes, 23 sets of boots, 106 daggers, 34 Bows, 34 quivers with around 20 arrows each, 94 shields, and 103 Spears.
"Now, we are well equipped. Though, the armor was unneeded, I appreciate you all staying true to the original tradition the operation was named after. Her some rest, cause you're doing it again. Tonight." Aisrin praised the group. They did as told, and woke later that night, ready and rested.
They would not be as successful that night, as the watch was heavier, and the soldiers more alert, but they still made off with a few more spoils, and shaved a few numbers away from their enemies overall might. This group, would gain a name amongst the fearful enemy soldiers a name fitting for the groups silent and predatory behavior, The Grassland Wolves.