86 Lessons From the King (2/2)
”Did my words hurt your feelings?” Timothy asked.
Arthur nodded. He was frowning. ”Yes. And I am not weak.”
”Alright, if you are not weak then tell me why I avoided my brother. Why won't I accept his invitation of battle? This has nothing to do with war strategies. Even your father knows the reason for my actions.”
Arthur showed signs of interest after given a chance to prove his wisdom. He looked at Timothy with a smug face. ”Because you are luring him into a trap. You want him to think that you are weak”
Timothy's head hurt a little after hearing Arthur's answer. While it is true that he may spring a trap of two, he wasn't playing weak.
”I am not trying to make him think that I'm weak Arthur, because he already knows about that. That's why he attacked us in the first place. He sensed weakness because we are weak at the moment. I am avoiding battle because I know that he will beat me if I give him a battle.”
Timothy paused and thought for the best words that can teach Arthur. ”Sometimes we must accept that we are weak. We must think of what's real and question our own perception, Arthur. We must know our strengths and our weaknesses. Only then can we gauge the chance of success. If chances of victory are slim, then we must reset and try to gain more advantages. Except for a few circumstances, only fight battles you can win.”
Timothy saw that Arthur's frown vanished. ”Tell me King Timothy, what are our chances of winning this war?”
It was Timothy's turn to grimace. ”Slim. My forces are weaker compared to that of my father's. Although my soldiers are loyal and professional, I don't have the resources. That's why we are trying to squeeze every bit of advantage. But don't worry, we will win.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a scout. The scout saluted. It was dark and Timothy did not recognize the man immediately.
”Centurion John” Timothy called the scout's name. ”You are still on scouting duty?”
”My own volition Your Majesty. But if you want, I will return to my Century immediately” Centurion John said with worry in his voice.
While there was an unwritten rule that a Centurion should be with his Century at all times, Timothy doesn't want to lecture Centurion John at the moment.
”For now report to me Centurion.” Timothy ordered.
Centurion John straightened his back. ”We have spotted five supply caravans Your Majesty. The number of soldiers defending the caravans varies. The most heavily-guarded caravan has two hundred guards.”
Timothy nodded as a silent confirmation to the Centurion that he had heard the report. After leaving the mercenaries under the care of King Edmund, he led his cavalry directly behind Ivan's army. Such was the advantage of cavalry. Their mobility allowed them to evade the Ivan's large army and go wherever they wanted.
The most obvious weak point of an army is its supply lines. Before the battle of Knightsend, Timothy had cut General Sigurd's supply lines and that was how he forced the General to assault the castle. Now, he will do the same to Ivan. He will cut off his supply line from Nirvana. Timothy turned his head towards Prince Arthur who was listening to their conversation. He put his hand on the Prince's shoulder.
”Do you want another lesson? Because may I have another lesson for you tonight.”
”Can I say no?” Arthur said grumpily.
”No, you can't.” Timothy smiled.
”Then I don't have a choice. It will be my pleasure Your Majesty”
His response was unenthusiastic and had a hint of mockery. But Timothy doesn't mind. At least the Prince was willing to learn.
Timothy again took the canteen from his side and drank a mouthful of wine. Contrary to Arthur's exaggerated reaction earlier, the wine wasn't really that bad.
He swallowed and said a single word to Arthur. It was both a command and an offer that will kick off the lesson for the night.
”Watch”