Creating this pit has been both challenging and exhausting. The soil here is very loose and moist unlike the soil in the tunnel. In some places there is so much moisture it turns into a thick mud forcing me to build additional tunnels going south just to relieve some of the moisture and pressure.

Most soil can be compacted and hardened but there is no way to do that with water. Removing the water relieved a lot of the pressure under the surface, but it also caused the surface to become very unstable. Too unstable to hold any substantial weight.

To keep the surface stable I needed to build large arches and compress the surface almost to the point of crystallization. Right now the surface soil is only 4 feet thick and the wall holding back the river is 2 feet of highly compressed rock.

The pit is absolutely massive and will take a good amount of time to fill. Even after the surface rock crumbles it will still be over 30 feet deep. Without a powerful earth or water mage there will be no escape.

Which brings me to question, am I really ok with this? This pit if it works the way Lord Weston hopes it does will potentially lead to the deaths of up to 40 thousand people. Forty thousand people with families of their own wiped away only remaining in the memories of their loved ones.

This is war so I know it’s me or them. But most of these people have been forced to serve in this army, they have no choice in this, it’s either fight for Elkia or die. Some of them might even be younger than me.

In the Empire, soldiers are always told that we are just following orders and the one responsible is the commanding officer. It’s a way to ease the guilt felt by taking another man’s life. In this case, would that make Lord Weston responsible for their deaths?

Can I accept that reasoning, to wash my hands of their deaths will I place the responsibility on Lord Weston? To him it’s obvious. Freeport is his home, his family line goes back generations and he’s willing to do anything to preserve it.

It’s not the same for me though. I have no real ties there. Sure I like Lady Eleanor, and by taking up her request I knowingly accepted I may need to kill people, but at the same time I might have needed to kill just to escape with my own life, so it didn’t really change much. But this is different.

I never intended to stay in Freeport and grow roots anyways. And I’m still not sure if fighting Elkia is the right thing. A strong kingdom might be a good thing for this area. Freeport is stuck 100 years in the past and is run by a council that is either incompetent or treacherous, perhaps both.

Progress can be bloody at times, it’s the harsh reality of the world. The Empires borders are bathed in blood, but every country the Empire has conquered has prospered after they have submitted to imperial rule.

Laws are standardized and a systematic education system has been implemented. It’s estimated that over 70 percent of the Empire’s population can read and write. This is an effort to foster the growth of astounding individuals to strengthen the Empire. In most countries only merchants and nobles are literate.

Though I haven’t interacted with many people here in Freeport, judging by the fact that I don’t see many words and most shop signs are just pictures I’m certain the literacy rate is not very high. So it comes back to the question of should I really collapse this pit when the Elkian army arrives? I’m not so sure anymore.

Used to kill for the Empire, used to kill for Lord Weston, used to protect and kill for Lady Eleanor. Is that really all mages will ever be? Am I destined to be a tool used for killing no matter where I go? No one forced me to become a mercenary, does that mean even I think I’m only good for war?

My pride as a mage, does that even matter? Was making ice figures really that bad? I had food to eat, a place to sleep, and was surrounded by people who seemed happy. It’s not bad at all, so why did I feel so unfulfilled while doing it?

Is it because of how I brought up? ‘A true mage is one who uses his powers to attack the enemies of the Empire.’ Isn’t that just a way to indoctrinate the masses? When did I accept that line of reasoning? The longer I think about it the more I struggle. Is it better to just stop thinking about it then?

********

Freeport has 3 main bridges that cross the Crystal River on the north side. Because of the canal and the moat that diverts the flow of the river the bridges are only 500 feet long. We would like to take control of 2 out of the 3 bridges and prevent escape from the third.

Our combined forces along with the Northsmen number nearly 25 thousand but they will not be much help during the siege. They have no formal training, they’re called warrior tribes but they’re more similar to bandits than anything else.

The plan is to use most of them to block the escape of people from the third bridge and the river shore with only about 2 thousand bolstering our numbers. After we enter though we intend to let them attack and pillage serving to further foster resentment of the Northsmen in the people's mind and to spread panic.

