“Your Highness… Your Highness!”

His adventure on the world of dreams was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice. When his eyes opened, bright light shone outside the small window of his tent.

Still, he was sleepy to keep them open. He tried to go back to the dream world. But uncomfortable warmth was slowly felt by his body. Morning had come.

“Uhh… I wanted to sleep a little longer though…”

“I do apologize for disturbing your rest your highness but you still have much to do.” A young boy bowed his head.

“A little longer… give me a little more…”

“Your highness, people are already waiting for you. And it is almost noon.” The boy said.

“Haaa…Mmm… Edgar?”

“Yes your majesty?” another deep voice answered.

“…thought so…”

Only a few people would force his servants to wake him up. One of them is Edgar Gorsthlough, the captain of his Yzaldian Guards.

He turned his head to the other side towards the entrance of his tent. And upon opening his eyes, he saw a flustered young boy who was one of his servants and a man with red hair in full plate armor. He is carrying his helmet under his arm.

“Morning Huey… and Edgar... faaaa…” he released his drowsiness by yawning their names. His long auburn hair was crumpled during his sleep. He is still on his thirties but his current occupation made his age even older.

“Again, it is already noon your majesty. Huey, help him change his clothes and have Servel and Darem prepare his bath.” After fully realizing he is already awake, Edgar commanded the servants to start their errands.

“Y-yes!”

The boy immediately called the names of his fellow servants and hurriedly went back inside with several boys, helping their master prepare himself.

He got out of his bed and took off his sleeping clothes. Then two boys folded his blankets and clothes. While another one placed a small wooden tub by his feet. The boy went back outside and filled it with water.

“It is very cold your majesty so we heated the water for you. Please use it. We also prepared your meal by the table. So once you finished washing, please take your breakfast.”

“Thank you.”

Another boy helped wipe his back and arms with wet warm towels, cleansing his skin from sweat and smell he got after sleeping. He felt refreshed after washing his face and a body with their help. His long hair was quite a hassle for him to wash it that he had to leave it to the servants in wiping it dry. He was at last completely awake then asked if there are some letters for him to read. Another boy who was carrying something on his hands hurriedly handed him several dozen of parchments. He picked two and put others aside on top of the bed and read them one by one.

Most of them were reports of the recon parties and scouts he sent in advance. Some were given orders to shadow the movements of the powerful nobles in the Central Lands. Half of them were daily status of his army and camp.

While few of these parchments were “love letters” from the lesser nobles of Swazbia that promised to defect to his side and support his advance to the capital in exchange for “rewards”.

However, he already sent his own letters several months ago before he even began his plans. Those letters were sent to selected nobles whom he knew will change sides if given a chance due to their known bitter relationship with the Swazbian Kings and were significant pieces for his plan to take the City of Othrys.

He glanced at his right hand where the ring that bears his seal is located.

He was Steffanford Kraug Nus Waldr Freedland, current head of House Coldchers and High King of Rhodlin Confederacy.

Born as the third son of the Royal Family of the mountain kingdoms. He was just 16 years old when he took over the house and throne when their eldest brother, the former heir died from his wounds from a battle ten years ago and he were elected as the new High King. Making him the youngest Rhodlin king to ever take the throne.

Right now they were encamped outside the Vigarya Fortress. Four days ago, it was a former defensive fortification built by the Kingdom of Swazbia to overlook the passing ships on River Rein. Now, its purpose is to watch over the pontoon bridge they made to cross the river. Their only lifeline as they advance further and deeper into Swazbian lands.

“The soldiers have already finished installing the barricades your majesty. We were able to finish building traps and blockades along the main road to slow down any pursuing armies when we leave the fortress. We also have safely established a secured supply line all the way to Earl Cluttlehank’s domain.” Edgar enumerates every news and information that was very important for the ears of their king.

“What about Lord Chevassar and Damunn? What news of our little decoy at Tyford?”

Earl Aerfyd Damunn and Earl Hamiel Chevassar were the ones he assigned to attract the attention of the main Swazbian army. A shallow part of River Tyford was a well-known location that allowed crossing to and from Rhodlin and Swazbian lands. It was used many times in the past by both armies. He gave the two earls intricate orders on when to attack, where to position his camp and so on.

“According to our scouts and spies, they were forced to retreat back to Winmer Castle.” Edgar said.

“Yeah several letters here told me that also but they shouldn’t retreat that far yet.” He frowned.

The main part of their plan for Earls’ army is to lure the Swazbian forces deeper into Rhodlin lands. This will give enough distance and time for the real main Rhodlin army to enter Central Lands and if possible reach the capital city of Swazbia, Othrys.

