Capital City of Verdant Glades Kingdom
The messenger has arrived in the capital and is waiting to be summoned to court by King Richard II.
The Royal Guard has informed His Majesty that a messenger from the Barony of Ember Ridge has arrived, requesting an audience.
The news of the messenger's arrival has piqued the curiosity of King Richard II, who has decided to grant an immediate audience in the Royal Court.
"Let him in."
When the Royal Guard received the order, they quickly escorted the messenger to the throne room, and when the messenger arrived at the court, he bowed to King Richard II.
King Richard II acknowledged the messenger's bow with a nod, a gesture of both respect and acknowledgment of their presence. Seated on the verdant throne, he exuded an air of authority tempered by a genuine interest in the affairs of his kingdom.
"Rise, messenger from Ember Ridge," the king spoke with a tone that resonated through the grand hall. "You bring tidings from the Barony, and I am eager to hear your words."
"Your Majesty, the Pinnacle Republic has invaded our territory," the messenger tells His Majesty about the events in the Barony of Ember Ridge.
King Richard II's expression shifted to one of deep concern upon hearing the messenger's words. The court, previously filled with an air of formality, now held a tension as the king leaned forward, attentive to the messenger's account.
"Speak, messenger. What transpired in Ember Ridge? How did this invasion unfold?" The king's voice carried a sense of urgency, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The messenger proceeded to recount the events—the siege, the devastating attacks, and the citizens' flight into the forest for safety. As the tale unfolded, the court's atmosphere became somber, the weight of the news settling upon those in attendance.
King Richard II, his brow furrowed in concern, "This is a dire matter, my vassal is being attacked by the Pinnacle Republic, they had no casus belli to invade my realm, I knew it the moment they refused to accept the non aggression pact, they have reason to attack my realm when it is in turmoil.
The court remained in a hushed silence as King Richard II absorbed the situation. His mind worked swiftly, contemplating the implications of the Pinnacle Republic's unprovoked aggression against the Barony of Ember Ridge.
"This unprovoked aggression will not go unanswered," declared King Richard II, rising from his throne with a determined expression. His regal demeanor masked the underlying fury at the blatant violation of peace.
"Your Majesty, what about the Barony of Oscana, we have already lost 20,000 soldiers and two knight masters, we only had 65,000 soldiers left, if we lose again, I am afraid that the vassal will get dissatisfied and lead a rebellion against your dynasty." said one of the king's trusted military advisors.
"Then what option do we had to deal against Pinnacle Republic?" King Richard II pondered, his gaze fixed on the strategic map of the realm displayed in the court.
"We should hire the mercenary and summon our vassal to send half of their private army to deal with the Pinnacle Republic," military advisors give him a suggestion on how to deal without using the royal army.
King Richard II considered the military advisors' suggestion, weighing the options available to him. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded in agreement.
"Summon the mercenary guilds and send envoys to our vassals. Inform them of the dire situation we face and request their aid in defending the realm. We shall employ a united force, mercenaries, and the private forces of our vassals," the king declared.
Chancellor swiftly made a note of the king's commands, ready to dispatch envoys and messages to rally support. the military advisor, stepped forward to organize the logistics.
"Your Majesty, we shall coordinate the efforts, ensuring a unified response against the Pinnacle Republic. The mercenaries will provide additional strength, and our vassals' forces will bolster our numbers. Together, we shall repel this invasion and safeguard the realm," the military advisor pledged.
King Richard II nodded in approval. "See it done. Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly to protect our lands and people. Once the mercenaries and vassals are assembled, we shall march against the Pinnacle Republic and drive them out of our territories."
The military advisors and court officials took their leave to set the plans in motion. As the messenger from Ember Ridge observed the proceedings, a glimmer of hope emerged amidst the dire circumstances. The kingdom of Verdant Glades would stand united against the Pinnacle Republic's aggression, forging alliances to face the common threat.
____
Oscana Barony.
As the kingdom of Verdant Glades mobilized its forces to counter the Pinnacle Republic's invasion, Ren heard the news about Ember Ridge Barony fall to Pinnacle Republic.
"Hahahaha, those bastards now get their own medicine." Ren laugh as he heard the news.
"Ren, it is time to strike back at the kingdom, use this opportunity to conquer the neighboring fiefdom." Gareth Miller advises him to attack the kingdom while they are busy preparing to repel the invader.
"I would like to, but do we have the people to defend it after we conquer a fief? The only thing we can do right now is to raid a village, capture its inhabitants, and make them our own." Ren had already thought about how to conquer a fief, but he didn't have enough soldiers to guard the conquered fief.
"At least we raid their resource to weakening the kingdom, so it's not easily to for the kingdom to recover and retaliate. Targeting villages for resources and new recruits is a prudent strategy to undermine the kingdom's strength," Gareth responded, his strategic mind at work.
Ren nodded, acknowledging the wisdom of Gareth's advice. "Prepare our forces for targeted raids, let's raid the County of Emberwood, I'm pretty sure they'll send the news of the coalition army defeated in our fiefdom."
"Heh, let them know that anyone who messes with us will face the consequences." Gareth sneers