That evening, Derek met many old friends.
The arrival of the Pereira Knights meant that war was about to begin.
In Count Pereira's large tent, high-ranking officers of the Second Legion gathered.
A large map of the northern province hung in the center, marked in detail down to every mountain range and every village.
Derek saw Knight Chloe, and they nodded to each other. The latter showed some surprise, clearly not expecting to see him here.
"Gentlemen, Iron Wall City is just ahead. According to scout reports, the barbarian army has already crossed Iron Wall City, and we will soon encounter them," Count Perez said, immediately tensing the atmosphere.
"What's the current situation at Iron Wall City?" someone couldn't help but ask. The fate of Iron Wall City was related to the fate of the Second Legion.
If it fell, there would be big trouble.
"Our governor has held Iron Wall City. There's no problem in the short term," Count Perez gave everyone a clear answer, making everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
However, he scanned the room and then said seriously: "Two tasks, our Second Legion has only two tasks.
First, drive out the barbarians.
Second, avenge Chris Jeffries.
The Jeffries family has put out a bounty. Whoever can avenge the Count will be awarded a baronial estate."
As another count of the northern province, Count Jeffries had died at the hands of the barbarians this time.
It was unfortunate, this Count had no preparation and was beheaded by the surprise attack of the barbarian army.
The whole process was very smooth, as if the barbarians had known his location in advance.
Everyone understood that there must be a traitor.
However, catching the traitor wasn't the Second Legion's task; avenging the Count was.
As soon as Count Pereira finished speaking, everyone's breathing became heavy.
It was a great temptation.
How many enfeoffed barons were there in the entire northern province? Definitely no more than twenty.
No matter who it was, obtaining this fief meant establishing the foundation for a family.
Not to mention other benefits, such as reputation and military merit.
It could be said that the Count's fall was everyone else's gain.
It remained to be seen who would be so lucky.
Count Pereira was very satisfied with the rising morale. To be honest, this task was very difficult because the Count's killer was the leader of the entire barbarian army.
If anyone could achieve revenge, a baronial estate would seem small; the King would certainly not be stingy with rewards.
However, Count Pereira had already achieved his purpose. He took the opportunity to start arranging.
"The Knight Order will stay with me, ready to deal with the barbarian main force.
First Thousand-Man Unit...
Tenth Thousand-Man Unit... clean up this area.
Within ten days, I want to see the barbarians driven north of Iron Wall City. Whoever can't do it... I'll remove them.
Also, each Thousand-Man Unit's messenger should report twice daily. I need to know your positions, ready to gather at any time."
Count Pereira divided the tasks by area, directly distributing them.
He still held some reserve troops, ready to support at any time.
If the barbarians made any moves, he could also respond calmly and initiate a battle. Step by step, first drive the barbarians out of the south of Iron Wall City to relieve pressure.
Derek immediately accepted the order. The Tenth Thousand-Man Unit was relatively small in comparison and responsible for a smaller area, not even a main area.
Just an area with one town and seven or eight villages, with several knight manors interspersed among the kingdom's territories.
However, the specific local situation was still unclear. If most hadn't fallen, it would be even easier.
After the meeting ended, he deliberately slowed his pace, and sure enough, Knight Chloe quickly caught up.
"Derek, you've been appointed as a Chiliarch?" Knight Chloe was truly shocked. He had previously felt that Derek wasn't ordinary, but he didn't expect him to rise so quickly.
"Uncle Chloe, I'm very lucky, I just caught the opportunity," Derek still maintained a humble attitude, knowing this wasn't the time to be proud.
Knight Chloe patted his shoulder, very happy: "Well done. If you need help, come find me anytime.
Take this chance to establish more military merits, try to keep the position of Chiliarch, it'll benefit you in the future.
Hmm... also be careful."
The two chatted briefly and soon parted ways.
After all, with the great battle imminent, there wasn't much time for idle chat.
Derek returned to the camp, and the first thing he did was send Simon with a cavalry unit to go ahead.
They were about to leave the main army, and there was no one to help with reconnaissance, everything had to be done on their own.
A Thousand-Man Unit was already a complete military unit, capable of independently completing general tasks, and it was also a huge test for the commander.
Fortunately, Derek had trained a group of good helpers, so he didn't feel much difficulty yet.
Derek left the main army and quickly arrived at his assigned area.
The situation was better than imagined, the barbarians who had fled here were already small groups.
The only town was still safe, just that it had been hit by a wave of barbarians at the beginning, killing a batch of militia.
The surrounding villages were also resisting vigorously. Although the barbarian troops had killed some people and stolen some food and wealth, they hadn't achieved much.
Of course, they must thank the King's call, as the northern province had been preparing for war during this time.
Militia were training everywhere, of course they couldn't deal with the main barbarian army, but they could resist small groups.
Derek set up camp directly outside the town, rejecting the invitation of the local garrison officer.
He didn't come here to hide inside, otherwise the town might be safe, but he wouldn't be far from being removed from his position.
Count Pereira's intention was very clear: divide the work by area, advance layer by layer, steadily relieve Iron Wall City.
Hiding in the local area without moving was equivalent to seeking death.
Simon also returned quickly, bringing the latest news.
"Chiliarch, in the area we're responsible for, there are about four or five groups of barbarians, totaling no more than 200 people.
They've attacked several villages and are currently roaming around."
The cavalry Simon led was very elite, even managing to track the barbarians' trail and roughly determine their range.
Derek quickly determined: "The barbarians' purpose should only be plunder and harassment. Once they receive news of our arrival, they'll probably retreat immediately.
Cavalry, get ready, we'll go first.
Adrian, you temporarily take command, lead the elite hundred-man unit in a rapid march."
Derek boldly judged that the small barbarian groups might run.
Even if the judgment was wrong, the knights who could come and go freely weren't in danger, at worst it would just be a wasted trip.