Obsidian Hold
3rd Pov
.....
Varyn,Hugo and Null stood seated on their horses, around them where the black guard all 2000 of them.behind was a sea of black red and black, it was the royal army of 10,000.
Around them the citizens looked on in awe as their armors shone under the sun.
Null looked on from his mount, this was the reason he had chosen to make his departure public.it has been a long time since the people of the kingdom witnessed their military might, he did this to boost morale and inspire confidence
"A smart move your grace" came a voice from behind, Null looked behind him to see the captain of his guards Kane,the stalwart man looked imposing with his black armor and helmet his trusty halberd strapped on his back Null.
"Since your father went to war 18 years ago, and news of his defeat was brought back this kingdom hadn't had a proper military,some even lost faith in the military.
"But with this I believe we will see a sight I've missed a lot, young boys rushing to join the army after withnessing a proper military send off.
At this point kane smiled a bit" just like I joined after witnssing your fathers first send off"
He looked at the people on the side "all I'm trying to say is they needed this" finishing his words he took his place at the head of the guards and started leading them out of the city gate
Meanwhile on the back of his horse moving along with the army, Null's thoughts were tranquil he never had any reactions to mentions of his father,after all apart from the fact that he was 78 year old mentally he never even met the man, but he had certainly heard of the man, although he had died young he made his name known as a truly wise king and he was well respected especially among his citizens.
Till now it wasn't clear how he had died some say it was due to misinformation some say a traitor, but nothing has been made clear as most of the soldiers with him had died along with him.
With these thought in his mind they traveled for half a day before reaching an intersection
This was where they would part as duke Hugo's domain was located in the western part of the kingdom, while count Frostfield's fief was located in the eastern part of the kingdom close to the hargrave's domain
While the Marlowe's Duke family occupied the north
Goodbye's were brief as the blackfort was at the edge of the kingdom they had a long journey ahead of them. it was estimated that it would take this walking army 14 days to reach the blackfort and this was considering the fact that they had minimized logistics as Null had ordered nobles on the route to the blackfort to provide for the army
So wrapping up everything they quickly separated
Without having to limit their speed to accommodate the marching soldiers,the black guard could truly showcase the true class of their steeds
Buying just 6 of them 10 years ago had almost left his Treasury empty. But such a price was expected for steeds descended from an aura beast
But he had no regrets he knew what 2000 extremely mobile elite could accomplish on a battlefield,
They were know for their stamina and fearlessness in battle with speed and strength above the norm he had truly picked up a bargain
At their current the speed the journey would only take them 2 days
....
Frostfield Manor
Pov
Lucas Bracken
Sitting beside the fireplace in his study he swirled his glass of wine,his expression distant with chaotic thoughts in his head he couldnt help but couldn't but smile bitterly
He had miscalculated and it would cost him his entire family line a cruel truth, the thought of running away with his family came to his mind.
But he knew it wasn't feasible although the boy king had taken the responsibility of swinging the knife on his neck,he knew if he tried run away he would find himself surrounded by every noble in the area.
Reports of captured spies came in by the minute,the vultures were circling.
As a long time count,he had his own share of enemies and they wouldn't miss this chance to exact their pound of flesh,they probably hoped he tried to run.
He knew the reality of the situation he was a scapegoat, an example that is why the boy had decided to come personally to exact his authority a show of power if you would,even before he became an iron core stage he was one of the strongest counts below the dukes
Destroying his house was basically telling other nobles " I can do it to you too "
He had gotten word from his spies the with an army of 12,000.the king ,duke Hugo and the mountain, the misterious iron core stage warrior that no one knew the origin of.
Word said they had set of from the obsidian hold
At this point he chuckled bitterly "how ruthless"
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door annoyed he voiced "enter" but the door opened before he could fully voice his words, this brought a frown to his face.a
He saw the captain of his army Gerald walking in, his expression a bit to bright considering the current situation.
"Good news my lord, our spies just sent word the enemy army has divided, duke Hugo and and the mountain along with 10,000 soldiers have diverted to the west presumably heading to the blackfort ,while the king along with 2000 have stayed their course" Gerald reported quickly the excitement in his voice unmistakable and his excitement was seemingly infectious as Lucas jumped to his feet his eyes burning brightly with flames of hope
"Are you sure of this"
"yes my lord we got the same report from three different spies "
At this point Lucas calmed down and began to think seriously, as a man who knew war he never underestimated the enemy.
He didn't know the king well enough to understand his thought process but he knew duke Hugo they had fought together he was no fool, so why would he let the king fight such an obviously disadvantaged battle. he had a standing army of 1200, the king already knew about his secret army of 3000 in total he had a force of about 4200, and Hugo had let him come for that battle with just 2000 soldiers, he didn't believe it
At this this point his mind raced with thoughts only a brilliant tactical could make.
Of course they didn't know he had become a iron core stage warrior, but that wasn't enough for them to make such a folly.
An iron core stage warrior doesn't assure winning a war
He thought deeply and came to a conclusion he couldn't help but smile at this point the flames of hope in his eyes burning brighter
" They plan to rally the surrounding nobles to make up their numbers " he muttered then quickly turned to Gerald he ordered rally the men we ride out in two hours his plan was simple eradicate them before they can make up their numbers then he could captured the king and make demands, worst case scenario he could just kill the boy,
He could only hope no one would fight for a dead king,after all he was the last of his lineage they would be too busy fighting for his throne
But Gerald hearing his word was shocked "my lord with 2000 enemies we have a greater chance of outlasting them in a siege "
" Shut up you fool in no circumstance would a siege be in our favor, the surrounding nobles would scramble to be the ones to feed the king and his army" he rebuked harshly 'this fool was only good for fighting'
"No get out there and relay my order"
"Yes my lord" said Gerald running out of the study
watching Gerald leave the study his expression became more subdue he sat down on his chair and continued watching the flames, he did this for 5 minutes before raising his head "guards" he called out
" My lord "
" Get me Liam "
After that he continued looking in those flames the emotions in his eyes became increasingly less complex and more determined.
Two minutes later a knock at his door interrupted him " Father "
" Enter "
He looked a way from the fire and looked at his 17 year old son
As the boy walked in he couldn't help but break into a small smile ,among his children he was most proud of his second. the boy at just 17 was already at the peak of the mortal tempering realm such talent could rival the current duke of the Marlowe family and he did this without a cultivation manuals,that said his talent might be better than Reginald's
But what really made the count smile was how he walked with the gait of a seasoned warrior ,this was what really made him happy as his cultivation wouldn't help him much in what was to come.
" On my table there are two sealed letter there take it "he said turning back to face the fire.
Taking a long pause he continued " when I march out with the army you will-" father "
"Don't interrupt me"
You will take your siblings and get on a merchant carriage I have arranged, it will take you close to the northern border, there you will meet up with up with a squad of elite warriors I sent ahead they would have most of the a good percentage of the family's wealth.
They will take you to the border where you will ask for captain Colin Ritz you will give him the smaller letter and he would let you pass
From there it's up to you how you do it but ensure the last letter gets to the king of the Ashford kingdom it will ensure your livelihood
At this point he could already the dripping of liquid on the floor
"Roderick?" Liam asked
"Likely dead "
Another silence ensued
"Is there no hope for us" he heard
"There is "
" It's you "
Silence again
"Goodbye father"
He heard his study door open and close ,he turned to look and the tears on the floor.
Then he turned back and continued staring into the flames
He had a feeling he wouldn't survive this war.
For a second he became lost in hope nearly forgetting something his blood and sweat had taught him.
There is no logic in war.