Chapter 224 - Preparations for Battle (1/2)
(Regaleon's POV)
After our long journey we have arrived at our destination, the junction in the Deuss River. I have already sent word of my arrival to General Vincent in advance and so he had a small group of his soldiers to meet us.
”Greetings to the sword and shield of the Grandcrest Empire.” The soldiers made a formal greeting and bowed.
”Rise.” I said with authority. The soldiers obediently followed my words.
”Your majesty, we will escort you to the general's camp.” The leader of the group said.
”Mm, lead the way.” I said.
The soldiers got back to their horses and led the way to the hidden camp. The ride didn't take too long. We arrived at the hidden camp set up the General Vincent's men. Along the way the soldiers in camp gave their salute to me.
After coming to a stop I alighted from my horse and gave the rein to one of the servant boys on standby.
”Tell the stable boy to take care of the horses well. They just withstood a long journey.” I told the servant boy while gently patting Midnight's mane.
”Yes your majesty.” The servant boy bowed and proceeded to take Midnight to the stables first. I here Midnight neigh when he was taken.
”Your majesty, the general is waiting for you at his tent.” The leader of the group that escorted us to camp said. ”Right this way.”
”Mm.” I nodded. ”Dimitri, you go with me. Let your men take time to rest.”
”Yes your majesty.” Dimitri bowed.
The soldier lead me and Dimitri to the general's tent in the heart of the camp. I entered the camp and saw the general with his lieutenants discussing. At their center was a big table with the map of the surrounding areas.
”Greetings to the sword and shield of the Grandcrest Empire.” The general and his lieutenants kneeled in one knee and bowed before me.
”Rise.” I ordered. The men stood up after hearing my words. ”General Vincent, how are your preparations going?” I asked.
I walked towards where the general was standing and looked at the map on the table. I can see the junction of the Deuss Canal that connects the south Jennovia to the north of Grandcrest. At the junction it is known that my country has at least three to four sh.i.p.s at the perimeter, they serve as guards at the water ways entering Grandcrest.
Atop of the map, there were miniature sh.i.p.s that represent our own sh.i.p.s and also the enemy's. General Vincent used this to explain the preparations he and his lieutenants have made.
”Your majesty, the intel that you sent us about the naval fleet of Jennovia is correct.” General Vincent said. ”As of now a battalion of sh.i.p.s are making its way down south from the Jennovian borders to here.” He used the miniature sh.i.p.s that represent Jennovia's fleet. It was nearing the junction of the river.
”How long until they reach the junction?” I asked.
”With their speed, we estimate they will arrive by tomorrow late afternoon to early evening.” General Vincent replied.
”So, they are planning to use the darkness of the night to launch their attack.” I held my chin in thought. ”The cover of darkness is effective for surprise attacks like what they have first planned. But unfortunately we obtained intel about this.” I smirked.
”It is thanks to that intel we have prepared for their surprise attack.” General Vincent said. ”I am afraid if we didn't get wind of this beforehand, then their naval fleet might have entered our territory.”
It was Jennovia's plan to make this surprise attack to enter our borders and make their way towards the capital of Grandcrest using the river ways. They were planning to attack the city and kill me, the commander in chief.