The middle-aged man, Cemal exclaimed, "Orhan, what do you intend to do? We've already offended Cyrus, and now you want to offend Prince Farid as well?" He turned to the silent Mishe and whispered, "Lord, communication with Berdatev Fortress and Galarsan Fortress has been cut off. No one expected Cyrus to resort to such drastic measures, daring to kill Governor Rostam! His intentions are clear. Persia is currently in a state of turmoil with Prince Farid heading to Roman Empire, causing unease throughout. Cyrus wishes to use our Javanshir fortress to pacify the hearts of the entire Persia. He has always been someone who only respects strength. The Perisan princess is just a pawn. What's important now is not them but the overall trend of the world! A major change is imminent, and how can our Ashina escape? The Persian have never looked kindly upon us, the remnants of Turkic Khaganate. This storm will come sooner or later! We can no longer count on Persia. Since our hope in Persia has been severed, why not align ourselves with Roman? Prince Farid has already gained prominence in Roman, and we can align ourselves with him. The lives of a million Turkic people here must be preserved!"
Orhan angrily sheathed his long sword, casting a fiercely menacing gaze at Lucas. Lucas, however, paid no attention to his threats, focusing his thoughts on Mishe. Unexpectedly, their turning point had come so suddenly! According to Cemal, Ariana had once again become a valuable asset. In the midst of despair, a glimmer of hope seemed to appear! If an opportunity presented itself this time, he would surely make every effort to seize it!
Mishe finally spoke with a deep tone, "Where has the vanguard of the Persian army reached?" Orhan answered beside him, "Their scouts have already taken control of a Sentry Heights to the east, which is a vital passage for us to reach Galarsan Fortress. The army has also occupied the forts to the south, cutting off our path to Berdatev Fortress... The only retreat the Persian army has left for us seems to be towards the west, towards the direction of the Roman Empire. How can hundreds of thousands people in the vicinity of Javanshir Fortress manage to go that way? "
Mishe struck his palm fiercely, "Then let's reclaim the Sentry Heights first! We won't go anywhere! Although Cyrus killed Rostam, in the court of the Ctesiphon City, even if he is currently favored and is the only reliance for the Persian Empire defense, he will still face suspicion. Prince Farid was forced to leave despite his humility. What about the more arrogant Cyrus? Javanshir Fortress is not something they can easily open. If he uses the garrison troops to deal with us, as long as we can drag it out, someone will naturally deal with him!" At this moment, Mishe had completely taken on the decisive and ruthless demeanor of a great warlord!
He turned around and ordered, "Orhan, escort Cemal back home to rest. Assemble the force. I will personally lead them to launch a night raid on the Sentry Heights. Let's reclaim this crucial stronghold first! Let Cyrus also experience the might of our Ashina!"
Darya eagerly exclaimed, "Dad, I want to go too!" Mishe coldly looked at her, "Still find it not troublesome enough?"
Orhan readily agreed, pointing at Lucas, "What about him?"
Mishe glanced lightly at Lucas, who was currently deep in thought, clearly struggling with something he had never thought so hard about in his entire life. Mishe casually said, "Equip him with proper gear, give him a good horse, and let him follow me for the night raid on Sentry Heights!"
This statement shocked everyone. Lucas was contemplating his own matters, and Mishe's words almost made him jump! What is this old man planning? Orhan gaped, unable to say a word. Darya immediately protested, "Dad, he still has injuries..."
Mishe waved his hand, silencing everyone. He coldly looked at Lucas, "Do you want to protect your woman? In times of crisis, we'll see if you can muster the ability to protect her! The feud between us and the Persian runs deep. I might kill this princess at any moment, risking everything. Now, let's see what you can do. Perhaps your performance might convince me not to kill her..."
His words hung in the air as he abruptly turned, letting his cloak swirl, and walked away. Orhan stomped his foot, following closely behind. Meanwhile, Darya, still in a daze, supported her Uncle Cemal. The injured middle-aged man could only smile helplessly, watching the Lord leaving. He sighed silently, "My Lord, you haven't forgotten, after all..."
Within the walls of Javanshir Fortress, a solemn horn signaled the Mishe's decision to counterattack.