Additionally, the earls were given strict command not to make it obvious for the Swazbian forces that they were being lured. As such, Steffanford gave Earl Chevassar precise time and sequence in the manner of retreat. He also gave very precise ways of responses against Swazbian forces for any possible future attacks or maneuvers by the duke.

Then just in case, the king prepared two armies in reserve behind the frontlines on River Tyford if the Swazbian army decided to attack their lands in retaliation while they were away. With orders to help and assist the two earls, he also sent Earl Kranshultz and his two thousand men to reinforce the decoy forces. Making the second army led by three earls. Unfortunately –

“The only people who knew of the plans were the three earls who were unfortunately killed during the Swazbian attack. His son, Alfred succeeded his father as the new Earl Damunn and took command of the army. Although he was able to skillfully rally the army into an organized retreat, he issued the orders to retreat back to Winmer Castle. We can only assume that his son was not told of the plan.” Edgar replied.

“Haa… I can only expect that Duke Cornelius already sniffed out our true location and was currently rushing towards us.”

“For that matter, I also received from our scouts that the Swazbian main army was divided into two, the first was tasked and left to guard the river crossing under Count Wittsvein. Mostly infantry, as most knights and cavalry were taken by Duke Cornelius. This only mean one thing, he means to ride down and fast to catch us.” Edgar added.

“How many?” Steffanford asked after reading the contradictory words from scouts, telling different numbers.

“About twenty to thirty thousand mounted troops your majesty.” Edgar replied.

Although they are numerically superior to the incoming army, Steffanford’s main objective is not to get bogged down fighting against them but to get the attention of the Swazbian King.

“Call the kings and lords for another council. And also have the men prepare to move out. We can’t have our advance get impeded down in here when the duke arrives. I will follow you after I finish my bath.” He ordered.

“Yes your majesty.” Edgar bowed.

After that, the captain left the tent. His servants finally helped him wash his whole body by wiping every part of him. Previously he had female servants to do this but after getting a wife, he chose to get male servants instead, even though his wife told him that he doesn’t mind him being served by women. Most of the lesser nobles and lords were eager to send their own sons and children as pages and servants, knowing that they will be able to learn more when serving a king than a minor noble.

“Servel, can you get me my breakfast? It’s in the table. I will eat here instead while reading the letters and while you are washing me.”

It was one of his bad manners to finish several tasks at once if possible, he usually did this when he is in rush on doing things or on the battlefield.

When the tray of food came, a sweet, fragrant aroma and hot steam invaded his nose. His breakfast was chicken soup with mushrooms, a juicy ham and three boiled eggs, wheat bread, and a goblet of wine.

He quickly finished everything at the time he also finished reading the letters. After stashing the letters to his locked metal vault, he ordered his servants to clean everything and to call for other older servants. The younger ones cannot help him don his armor yet, as such he gave such duty to them.

These servants quickly help put on his armor and equipment which consists of a breastplate over the mail hauberk, a gorget on his neck, heraldic tabard that bears his family’s sigil, plated boots, bracers, heavy pauldrons on his shoulders and his gold cloak. Just beside his bed, he took his sword with its scabbard.

“Huey, have other servants assist you in packing things up. We will be leaving today.” He gave one last errand to the servants before he left the tent.

“Y-yes your majesty!”

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Vigarya Fortress was enough to garrison three to four thousand men. It was a combination of wooden outer walls and inner stone walls. It was his privilege to sleep inside the fortress but due to the ruinous effects of the siege they took, the entire place was almost burnt to the ground. The only place they were able to salvage was the main hall of the keep. This is the only place where it could hold all of his commanders, vassals and fellow kings for a meeting.

He entered the hall along with his guards. However, only Sir Edgar followed him inside while the rest waited outside. And inside the large hall was a large rectangular table with a wooden throne on the far end. The other lords were already talking on the corners. And on top of the table was a similar well detailed features of the region’s terrain and locations. It was made of clay, stones and wood.

“Milords. Good morning.” He greeted and went straight to his seat on the center.

His vassals stood altogether to salute his arrival.

“Your majesty”

“Good day your majesty!”

“Y-your majesty.”

“Y’or majesty.”

He sat on the center throne and was followed by the four kings on both sides, which accompanied him to this war. Then the rest of the lords did the same. The Confederacy was founded by combining ten former independent mountain kingdoms into one realm. The sovereign was the High King, which was elected from and by the Ten Kings. The first High King was Grunwaldr, the founder of the Rhodlin Confederacy.

The four kings that is currently with him are King Reynaldo IX Fordsworn of Landraia, King Tormund III Ezesviel of Alten, King Edmund Seethflick of Selphyx and Queen Zenobia Daunrent of Sazoxny. They were his former childhood friends that rose with him to their respective thrones. Making them his trusted allies within the Ten Kings.

