Under the sudden attack by the Airtulan tribes on Strongson's eastern border, the eastern lord urgently dispatched messengers to the capital, Yaltos, to report the assault on the border to the royal family. The messenger, breathless, knelt in the center of the grand hall and reported to Duke Horace Cohen, "My lord, the Airtulan tribes have attacked the eastern camp. Our soldiers have suffered heavy casualties, and the border defenses are on the brink of collapse. The lord urgently requests reinforcements!"
Horace furrowed his brow, pacing to the center of the hall. After scanning the room, he said in a deep voice, "Currently, His Majesty the King is advancing deep into Eldernia, with nearly all the main forces deployed to the eastern war zone. If Airtulan intends to launch a large-scale invasion across the border, our current forces will not be enough to hold the line."
He paused, casting a serious look at the lords and nobles present, his tone growing heavier. "We must immediately mobilize and call for more soldiers. I also suggest requesting reinforcements from Marquis Eric in the north and Marquis Melis in the south to alleviate the pressure on the border." The nobles murmured in quiet discussion, but no one opposed. Horace immediately gave the order to send messengers to the territories of both marquises to relay the request for reinforcements.
At the same time, a small group of messengers was sent to Eldernia to seek direct orders and support from Leon. These messengers rode swiftly, day and night, crossing the Strongson border. However, their movements had already been detected by Meldor and Taka's tribal warriors, who were hiding in the dense forest.
Meldor stood silently next to a giant tree, his hand resting on the giant bow crafted by the Ancient Deer Tribe, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. His warriors were already hiding throughout the forest, waiting to strike. Taka, leaning against a nearby tree, stood with the camouflaged archers of the Green Shadow Tribe behind him. He slightly turned and whispered to Meldor, "They must be going to seek reinforcements from Leon. If the reinforcements return, our mission will be fulfilled."
Meldor nodded, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. His voice was steady but carried a sense of pressure. "We cannot allow Leon's reinforcements to pass through the border easily. Once they return, our ambush will choke them at their throats, leaving Leon powerless to focus on the east." Taka's lips curled into a slight, cold smile as he turned and made a subtle gesture to his tribe's warriors. The Airtulan warriors dispersed and hid in the dense forest, waiting for the moment to ensnare their prey.