Somehow we’re supposed to then force them out of the city while making ourselves look like the protectors of the people. I’m not sure how they plan to convince the masses we’re the good guys, but that’s not something I need to worry about.

The boom tower is ready to be raised 10 miles east of Freeport and ballistae have already been stationed along the shoreline with 20 boats prepared to detain or kill anyone who attempts to escape down the river. But even if they get past our men the ferry point 100 miles east has been captured by us as well cutting off all routes of escape.

Our forces to the east should have split into two groups as well. I’m not too familiar with the details but the plan was to block the southern exit. Escaping south would be suicide, but I think they’re worried escapees making a wide loop to Penrith.

The biggest obstacle we face will be the drawbridges. The drawbridges we are attacking are both 30 feet long. We have two 40 foot long platforms made of Daneron oak from the Bilst Forest to span the gap.

Ogres will be used to push the platforms in place and then press the battering rams. Their skin is very thick and with the minimum armor we have provided it will be difficult to take them down with arrows.

Each man has been given a shield and trained in creating a wall against arrows, but we still expect heavy losses in capturing the gatehouses. Hopefully we can keep our ogre losses minimal. Capturing and taming Ogres is difficult and expensive, losing even one is a considerable loss to the military so it shows just how important the capture of Freeport is.

“Colonel Dyer sir, reporting on the status of the Generals forces. The assault is to take place tomorrow. All operatives within the city are in place and will begin to attack before dawn.”

It would be good if our forces that have infiltrated the city were able to lower the drawbridge. But their main objective is to raise the gate of the canal so our ships can enter. If they are unable to raise the gate, towers will need to be erected and the loss of life will be much higher.

However, as long as the Freeport council follows through on their promises we should be able to limit losses. The General has siege equipment as well as that mage so I doubt there will be any problems.

“Good, what news is there of Freeport’s forces along the wall?”

“Currently they have not prepared for a large-scale invasion, it appears our control of information has produced favorable results.”

Well, hopefully this doesn’t turn into a long battle. If everything goes the way it should, by tomorrow afternoon at the latest we should be within Freeport’s walls. If not we could be facing a drawn-out siege, and possibly two enemies instead of one.

“As we have discussed 500 men will stay behind with the rest breaking into 2 teams. Tonight is a new moon, all of our work has been for this, and we march tonight. I want everything in place before dawn.”

********

“Wow, this is really very impressive. To think he actually hollowed out this whole region. Well captain, have you finished up the guards?”

“Yes sir, there were only 10 of them and they were still sleeping.”

There’s a limit to how unprepared an army can be. Nearly dawn and they’re all asleep. The whole area has become weak, these cities hide behind their walls and their citizens live life without knowing the brutality of war. Their soldiers are soft and lack the discipline a military should have.

They have no idea what is coming for them. If they did they would probably welcome us with open arms, maybe even sing praises to us in the streets. Keeping people weak and ignorant of reality is a failure of leadership and all of these cities should be purged of their incompetent rulers.

And these soldiers, they can’t even protect themselves, how can they protect a city? Well it makes things easier on us, it’s less loss on our part and things are able to progress quicker, but still, I can’t say killing these weaklings makes me happy.

Now, what should I do about my little friend? I need to get his attention but I don’t want to cause this place to collapse. What was he thinking when he built this? If this thing collapses won’t it cause the river to run dry?

“It doesn’t look like it’s so fragile that it will collapse with just this, so let’s give him a little shake shall we? [Tremor]”

********

As he cast the spell [Tremor] a small ripple on the surface spread out in all directions. Though it wasn’t enough to collapse the roof of the pit it was enough to startle Jayce and force him to come up from underground to investigate.

“Hello, you must be the Freeport mage I’ve been told about, hopefully I didn’t wake you. Do you mind taking a break from your project so we can have a chat?”

