11 The War Room (1/2)
Nirvana, Capital of Castonia
News of the Tulosan invasion quickly spread throughout the city. Upon hearing the news, Bisham went to talk to Lucia
” Your highness, what are your orders?”
” What do you advise me to do?” Lucia was looking at the city from the castle. The city was alive and well. The merchants and the miners still sold their goods. The people were already aware of the invasion, but they were indifferent towards it. Nirvana's walls seems to have given them a sense of security.
”Nothing” The Captain said. He also looked at the City from above ”Vanadis and Castonia were not yet officially allied. The official alliance will be announced after the marriage.”
” Exactly. But the King might move the date of the wedding forward. Castonia needs the funding of Vanadis as soon as possible. Just tell father of our situation.” Said Lucia. She knew that the Castonian King would want Vanadian gold as soon as possible. She doesn't care, it wouldn't matter anyway. Vanadis will be forced to join the war and help Castonia.
”I'll write a report to your Father later” Captain Bisham nodded.
” Please do. ” Lucia suddenly remembered Escanor the merchant. ”And Captain, please contact Escanor”
The severity of the situation had reached to the point where Lucia was slightly worried about the future. Although Castonia could destroy the invading force by transferring all their soldiers on the Western front, it would still take time. She may need the assistance of Escanor soon.
”The merchant?” The Captain looked at her with a surprised expression.
” Yes. We might need his assistance soon” she explained
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Timothy heard of the news that morning. The Tulosans have invaded with a force of more than 30,000. Worse, half of them were on horseback. He went to the War room where the Generals should be discussing the strategies.
Timothy opened the door of the room. There were three people inside, General Peyton, Braun and the King. At the center of the room there was a huge map of Castonia. There were objects lying at the top of the map probably representing armies.
Timothy went closer and heard General Payton talking
” I just hope Timur and Greenwater holds until we arrive. But why would they choose Greenwater over Solon?”
” May I know of the recent news?” Timothy walked towards the map and looked at General Peyton. But the one who answered his queries was not the General, but the King
”You're butting in again uninvited” there was hostility in his voice
” I was at Knightsend just a few days ago. Maybe I could help” Timothy reasoned. He's also worried about the garrison of Knightsend. The Castle was the first defense of Castonia against the Tulosans. It should be under siege by now. But Timothy wasn't worried that the castle would fall. The men he trained with will not break that easily.
” He's right your Majesty. The boy might be useful” Braun said.
The King signaled that they should go ahead so General Peyton explained the current situation to Timothy.
” Our scouts have not been idle and gave more detailed information about the Tulosans.” The General knitted his brows ”The earlier report was wrong. It's not 30,000 but 40,000” he said seriously
Timothy was surprised. 40,000!. How could they assemble 40,000? Just three years ago, Tulosa was in a civil war. How could they recover that fast?
General Peyton continued.
”The Tulosans divided their army into three. They left 5000 soldiers to siege Knightsend.” Payton pointed to the castle on the westernmost part of Castonia ”Well it's less of a siege and more of a blockade. The Tulosans learned their lessons. They are not besieging Knightsend to take it, but to keep it from interfering and striking them from behind. Also they wanted to keep their supply lines open. The remaining 35,000 split into two groups. A smaller group of 10,000 went to the northwest while a group of 25,000 went to the southwest.” The General explained as he traced the paths with his finger.