Hash and Zero led the high ranking soldiers: Commanders, Generals and Captains, to the control room.
The room was large but bare aside the tables and chairs.
"Let me do the honours of introducing everyone from both sides." Governor Beth started once everyone was seated. "From the fort, we have the Head Guard Hash who commands the soldiers of the fort. And Black Knight Zero, the highest ranking military head of the city. He arrived a few days ahead with his army as ordered by His majesty."
"From the capital," Beth continued "the three Commanders of the Northern Empire, Lady Lia of the Vampire clan, Lady Aisha of the Wolf clan, Lady Arianne of the Fox clan. We have two Generals, General Liam and General Rick. And then the Captains under them."
"Thanks for the introduction Governor Beth." Aisha said. "Now let's get down to the main issues. Squad 3 will have to begin working on the control room after this meeting to connect the CVDs to a central device to transmit everything going on here to the Rulers hall in Millis."
CVD: Crystal Video Device
A device made from mana crystals that allows for the transmission of images and videos over a long distance.
"The CVDs will be connected along the wall of the fort facing the south and showing the battle. We (the commanders) will monitor and give orders from here while relaying the progress to the Rulers."
"Understood." Hash said. "I will direct the members of squad 3 to the perfect positions on the wall to place the CVDs."
"There is no need for that." Jade quickly added. "The members of squad 3 began their job the moment we got into the fort. You can rest easy. The job will be done before the end of the day."
"Oh? Uhmm. That's alright. Then I will resume my duties of monitoring the wall. My Ladies." Hash said and bowed before he exited the room.
"Beth." Lia called out. "This is the letter my sis... Lord Lisa asked me to pass along to you."
"Thank you, Commander Lia." Beth said then opened the envelope and removed the signed piece of paper in it.
The letter said:
Beth. As the war begins, you will need to take on a vital role as the war is taking place close to your city.
You need to keep constant control over the supply route from the Fort, to Millis. As Margrave soldiers might try to sabotage that. Though I doubt this will be able to happen because the Margrave soldiers won't be able to come over the wall because of the magical fortification done to the wall when it was built. But there are no certainties in war.
Evacuate the parts of the city closest to the fort. Use all remaining soldiers to guard the non-combatants.
Remember to keep a watchful eye over the supplies. The potions and other medical supplies, Food supplies, for humans and the tamed beasts, weapons and armour.
As the governor of the Black city, you are my representative over there. I have high expectations from you.
Understood Lord Lisa. I will make sure to live up to your expectations. Beth thought as she folded the letter.
*
*
Night came at the Black Fort.
And an eerie silence and gloominess filled the air.
Tomorrow was war.
The night seemed to want to last forever. Preparation were completed. Anyone working now was just double checking what has already been triple checked. Soldiers on duty stood at their post with unwavering focus. While the rest, who couldn't sleep, engaged in different activities to pass time.
Some soldiers sharpened their swords. Some soldiers shined their boots and armour until it sparkled and reflected light better that mirrors. Some soldiers sang while sitting around a bonfire. Listening to the wood crackle in the flames.
Up on the wall, Rick and Liam who had gotten acquainted with Zero and his lieutenant, Nico.
"The night is so starry." Liam mentioned staring at the sky.
"Who would ever expect that tomorrow would be the start of a war." Nico said.
"Ahh. So bored right now." Zero grunted. "Wish there was something to do than just sitting on our hands waiting for morning."
"There is." Rick said. "I have long heard of the strength of the Seven generals of Minora. Would you do me the honour of sparring with me?"
"Oh? One of the Generals of our great nation is asking me for a duel. What greater honour could there be. I accept. Maybe this will help boost the soldiers morale and stop them from looking so listless."
"No!" Liam exclaimed. "It is true a duel now would help in lightening the mood, it probably wouldn't have the effect you are hoping. Right now the soldiers look listless, but focused. They look like they are ready for whatever comes their way tomorrow. I believe this mood is what's perfect for the soldiers mental state."
"Hmmm," Zero grunted while rubbing his chin. "you are right. Forgive me General Rick. I will have to decline your duel until a better chance comes up."
"No, it is my fault for suggesting it in the first place. I guess I was actually more tense than I'd like to admit." Rick replied.
"It's not just you Rick. Everyone's tense. Monsters has not seen war for thousands of years. Of course we are worried. We just try our best to hide it." Liam said.
*
*
And so, morning came.
The horn of the Black Fort was blown for the first time since the fort was built, to announce the arrival of the Margrave army, over 500,000 strong. The horn was blown three times.
The army march out of the forest to the south and came onto the large clearing and suddenly came to a stop, like they were waiting for something. Their army was broken into different several regiments with at least one person leading.
In front was the largest regiment comprised of a cavalry. From their arrangement you could see five men whose countenance were completely different from the rest.
The Second Prince of Margrave, Theo, in his shiny golden armour on a beautiful white horse led the march. To his right was Supreme General Varrion. To his left was General of the North, Torin. And behind Theo were the two guards place on him by Varrion, Kevin and Garin.
The horn of the Black Fort sounded once again, but this time only once.
The large main gate was opening. The war was starting.