Chapter 32: The Beginning of the War
Aldebrand's decision to side with the Everia family had shaken the political world throughout the kingdom. The news spread quickly, and although many were not yet fully convinced, strategic moves were immediately made. Inside the Everia family's main tent, Eric stood with a serious look, examining a map of the territory.
"Everything depends on our speed now," Eric said to the Seventh Elder. "Ferelden will surely make their plans soon after learning that Aldebrand has turned."
The Seventh Elder nodded. "They won't sit still. Ferelden will use all its might to push back our alliance. However, we already have a strategic advantage. They won't easily start a war now."
Eric sighed, feeling the weight growing on his shoulders. "But we can't relax. Even with Aldebrand joining us, Ferelden is still much bigger than we are. We must control the battlefield and make sure they don't get any room to move."
The Fifth Elder entered, bringing the latest news. "Our troops are ready to move. Aldebrand's troops are also in position. The only thing that awaits is our final decision."
Eric looked at the assembled troops, ready for a major battle. "We will start with a coordinated attack on the border. We will catch Ferelden by surprise and stop them before they can advance any further."
The Seventh Elder gave his final assessment. "But we must be vigilant. Ferelden is not only strong in numbers, but they are also clever at playing politics. Don't forget that they can attack us from behind if we are careless."
Eric replayed in his mind what they had prepared. "Nothing will be forgotten. We move now, in three days."
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Ferelden in Tactical Position
On the other hand, Marquis Ferelden already knew of Aldebrand's decision. Although he tried to remain calm, behind his sharp gaze, there was anxiety that enveloped him. The messenger he sent to find out about Everia's strategy returned with bad news.
"Now they are ready to move, Marquis. Aldebrand is on their side," reported one of the advisors.
Ferelden stared hard at the map, trying to analyze the situation. "They will attack first. We have to turn the tide."
"I'm afraid we've lost momentum," another adviser said. "We could be pushed back before we can strike."
Ferelden raised his hand, commanding calm. "If they want to fight, then we will wait until they make a mistake. We will act quickly and target their weakest point."
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Everia Camp
Life at Everia's family camp changes quickly. The entire army stood by, their faces serious and determined. Eric walked among his troops, offering words of encouragement to those who would fight for their families and their homeland.
"This is a fight for our future," Eric told the soldiers. "We are not just fighting for territory, but for everyone who depends on us. We will emerge victorious. Don't hesitate. Don't back down."
The Fifth Elder approached. "We will launch the first attack at midnight tonight. All preparations are complete."
Eric nodded, his eyes full of determination. "We attack with great caution. We will show them that we are not only a powerful family, but also an unstoppable one."
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The Fateful Night
That night, the Everia family army began to move, traversing the dark terrain filled with potential dangers. Aldebrand's army joined them midway, giving them greater strength to face the coming attack.
"Everything has been arranged," said the Seventh Elder. "They will be surprised by our attack."
Eric led his troops, looking ahead with focused eyes. "This is the time. We will not give them the chance to attack first."
With swift and coordinated movements, Everia's forces infiltrated Ferelden's territory, waiting for the right moment to destroy the first stronghold. This was the first step in a war that would change everything.
---
Meanwhile, in the night, the Everia family troops moved in near-perfect silence, their footsteps faintly audible over the sound of the wind. At the forefront, Eric continued to lead, his sharp eyes assessing every movement, looking for signs of enemy movement.
The tents of the Ferelden army were visible from a distance, spread out in the middle of the dense forest. They did not know that the Everian army was getting closer. Eric gave a signal, and the commanders under him immediately moved to prepare their positions.
The Fifth Elder beside him looked towards the border, his eyes sharp. "They don't know where we are yet, Eric. This is a very rare opportunity."
"This is an opportunity we must seize," Eric replied firmly. "We cannot allow Ferelden to advance any further. If we strike now, we can reduce their strength before they can retaliate."
The Seventh Elder who had joined them at the front nodded. "We must also be prepared if they try to distract us with a counterattack. All possibilities must be considered."
Eric grinned faintly, his gaze never leaving the potentially brimming field. "If Ferelden wants war, we'll make them regret it. We're ready."
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At Ferelden Camp
The Marquis of Ferelden stood in the middle of the camp, his eyes on the map spread out before his advisors and military officers. He knew that an attack was imminent, and he had to prepare for the worst.
"The time has come," said the Marquis of Ferelden in a calm voice, though there was a hint of worry. "They must have made their move. Prepare our troops."
However, before the order was given, a scout came rushing in. "Marquis! Everia's troops are already at the front lines! They are almost at our borders!"
Ferelden was silent for a moment, analyzing the new situation. "This is faster than we thought," he muttered, then looked at his advisors and officers. "Prepare the troops. Don't give them a chance to attack us first. We will meet them with full force."
However, deep down, Ferelden knew that they had to act smart. If the Everian army attacked, they had to be able to retaliate with greater force. There was no room for error.
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Return to Everia Troops
Eric stood in front of his troops, looking out at the sky that was starting to brighten before dawn. "Today, we will make history," he said firmly. "Our troops are stronger, faster, and more organized. We will not give them any room to move. We will attack them all."
As a signal, the attack began. The Everian troops hidden behind the trees and bushes began to advance at an incredible speed, attacking Ferelden's first position which was unprepared for a deep attack. In an instant, a fierce battle began.
Battle cries filled the air, as Eric and the other commanders led the charge with prepared tactics. The surprised Ferelden army tried to turn and organize a fight, but Everia's forces had already taken control of the field.
A lightning strike struck the center of Ferelden's defenses, throwing their ranks into disarray. "We must hold!" shouted one of Ferelden's officers, but their troops were pushed back.
Eric stood at the forefront, directing his attacks calmly but decisively. Each strike he launched felt calculated, and Ferelden's forces began to falter under the swift and coordinated assault.
The Fifth and Seventh Elders joined the battle in the crowd, leading Everia's troops to surround the enemy. "Don't give them time to gather their strength!" shouted the Fifth Elder, who was experienced in this kind of battle.
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Amid Victory
Eric stood on a small hill overlooking the battlefield. The Ferelden army had been pushed back, and they began to retreat to safer positions. Despite some resistance, the Everian army still had the upper hand.
The Seventh Elder came over, giving a brief report. "They are starting to retreat. Our position is strong now. There is no room for them to advance any further."
Eric looked out over the dying battlefield. "This is just the beginning," he said calmly. "We haven't won yet. They can still strike back. Prepare your troops for a possible counterattack. We must be ready for whatever comes."
However, even though Eric knew that the war was far from over, he felt a little calm. They had made great strides, and the Everian army showed unstoppable strength.
This first battle is just the beginning of a series of larger confrontations that will test tactics, courage, and deeper strategic decisions. With Ferelden's forces on the back foot, Eric must prepare for the next move that could change the course of the war.
End of chapter