Chapter 45: ~No assistance needed.~ (2/2)
The man in front of me tilts his head in confusion. Obviously I have to explain further.
“Haah. Look at me. I am unable to move on my own. There is no chance that I could ever win against someone in a fight. My magic may be strong, but it can't be compared to a great magician, as I never trained my abilities. Being the Jarl takes up a lot of my time.” I lean back again. “I accomplished everything I have with my head and through manipulating people! There is no difference between a human with an artefact and someone who can use magic directly.”
I tap my head. “These artefacts can't take away what I have up here. They are no concern of mine. Just a new tool to be used in the big game.” I turn my head towards the map on the wall of my hall. It's a map of my nation.
“Are you sure that there is no problem? The army from Mislow numbers about fifty thousand people. I heard that at least three thousand of them are magicians. That's quite some fire-power. On top they will cross through eight to eleven principalities and small kingdoms. It depends on which route they take.” I sigh.
“While we may be a nation to outsiders, we aren't as unified as other countries. I gave orders to everyone not to assist Mislow. Unfortunately I have no doubts that some nobles will be awed by the big army, which is crossing through their property. They will think that there is nothing to lose and assist them with short-sighted actions. Like adding their forces or supplying them. You may face an army of sixty thousand. That's more than half of your population.”
“Then all my men will have to fight with all their effort! All one thousand eight hundred and ninety three of them! Plus my personal guard, that will amount to almost two thousand men. I think this will work out.” He nods while scratching his cheek.
“You know that the whole situation looks like I will win the bet, don't you.” I pat my belly while being surprised at this man. He is a mystery to me.
“Aahh … the bet. No, I hope that you won't win it for a long time. Although it bugs me that I may have to show the world what I am capable of. They will see Sarn with different eyes after their armies are crushed.” He purses his lips and shrugs. “They will mourn that they didn't take Sarn more seriously.”
But my ears peak up at what I heard. “Armies? As in … multiple armies?” I take a drink from my armrest.
Ascathon arches an eyebrow. “Ah, I guess you couldn't know. There are thirty ships from the Nation of Mist on their way too. Ha! In the worst case, I'll have to split my forces. Maybe it will become a little hairy after all.”
*Pfffff*
I can't help it. This surprised me! I spurted everything over myself and my third wife. “Ah … I am so sorry, dear!”
“It's understandable. If you'll excuse me? I will go and clean myself.” She has a dangerous expression while leaving the room. I guess I will get no special time from her tonight. Well, there are still number one and number two!
No! Forget that! That's not important! “THIRTY SHIPS!? They can lay waste to the entire northern coast with that much fire-power! And your city has a harbour! So they have access from the sea! No wait! Why are they attacking too!? Don't you have good relationships with them?”
Ascathon sighs. “Unfortunately I don't know that myself. I just know that they are coming my way. Their reasons and intentions are a mystery to me. But I will prepare for the worst case. Better safe than sorry.”
I nod slowly while looking at this strange fellow. “Well, If you are so sure of yourself, I will lean back and watch how this situation will evolve. You may go now. I am sure there is much for you to do.” … and I have to clean myself. That will become an ordeal.
Ascathon smiles and bows. Then he leaves the room with happy steps, actually skipping a little. That guy has some screws loose.
He could be …
“Please bring me a document. I have to dictate something important. And this order has to be secure against forgery. And get that snotty bastard who should be my aide! Where is he hiding again?”
.