Jayce focused his eyes in the direction of the voice and in the dim light he was able to make out roughly 50 armored men on warhorses. The voice came from a young man wearing light armor and no helmet who was about 10 feet in front of the others and about 50 feet from Jayce.

“Who are you?”

“Oh, how rude of me, my name is Philip Osborne, I am a mage working with the Elkian army. And what should I call you?”

The name Osborne was known widely as a powerful military family throughout the Empire which confused Jayce even more. Though he couldn’t be certain if it was a coincidence or if he really was one of the Osborne’s from the Empire Jayce felt this man was dangerous.

“The name is Jayce, so can you tell me why you are here Mr. Osborne.”

“Just Jayce, nothing else? I guess names don’t really matter so that’s fine. Well Jayce, actually I’m here to admire your work and to make you an offer of course. How about joining the Elkian army?”

“Is it really an offer? What if I refuse.”

“I’m a peaceful man Jayce and I would really prefer it if we don’t have to resort to violence. What do you say? As a mage you’d have a lot of freedom in the Elkian army. They definitely wouldn’t have you out here digging ditches with only 10 guards while everyone else watches in fear.”

“Regarding the 10 guards you spoke of, I don’t see them, do you know where they are Mr. Osborne.”

“About that, you see they were a bit of a problem so these men had no choice and were forced to take care of them.”

Though he knew the guards were most likely dead, hearing Osborne say it so nonchalantly made Jayce’s anger rise up, but he fought to quell it until he was able to figure out the best way to deal with Osborne and his troops.

“Is that so, unfortunately Mr. Osborne I have a bit of a problem, there are a few people I’d like to keep safe in Freeport and I’d rather avoid military service right now.”

“You say you want to avoid military service yet here you are serving in the Freeport military, what’s the difference? And just give me the names of the people you are looking to save, I can guarantee their safety.”

Jayce couldn’t refute what he said. Despite his attempts at convincing himself otherwise, he knew he was working directly on the Freeport militaries behalf. He had originally hoped to take jobs as a mercenary that didn’t involve war, but now he might as well be a high paid soldier.

“Then tell me, do you have the authority to make that offer, are you in charge of the Elkian forces? And where is the rest of your army?”

“No I’m not in charge, but I know the man who is, and if that is the price of your allegiance then they will have no problems. And as for our army, well its busy conquering Freeport right now, ah, I guess you were too busy underground though.”

Osborne’s words caused an ugly expression to form on Jayce’s face. He had no way to tell if someone was lying, but while he was underground he hadn’t noticed any movements, still he couldn’t rule out the possibility that the Elkian army had traveled down the northern side of the river either.

“Oh you look confused, let me help you. We traveled by boat. Looks like you did all that work for nothing.”

Currently 20 miles from Freeport there was no way to visually confirm what Osborne had said. A war horse could cover that distance in an hour which was roughly how long it would take Jayce if he traveled by propelling himself through the river.

“Really, then you wouldn’t mind allowing me to verify what you said would you?”

Osborne’s normally smiling carefree attitude changed and a frown appeared on his face. It was clear to him the back and forth was pointless.

“Ah, this is getting tiring. You can believe what I’ve told you or not, it doesn’t matter. You’ve tried my patience enough, make a choice.”

“Sorry then, I’m going to have to decline your offer, so what now?”

“That’s a shame, I didn’t want to kill you, so don’t blame me for this. How about moving over there, there is no point in involving these soldiers in our battle.”

Osborne pointed to an area of sandy grass about 1 mile to the south of their present location. As the one who made the sandy area and an earth mage it wasn’t a bad place and the conditions would probably favor him, but after thinking about it for a moment Jayce thought staying by the river was a better option.

“Those are men of the Elkian military here to ensure I join, they’re also responsible for the death of my guards, no they are already involved. I think this is the perfect place for us to battle.”

Slamming his foot down onto the ground caused the whole hollowed out region to shake and forced 3 carriage sized boulders over 40 feet into the air. Jayce raised his hand to the sky and clenched his fist causing the boulders to shatter into hundreds of foot-long fragments that were hardened to the point of crystallization.

