Accadeas and Nes stood alone in a small dim tent.

The sun had already begun its descent and the sound of night creatures filled the darkness with mournful sounds.

Accadeas observed Nes with a look of disappointment tinged with pity.

“It will soon be time for you to prove your loyalty. Do you not have any regrets for what you did?”

“I regret nothing. What I did, I did for my sister and my family. I would make the same choice even now.”

“Tch, you’re a fool, but I won't waste another breath on it. I have vented enough of my anger using your body as a punching bag. Your sister has already become docile and our brother-in-law has forgiven the both of you. However, that doesn’t mean that I fully trust you. You will need to prove yourself and you will have that opportunity in the near future. You should be prepared to use your full strength when that time comes.”

“...”

“Even if you keep silent, it won’t change anything. What you believed in was a lie and you were foolish enough to allow that lie to control your life and make your decisions for you.”

“...”

“Alright. I have said what I came to say. Truthfully, I can understand why you did what you did. I would never have made your choice though. Not if it meant betraying the ones deserving of my respect. In the end, your father never wanted that, to be saved by betrayal and lies.”

Accadeas turned and walked towards the tent’s entrance. He stopped before exiting and looked one last time over his shoulder.

“I guess… the most pitiful one is you. You’ve lost everything, even your own sister has replaced you with Fayde in her heart. It would be wise of you to think deeply about that. Perhaps there is a path of redemption for you.”

Nes remained silent, watching the fading broad back of the immense Demonkin. They were much alike, and yet, very different. This thought etched itself deeply in Nes’s mind and he fell into deep contemplation.

The very next day, Largear and his small group of skirmishers reunited with Accadeas’s army of twenty thousand Demihumans.

Tents and yurts filled the plains all the way to the horizon, or at least it appeared that way in Largear’s eyes. Various Demihumans went about their business throughout the enormous war camp in preparation for the coming siege.

A perimeter had been established and temporary defenses and outposts were set up at intervals in order to defend against any possible counter attacks.

Of course, the Demihumans weren’t too concerned about this due to the fact that the Jaspelian army was currently besieging La’gun. However, Accadeas did not allow his army to be lax and this was a form of training as well.

Tribal flags flew among the various tents and the war camp was filled with a plethora of colors that truly flaunted the vitality of a proud and eclectic people.

Largear couldn’t help but feel pride swelling in his chest. He never thought that he would ever see such a thing and it was all thanks to Fayde that his people had become united. They were stronger than they had ever been and this filled him with hope for their future.

This was actually his first time seeing this particular sight. He had left Enrain with his two hundred warriors before the Demihuman army had begun its march north and so he had never truly seen their war camp. The sheer size of the force was awe inspiring and he proudly looked on the orderly and disciplined camp.

Even though he had lived among the caravan of over a hundred thousand for several months, this was a different sight. In the caravan, they moved as if an enormous snake and many of the warriors were constantly moving back and forth as they hunted and trained.

Despite so many Demihumans, they were mostly cloistered among their own tribes as they traveled and were not necessarily moving as one cohesive unit. This was entirely different.

This war camp was a diverse and yet unified group of warriors. While they lacked somewhat in battle experience, they were not lacking in fierceness and determination.

Largear had spent much of his life fighting, but he had never experienced war. Only the Demonkin, who formed the core of this army, had experience in war. They were definitely the fiercest of warriors and their heavy armor and iron weapons gave off a formidable impression. Their discipline and organization was something to be admired.

Finding his way around the camp was difficult at first, but he soon made his way towards Accadeas’s command tent. Accadeas was bending over a map of the surrounding region while he discussed the coming siege with his subordinates among the Demonkin as well as some of the Khans who had been assigned to this army.

Rajal Khan of the Tigerkin, Reddin of the Rabbitkin, Arctur of the Dogkin, Rhaegnar of the Wolfkin, Sarun of the Catkin, and Thoren of the Lionkin were among this group. These six tribes as well as the Demonkin formed the majority of this army.

When Largear entered the tent, many eyes were upon him. His father looked on proudly and Largear couldn’t help but feel his chest swell because of it.

He walked towards the table where Accadeas was observing the map and said, “Marshall! Largear reporting!”

“Ha! Well if it isn’t the young wolf pup!” Accadeas spoke loudly with a big toothy grin.

“Ugh…” Mumbled Largear with a deflated look.

Accadeas chuckled and walked over to him, placing his hand on his shoulder.

“You did well! It looks like giving you this mission was a good decision. I was afraid you would screw it up!”

‘Tch, couldn’t you have a little more faith in me…well at least he complimented me..’ Thought Largear.

“Appointing Erikkar as your second was definitely the right decision, hahaha.” Continued Accadeas while giving Largear a good pound on his chest.

‘He doesn’t trust me at all, Ah fuck…this bastard..’ Largear rubbed his chest while mumbling expletives under his breath.

“Give me your report.” Ordered Accadeas while walking back towards the strategic map.

