Chapter 446: Growing forces (1/2)
”Master, I've infiltrated their communication channel.”
”Good,” said he promenading atop the sought-after bridge. Arches at regular intervals with inlays of dragons and other deities gave an idea of its origin. The opposing cavalry was naught but horses without horsemen. Staxius's companions took care of business. Mainly Intherna, her trail of fire burnt many to crisps.
”Excuse me,” voiced the Commander in utter amazement. The view stretched before was of a team seemingly indestructible. ”Who are those with his majesty?”
”Oh,” paused Yves who scanned for a path of exit, ”-those are his majesty's personal guards and allies, I think.”
”You think?”
”Didn't you see how quickly they dispatched of the coming waves…”
”Still,” the tone came across as indecisive, ”-I see no way how one could defeat 120,000 men alone.”
”He's not alone, you're gravely mistaken. Our leader is the owner of Phantom, and Phantom does war better than the countries fighting. He'll be fine. Furthermore, I need a map, if things go wrong, we'll need to escape.”
”Sure,” they bounced onto the stairs with nervous energy. Tis was the first such a large scale army came to wage war. The soldiers, with superior weaponry, were but sitting ducks. A shield versus a spear.
The narrowed path across the expansive forest came to end rather quickly. Nature had overgrown the only access further to the mountains. Quiet suspicious movement of the trees, leaves, foliage, branches, and all that move added to the overall harshness. Fighting as a vanguard in a coming siege was foolishness at its peak. Nonetheless, Gophy and Intherna sprouted wings to dash around the greenery, they killed and killed and killed until the head of their leader, a lieutenant (showed by the outfit and badges) was brought forth by a grinning Gophy.
”This should prevent any advancement into the forest,” voiced she who had bravely took his life.
”I doubt that,” said Miira curiously peering towards the right. A small clearing amidst the trees gave time to rest and strategize. Being strong didn't matter with such large numbers.
”I agree with lady Miira,” said Cleopatra viciously eying a map, ”-we took the head of one of the leaders. The forest is massive, it goes from here to here. To lead such an operation – there must be Sergeants of 150 to 300 men scouring the area. The prior charge was also quite a bold move.”
”There might be another plot in place,” wondered Staxius, ”-which is why I'm not holding back this time.”
”Excuse us?” inquired Intherna with a squint.
”What I mean is I will use any means necessary, and this includes the power of the gods.” The visage sunk into a state of cold empty stare, the dormant crimson glance burst forth into a raging whirlwind of flames. *Blood-Arts: All-Seeing eyes.*
”Adete, could you explain?” said Miira towards the little lady.
”He's using the curse of the Nox clan. The all-seeing eyes, an ability that is crucial to warfare. Answer me this, what is important before waging a war?”
”Information,” interjected Cleopatra, ”-many o' battles are won using brute force, yes, tis true. However, the greatest battles were won with legendary strategist alongside the Great Generals of my era.”
”Tis a bittersweet arrangement,” whispered Staxius. ”-Brains and brawns are most often enemies. Smart people refused to fight as 'orcs' and so can be said of the 'orcs'. Finding the perfect balance is another matter in it's lonesome. Those Great Generals which lady Cleopatra mentioned were smart enough to request the brains of another, and this, the foolish pride of riding into war for fame and fortune is rendered worthless.” On that, the sun moved to allow the moon to take over. A darkened shadow laid atop the still to come battlefield.
The crackling of fire burnt slowly into the night. The goddesses sat and jested with one another. The bond seemed strong, Cleopatra – a relatively new addition would often have her smile changed to one ingenuine. Staxius noticed and chose to remain silent.
”Master.”
”What is it?” returned he using a holographic display.
”What is that?” asked Cleopatra with the others soon to approach.
”A prototype display made by the Elon Empire. It's newer and uses my theory on mana conversion to work.”
”…” the cold wind blew to amplify the clueless glares.
”Fine,” the shoulders relaxed, ”-consider it a map,” with a simple gesture, a three-dimensional chart of the area materialized. ”We're currently here,” he pointed at the blank spot. ”The speculation of a plot being enacted is true. The remaining soldiers regrouped at the edge to plan for the next attack. Our camp is their destination.”
”Sorry?”
”I knew it,” laughed Gophy.
”Should have expected that much,” Intherna rolled her eyes to then grin.
”I'm confused,” Miira and Cleopatra could but stare at one another for answers.
”Let me explain,” interjected Adete, ”-the reason we stopped wasn't to plan. It's to wait in ambush for the coming forces. Vampires are strong, you'll see.”
'Now for the waiting game.' He stood atop a branch with the other ladies taking a favorable position on their respective branches. '-We'll hit them hard. Strength alone isn't going to win the war. We need the head of their General as well as all the other leaders. The gentle sloped desert-like opening after the forest is troublesome. There are troupes there waiting. Their march continues – establishing an outpost to prepare for the siege. What would have happened if we didn't have the technology by our side.' As he wondered, the other army was lesser equipped in terms of modern gadgetry. King Juvey was hardheaded and distrusting of the coming new wave of weapons. He only allowed the fundamentals, a single-shot rifle with a long reload time.
General Jei Lo, on the other hand, didn't think of such things. He took and bought weapons, radios, and much more to aid his battles. The successes in the many campaigns led towards the independent nations in Melinda was proof enough.