“Shit you bastard [Rock Wall]”

A large rock wall enveloped Osborne but it was not wide enough to cover the armored soldiers. With a flick of Jayce’s wrist the projectiles rained down causing a hellish scene as they shred through the soldiers' armor as if it was paper.

“Sorry Mr. Osborne, but if what you said is true I cannot afford to linger here.”

“You cocky shit, you really think you’re leaving here alive? [Fireball], [Wind Blade], [Rock Cannon]”

Jayce wrapped himself in stone then ice but even though Osborne’s attacks were basic spells they were stronger than he expected. The large stone shot at him was able to penetrate his rock armor after fireball and wind blade had damaged it causing him to stumble back and nearly fall.

“I didn’t expect the Elkian military had someone capable of casting 3 spells sequentially like you just did.”

Jayce launched multiple ice spears towards Osborne forming a cage around him then exploding in all directions. Casting a [Wind Barrier] Osborne was able to block most of the ice shards; however, a few small pieces were able to make it through cutting him.

Continuing to attack Jayce shot two large boulders at Osborne but he was once again able to block them with a rock wall. Fighting at a distance with a mage of similar strength was a battle of attrition.

Though confident in his mana pool Jayce did not have a lot of battle experience other than sparring. If he continued in a long drawn out battle with someone who was more experienced he would likely lose. In that case, though it was risky, there was only one thing he could think of to end it quickly.

********

“General, the gate is still in place, do we continue to wait?”

If the gate is still in place it means our men have failed. Even if they are still fighting, a long fight for control of the gate will not favor them as reinforcements will surely appear.

“No, we don’t have time for that. For now we’ll assume the mission to clear the canal is a failure. Have the men begin setting the towers, we need to get over the wall, also have the mage come to me.”

“Yes sir.”

The reason we put so much effort into spreading disinformation, coercing the council, and infiltrating the city was to catch Freeport with their pants down. If they were able to organize, the siege might even last for months and the cost of life would be extraordinary.

I’m confident we would still win, but I don’t plan on sitting on this boat or these windy plains until winter comes. There is also the issue of the Northsmen, if Colonel Dyer is unable to gain entry without our assistance it’s uncertain what they will do.

“Mr. Osborne, I was hoping to have you take out those two towers, are you able to do it?”

“Hmm… it’s not that I can’t, but I believe you know why I’m not supposed to act unless it’s absolutely necessary right?”

A mage like him has the power to change the course of a war, if he wanted to take down a wall like this it would be no problem. Unfortunately I am under direct orders not to call for him or his brother to help unless it is related to magic or an emergency. Who he is and why he’s treated with such favor, I don’t know.

“Yes I understand, however those two towers pose a significant obstacle for us, by removing them we will be able to lower our casualties substantially.”

“Soldiers die General, which is a fact of war is it not?”

“This is true, but it is my job to take Freeport with the least cost of life possible.”

“Well it would be bad if too many died. It would make controlling the city more difficult, but I don’t think taking down those two towers is going to help as much as you think it will.”

“Our men on the inside have failed and the longer we wait the more fortified this area will become. Those towers give Freeport a strategic vantage point and line of attack. Taking control of them was crucial, but that mission has failed so it’s best to take them down.“

“Is it possible your men timed the attack incorrectly? It’s your decision ultimately. If you really want me to shoot down those towers I will but I shouldn’t be interfering in situations such as this”

Could there have been a communication error on when the attack would occur? I can’t rule it out as unlikely as it may seem. But even if they timed it incorrectly it doesn’t matter. We’re here now and we need to press the attack forward.

“Then Mr. Osborne, if you would please take out those two towers.”

“Very well General, but after this you should rely only on conventional warfare.”

Conventional warfare is it? City walls, longbows, catapults, and trebuchets, they’ll all become things of the past according to our new king. Things of the past, relics told about in tales, is that really all this is? This conventional warfare is all I know, a thing of the past, is that what I have become?