"Look at you, gaining their obedience just like that..." Luther spoke as he patted him on the shoulder. Valtherion was now sitting at a table, looking through reports and maps. Alfred, Luther and Dain were beside him.
Their armours were imbued with mana, just like Valtherion's; after all, they were Imperial Guards. The mana armours served as protection against spells and provided the armour with life itself, as the details seemed to come to life. It was truly something gorgeous, a piece of art.
Alfred was the only one who was not wearing armour; rather, he had a black robe, and he was made to be in charge of Logistics. Valtherion was assisting him in his new role. The Butler was stressed, but he executed his tasks without a problem, proof of his management skills.
"Cousin...is it true? What you said, an army hitting my father's forces from the back? It was just a fluke, right?" Dain spoke as he seemed worried. His father was laying siege, trying to take down a stronghold of the hordes and bring stability to the duchy, at least from one front.
"No...I am more than 110% sure that an army is on the way to hit him in the back. I have sent a letter, urging him to send scouts and giving him my word that we will stop it. Trust me, Dain, I will not let my uncle be hit in the back. It is vital that our plan succeeds, and it will." Valtherion said as he patted his shoulder, trying to reassure his cousin.
"I trust you, brat; at least you are not all brawn like me. I want to tell you, though, the Marshal will observe every battle. They have moved The Shard from the west of the Empire here, in the East." Dain's next words shocked everyone in the room.
The Shard was a part of a mirror that was said to be bestowed by the Goddess herself. It allowed the mages of the Empire to observe and convey directions, akin to having eyes, but only in the territories under the Goddess's Dominion. Sadly, it was lost and fractured during the Great Fall; the other parts of it were now in the hands of the Dark Elves. The shard was all that remained, able to be observed only at a limited range.
"That...that is...very unexpected...just as Julia's arrival. Alfred, pass this document on down the line. Arrange it that supplies be brought for two years. I have storage around the county. Wood, livestock and food. Pass this document to the engineers; tell them that I want it crafted as soon as possible and ready to depart. Tell them to craft 50 of those, no less. I am financing things personally. Lastly, send this letter to Juliet; she is to mobilise manpower across various points. We will be going deep into enemy territory; I want to establish various checkpoints for transport." Valtherion passed him a stack of papers; Alfred took them and departed to execute every command.
"Godfather. You are not good at keeping secrets. You've been staring at me with mixed emotions. As you can see, I am not dead yet, and I am sure you will keep me alive, so how about you spill the beans now?" Valtherion finally spoke what had irked him for some time. There was too much attention on the Eastern Border. It was unusual; this was not a Great War. If it was, the forces that the Dark Elves would mobilise would be far, far larger, and Imperial Armies would have to be stationed here. Basically, the Empire would not fall. There were allies in the back; even if the massive Eastern Border was attacked, everyone was mobilised. It will hold.
"Ah...Well, nothing. You will understand one day, my boy. Do not force me to speak, please. Just trust in me, I will keep you alive no matter what." Luther gave him a tap before walking away. He did not wish to speak about what he knew, lest he affect things in a negative way. Prophecies were something feared by men; there was no good prophecy, only bloodshed and loss.
-----------------------------------
A week passed in a flash; Valtherion was now sitting in a tent, looking at the detailed map. Soon, a report would come: the enemy had laid siege on all five objectives.
For the past week, he had made big arrangements and decided to leave Blackhold Fortress and set up various camps in the forest. Not one main camp; he split it into various small sections. He was close to Iron Reach and could even see the siege from outside as smoke rose. Thankfully, his arrangements made sure that the enemy did not spot them.
"Young Master, we have identified their Commander and their numbers! They have split up; 32,000 of those pests on each fortress. The one leading them is Kaelstraz Dragonborn, son of the Immortal Soul, the half-dragon Seviras. He is not renowned in any aspect besides single combat. Not much is known besides that." Brandon rushed in as he gave him a report of the situation.
"Brandon. Give the signal for the western holds to begin their retreat. Organise the army, separate a 3,000-strong cavalry. When I lead the men to relieve Iron Reach, lead them astray towards Emberkeep. Assist them, and after breaking the siege, wait for me. Do not engage; I will come with the rest of the forces after I free Greenwatch. Do not let them siege without me. Understood?" Valtherion said as he put on his helmet, ready to exit his tent. It was time to mobilise the 30,000 men in the forest and signal the retreat for the western holds.
"Understood! I will see to it; there will be no disruptions in your plans, My Lord!" Brandon bowed and left in a hurry; they had 30 minutes to mobilise, and time was passing fast today.
--------------------