Largear proceeded to give him a detailed report on their actions so far while in the north. He detailed their use of the heavy javelin and skirmish tactics as well as the raiding of villages and appropriation of supplies. He also explained the tactics, equipment and formations that the Humans used while fighting against his warriors.

“I see. These soldiers should be those that have gone through basic training and perhaps even military exercises but they have never fought in war before. Most likely they have faced off against bandits or even monsters, but never real battles. With the majority of the Jaspelian and Quijon forces in La’gun, they wouldn’t have many veteran or elite elite soldiers to spare for defense, especially when they consider their borders to be secure. We were lucky enough to catch them woefully ill prepared. I’m not saying this to belittle your accomplishments so far, but the only reason you have had it so easy is because of this. Don’t look down on the Humans. I know what they are capable of. I have fought against Humans my whole life and saw first hand how formidable they can be.”

Largear took his words to heart and wasn’t bothered by Accadeas’s tone. He had indeed been looking down on the Humans but then remembered that Fayde was a Human himself.

He had never mentally grouped Fayde with other Humans since he considered him to be unique among them but Accadeas’s words made him think more deeply on this.

While he still felt that Humans were comparably weaker than Demihumans, he resolved himself not to underestimate them.

“I understand.” Largear said with determination.

Accadeas glanced back at him once more and said, “Good. Go get some rest, you will be fighting again soon.”

“Yes Marshall.”

Largear looked to his grandfather before leaving and saw him smile and nod his head. He then made his way out of the command tent.

After Largear left the command tent, Accadeas addressed his officers as well as the Khans.

“Even though Shar was unwilling to assist us in our invasion of La’gun, he was more than willing to provide us with information and strategies for invading Jaspel and Quijon. All the information we have on the citadels and strongholds in these two countries come from him. We will be following his proposed strategy to conquer these two kingdoms. I have already ordered two thousand of my Demonkin warriors to march on Dunkark citadel here. Their objective is not to siege the citadel but to engage the army there if they attempt to aid the capital. Even though their force isn’t large, it could still pose a problem to our rear if left unchecked. Our goal is to minimize casualties as much as possible. We still have to secure the entire kingdom and then invade Quijon. Fayde has ordered caution above all else. The size of our army is unprecedented for our kind, but the Humans outnumber us still. We need to preserve our strength for the future. These kingdoms are only the beginning.”

Accadeas paused in order to let his words sink in. It was necessary for all present to understand the seriousness in his words. Demihumans were a proud race and many of their problems had been caused by both underestimating the Humans strength and ingenuity.

“As for the capital, the outer walls are at the base of the hill. There is an inner wall at the top of the hill and the castle is situated there. They don’t have the manpower to sufficiently defend the entire wall. Losing a thousand soldiers to Largear’s warriors was a considerable benefit for us. The defenders have a huge advantage because of the thick walls, battlements and bastions. Also, the walls have a powerful defensive barrier formation placed on them which only requires a small group of casters to maintain.”

“Hmm, will we be able to blast a hole in the walls large enough for our army to break through? If we have to climb the walls, I feel we will take heavy casualties.” Interrupted Khan Rajal with concern.

Accadeas smirked and placed tokens on the map around the depiction of the outer wall before speaking.

“Shar and I discussed this. Normally, it would require five times the number of soldiers than the defending force to assault the walls. However, not only do we overwhelmingly outnumber them, but we also brought many magic casters with us. So we took this into account when planning the invasion. We will surround the entire outer wall and continuously bombard the wall with magic. The magic casters will be divided into groups for rotation. I don’t want to see the magic bombardments stop for even a second.”

“La’gun Capital City’s walls have been able to withstand magic bombardment for weeks and still have not been breached. If these walls are equally as powerful, how will our bombardment be any more effective?” Asked Khan Arctur.

“That’s a valid concern. Even if the barrier is a low maintenance barrier, there is no way it will be able to withstand the might of thousands of spells without a moment of rest. Shar speculated that most of their magic casters would be with the main army besieging La’gun. The reason why La’gun’s city walls have been able to withstand the bombardment so far is because of the amount of magic casters they have maintaining the walls. All of their magic casters are defending the city and must be focused on maintaining the barrier. Even though Jaspel and Quijon sent the majority of their mages to the siege, it isn’t enough to breach the walls in a short period of time. We have several hundred mages at our disposal and will spread them out all along the wall. It shouldn’t take long before the wall is breached and our armies storm the city.” Replied Accadeas as he smashed his fist down on the map.

After hearing Accadeas’s explanation, the Khans nodded with satisfied expressions.

“Remember, your warriors are to be placed under the command of my officers and are to follow their orders. You Khans will observe, but are not to interfere with the battle in any way. Prepare your warriors. We will soon have victory!”

“Victory!” Shouted the Khans and officers together.

The Khans and officers all left with determination to prepare for the siege which would soon begin. Accadeas remained alone in the command tent peering down at the map before him.

Accadeas pulled himself away from the map and lifted his giant halberd which once belonged to his father. He caressed the handle while remembering his father’s determination and his mother’s love.

‘Soon now father... mother.. Our dream will become reality.’