PS: Thank you for your suggestions. Many readers have given me a lot of pertinent advice. Here's a response: I admit that the pacing of my recent writing has been problematic, and the plot at Marinburg was indeed dragged out. I will speed up the pace and advance the plot, but I will continue to write along the planned route.
PS2: I want to say that Warhammer itself is a niche within a niche. Writing this is mostly driven by passion. I have put a lot of effort into this book. Frankly, if the writing style does not appeal to the masses, the number of people reading my book might be very small. I understand that some readers find the recent plot boring because they are already familiar with the background knowledge. However, I need to cater to those readers who are not familiar with Warhammer and its background, so some dragging is inevitable. I hope for your understanding.
PS3: Of course, I still welcome suggestions and opinions. As a new author, what I fear the most is being led astray by trends. I hope for more tolerance for this fledgling novel.
The Empire, the strongest human nation in the Old World, has traversed more than a thousand years since the time of Charlemagne. After the Great Crusade, a new Empire was re-established. Under the leadership of Ludwig and subsequent Emperors, the human Empire once again moved towards prosperity.
Knight's Home, the Kingdom of Bretonnia, is located on the other side of the Grey Mountains, opposite the Emperor's direct domain of Reikland, with Marinburg and the Grey Mountains serving as the boundary between the two nations.
Hundreds of years ago, the first Knight King Arthur established the nation with the help of the Lady of the Lake. Over the centuries, Bretonnia has maintained a relatively friendly and neighborly relationship with the Empire. Despite the history of wars between the two nations, restraint and tolerance have always dominated their diplomacy. Whenever one side faces difficulties, they would set aside previous grievances to support each other.
Sharing the same human lineage and similar values, the Empire and Bretonnia are fundamentally aligned in terms of ethnicity and worldview. The nobility of both nations also speak the same language. Amid numerous external threats, both human nations believe that internal strife is undesirable.
Although "Tiger" Richard had fought a battle on the outskirts of Marinburg with the Empire over a year ago, the alliance between the two nations was not affected. There were even instances of fighting during the day and attending banquets together at night.
After forcefully reading through a letter sealed with the Imperial Emperor's seal, Knight King Richard sighed deeply.
Compared to this new Emperor of the Empire, he preferred dealing with the previous Emperor, Luitpold, who was not as youthful and aggressive. Richard was aware of Karl Franz's recent series of victories and realized that with the shifting balance of power, he needed to be fully alert.
After some consideration, Richard felt he should accept the request. Participating in this war would not only demonstrate the military strength of the Knight Kingdom but also strengthen the alliance between the two countries. Additionally, the letter promised a substantial amount of gold as thanks, besides covering the military expenses.
Thus, with the help of the Order of the Holy Maidens, a new army of knights gradually took shape. The Dukes responded to the Empire's call for aid, and knights from various duchies gathered in Couronne, forming a reinforcement army consisting of over three hundred knights and more than a thousand cavalry, accompanied by over two thousand foot soldiers comprised of serfs.
And an invitation letter bearing a seal.
The Empire's reinforcements also gradually set off towards Marinburg.
Time moved to the beginning of March.
The Griffin Knight Order's three companies assembled outside the city, waiting for the arrival of the Bretonnian reinforcements. Ivan and his son Anton, along with his foster son, Ryan, went to the outskirts to await the Bretonnian forces.
Observing the countless manors and farms along the way, Ryan, riding his warhorse Pinecone, said to Ivan, "It makes sense for Marinburg to request a field battle. If the green-skinned army reaches the city, these manors and farms will turn to ashes."
Ivan sighed, "Prosperity also brings disadvantages. For commercialization, Marinburg excessively expanded the city and allowed nobles to encircle land outside the city, weakening the city's overall defensive capability. Ryan, Anton, even without Marinburg's request, I would have chosen to fight in the fields."
"The number of greenskins gathered at the Gint Mine has reached thirty thousand," Ryan said, holding his griffin warhammer. "This will be a tough war. Our army numbers less than twelve thousand."
"Can the dwarves support us?" Anton asked, riding his warhorse.
"We can hope for the dwarves to lead their army, but we cannot rely on it too heavily," Ivan frowned, taking out a map and pointing at two routes. "The greenskins have two possible attack routes towards Marinburg."
"The first is the northern route, through Randel's Path, leading directly to the outskirts of Marinburg."
"The second is the southern route, attacking Kohlerson first, then Leymanburg, before reaching the outskirts of Marinburg."
"Anton, my son, tell me, which route do you think the greenskin warboss Ugruk will take?" Ivan stopped Ryan from speaking and turned to ask his son.
"If it were me, I would take the northern route," Anton replied after thinking for a moment. "The northern route is sparsely populated, so the greenskins wouldn't need to worry about supplies, and they would definitely reach the outskirts of Marinburg faster."
"Ryan, what about you?" Ivan asked Ryan's opinion after hearing his son's thoughts.
"If I were a greenskin, I would take the southern route," Ryan said calmly.
"Why?"
"For greenskins, it's not about the outcome but the process. They crave battle, victory, and destruction. That's the essence of a great Waaagh! Only through constant destruction, killing, and fighting along the way can they satisfy their bloodlust," Ryan explained seriously. "So, the villages, manors, and castles along the southern route are exactly what they desire."
Anton had an epiphany, "Ryan is right! That's what the greenskins want!"
"So... that's why I brought you out here, Anton. Often, you can't see clearly what's happening outside while you're confined in the castle. As Ryan said, I also believe the greenskins will take the southern route." Duke Griffin looked into the distance, continuing, "I've already ordered the evacuation of all villagers in Kohlerson. We'll decide the outcome there against the greenskin army."
Kohlerson, huh? Ryan looked at the map, realizing it was a small village of just over a hundred people. Perhaps, as Ivan said, it would be the appetizer for this Waaagh!
"Also... Ryan, you really shouldn't stay in Marinburg any longer. After spending a year there, you've become somewhat lax," Ivan told Ryan. "That place easily makes people relax. After this war, you should head to Bretonnia as soon as possible."
Thinking back on his performance after arriving in Marinburg, Ryan had to admit his foster father was right. Life in Marinburg was indeed too comfortable, and he had become more relaxed both mentally and physically: "I'm ashamed."
"Hmm," Ivan said no more.
Half an hour later, a cloud of dust rose on the distant road, and the Griffin Knights straightened up, ready to welcome their allies.
"This time Bretonnia has sent around three hundred knights. I'm eager to see what these knights, famed as the best on the continent, are capable of," Anton adjusted his helmet and armor, telling Ryan, who merely nodded and turned his gaze towards the distance.
The first to appear on the horizon was a knight riding a purebred elven armored horse. He was clad in full plate armor, with a yellow and black robe and cloak fluttering in the air. Gold and silver jewelry hung from his chest, shining brightly with his movements.
In his left hand, he held a shield bearing the emblem of the Bastogne "Red Dragon" family, and in his right hand, a great lance ablaze with white flames. He wore a giant helmet adorned with a golden dragon sculpture at the top.
This was a Grail Knight.
Behind him, hundreds of Bretonnian knights, armed with lances and shields, slowly approached, followed by similarly dressed knight retainers and lightly armored outriders. Then came many foot soldiers, wearing simple leather armor and round helmets, armed with halberds, swords and shields, spears, and longbows. Despite their varied armament, their common traits were their shabby clothing and malnourished appearances. Compared to the elite Imperial infantry, these foot soldiers from the Knight Kingdom were inferior in equipment, mental state, and morale.
"Welcome, noble knight allies! On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, I extend a warm welcome to you. May you be in good health as we fight side by side against evil!" Ivan rode forward to greet the knights: "Gods be praised, I did not expect a Grail Knight to personally lead the army. Praise the gods!"
"Thank you, my friends! Since the foundation of Bretonnia, we have fought side by side against evil multiple times. When we learned that our allies were threatened by the green tide, we felt it was time to blow the horn of assembly and fight alongside our Imperial friends!" The Grail Knight also extended a sincere greeting to Duke Griffin: "I am Grail Knight Eules, by the Lady's glory. You must be Duke Griffin, correct?"
"Indeed! Lord Eules, you've come a long way. We've prepared a feast to welcome our knightly friends," Duke Griffin Ivan laughed, indicating that the banquet was ready.
"Are you Ryan?" Grail Knight Eules, appearing to be in his forties, immediately noticed Ryan standing beside Ivan. After a moment of scrutiny, the Grail Knight suddenly smiled: "Welcome, young warrior, champion of the Lady. Welcome to the ranks of the Grail Knights."
"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Eules!" Ryan shook hands with Eules, feeling moved. Grail Knights are such that only true warriors who complete the Grail Quest and embody the eight virtues of knighthood can reach their end. They never show bias based on personal interests or factionalism, treating all humans equally and justly.
Except for serfs.
"This is a court invitation personally signed by King Richard. Accept it, champion of the Lady. This is the Lady's will. On behalf of Bretonnia, I welcome your arrival." Eules presented a scroll, sealed with the sigils of the Lake Witch and the Knight King.
Bretonnia officially invited Ryan to join the Knight Kingdom as a noble lord.
"Thank you..." Ryan's hands trembled as he accepted the invitation. Officially becoming a major noble after a nine-year military career and accumulating countless honors was a significant achievement. His emotions fluctuated, and he was deeply moved.
In this world, the path to advancement is arduous, and the ladder to promotion is narrow. Ryan knew that with the End Times approaching, he must seize every moment, but some things can't be rushed. Success comes one step at a time, and becoming a lordly noble was just the first step.
Ryan could feel the jealous and admiring gazes of the Bretonnian questing knights. They envied his favor with the Lady of the Lake and admired his youth, becoming a Grail Knight and owning his domain.
Envy is for the mediocre, and Ryan merely smiled lightly.
Sure enough, even before the evening banquet began, many knights had already challenged Ryan.
"Good day, Mr. Ryan. I am Anatol of Brelayne! I wish to experience Mr. Ryan's horsemanship!"
"I am Clemant of Montfort, hoping for a fair duel with Mr. Ryan!"
"Tauber of Anglaron..."
"I am the son of Maurice, Gaspard..."
Countless questing knights incessantly bothered Ryan, much to his annoyance.
Every Bretonnian noble boy is set on the path of knighthood from the moment they are in their mother's arms. Their lineage automatically leads them down this path, but they must further prove their loyalty, courage, and virtue. While there are various ways to gain prestige and status on this path, young knights are fixated on the way of battle to affirm their knightly identity. Upon reaching adulthood, they are immediately knighted as questing knights.
These questing knights, according to Ryan, are still in their "adolescent" phase, recklessly brave and youthful, eager to prove their strength to the Lady of the Lake. These young knights, full of vigor, dream of shining in battle, earning the long-desired fame and glory.
Ryan found it very troublesome; he didn't want to waste time on these knights. Even the strongest of these questing knights were only mid-tier elites, and a few young lads were merely ordinary, struggling to wear their plate armor and wield their swords and shields. Ryan thought they should first ensure they could freely use their weapons.
He calmly ignored them, as Grail Knights are meant to be aloof and distant. This behavior, however, only fueled the questing knights' enthusiasm. They surrounded Ryan, incessantly talking, with the young knights hoping to challenge him, defeat him, and win his glory and prestige.
Even many questing knights shouted that Ryan's refusal to duel meant admission of defeat.
Ryan remained indifferent, as engaging them would only bring trouble. These people were clearly seeking attention.
Just as Ryan was about to slip away from the crowd, two individuals blocked his path.
They appeared to be siblings, as they looked very similar, both with golden hair and sea-blue eyes. The man was tall and handsome, roughly the same height as Ryan, but his face bore a deep coldness, almost unmeltable frost.
The woman, however, possessed an almost perfect delicate face, with golden hair curling slightly at the ends, secured by a black headband. Her bespoke mithril knight armor indicated it was tailor-made. Unlike her brother, this female knight had a gentle temperament, like water, making it hard to believe such a vast difference existed between the siblings.
But they shared the same shield emblem, a blue and white shield with a pure white pegasus soaring in the middle. This was the
emblem of the "Pure White Pegasus" from the House of Antreli, one of the most noble families in the Knight Kingdom of Bretonnia.
Seeing these two, Ryan halted.
"You really came, Yuli."
"And welcome, Sulya."
Update! Votes appreciated!
The latest characters introduced have anime prototypes, let's see who can guess them.
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