The High King is the commander in chief of all armed forces of the realm and he has the power to dethrone other kings, confiscate, and seize titles or lands. He also has the power to declare war freely. But this position isn’t permanent. It only lasts for seven to eight years and if he is popular, he can get elected three times on limit.

It was only because of his past reputation as the most successful candidate that got him elected as one for two times. His achievements in the battlefield and past wars made him a celebrity on both the nobles and common people. Adding also to that is his connection with the Sultan of the Pharassid Sultanate who was his father-in-law, after marrying his only daughter.

“Before my concerns are laid out, do you have something that I needed to hear?” the high king asked.

“We finished everything that was part of the plan your majesty. We are now prepared to move out. I suggest that we pack up today as our scouts have mentioned that Duke Cornelius is riding fast towards us.”

“It seems the three Earls failed to contain the duke successfully.” Reynaldo sighed.

“We have no choice but to leave a sizable contingent to defend this fortress. We can’t afford to lose it along with our bridges.” Zenobia added.

“We cannot lose this fortress but at the same time, we cannot leave enough garrison as we may need more men as we advance further enemy lands.” Earl Lecthird said.

“How about we request some help and reinforcements from the nearby Swazbian lords that already defected on our side?” a baron asked.

“We cannot risk it. There is still the possibility that they will switch sides if our fortunes turned out bad for them.”

“And there is also the threat of Duke Vincegrough. Although he is also taking up as a neutral party on this war, he may attack us from behind on a moment’s notice.” Another baron added.

There are currently three dukes that ruled in southern Swazbia. And two of them claimed that they will not get involved in this matter as long as no Rhodlin forces would step on the soil of their lands. Duke Vincegrough is the nearest Swazbian overlord to Vigarya Fortress, while Duke Remis were known for his honorable personality that he will not break the oath of his word. Only Duke Cornelius took up arms to resist their invasion.

“Our real problem is what we will do to Duke Cornelius. Our decoy forces have failed to contain him and he already found us out. We have the strength to meet him on the field but we don’t have the time to do that. The longer we are stuck here, the more Swazbian reinforcements will come.” Tormund said.

A noisy murmur slowly started among them but was interrupted by a loud clap from the high king.

“I already ordered the troops to pack up. So chop-chop everyone, if you have any suggestions or ideas to add before we leave the fortress, please mention it now.”

Some lords suggested dividing their forces into two, which was rejected by Steffanford. Others volunteered to lead another decoy forces to deceive the Duke’s forces but was also rejected. Another one suggested to send another force to the Silver Boulders to confuse the enemy but failed to get the acceptance of the High King.

Steffanford was waiting for someone to volunteer themselves in guarding this fortress. Although he has the power to order a vassal lord, he still cannot risk another failure like in River Tyford. Just as he is about to force himself to choose, a lord raised his hand and spoke.

“I… I volunteer myself your majesty to defend this fortress. But I am afraid that my men will not be enough so if possible… I need 8,000 troops to hold it.” one of the lords on the right end of the table stood up.

It was Baron Lemm Grymshade, the overlord of Grenault region that was also known as the Swamplands. Then in split second, Steffanford understood the important role of this lord in defending this fortress like a puzzle finally assembled together. But he has to make sure first. Confirming the resolve of this lord before anything else.

“Lord Grymshade, I trust you and your skills in battle, but you may face the full strength of the duke’s forces, are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes, I actually made a plan along with my daughter here that will let us defend this fortress without any hardship. Here are the sketches we made, if your highness wanted to see.” A young girl in armor bowed when the baron pointed her. She stands in the corner of the room along with other knights.

Then the baron laid out a large map on top of the table and explained further in detail about the plans and measures he will take to hold the fortress.

“As you all have seen from the map, this fortress is actually very compatible to small size defense due to the rough terrain, wet and boggy swamps and deep woods which will make it easy for my troops to defend it. I am sure you already know what kind of land I rule. We are proud of our skills in fighting on this type of harshland-” It was drawn with great skills that it was visible even to those sitting from afar. He even pointed out several tactics he will use to successfully hold the fortress even if he will be encircled or outnumbered.

“This is quite… impressive. Who drew this map?” one of the lords asked.

“It was my daughter milord.” The baron replied.

“Wait, don’t you have a son?” one of the four kings asked.

“I have four sons your majesty, but it seems my youngest child which is my only daughter was the only one given with skills and talents in the arts of war. She had proven herself many times when we subdued the highland tribes on our lands when she was still 14 years old. Making her my trump card.” the baron proudly replied.

“Impressive, same as certain someone in this room.” Reynaldo smiled. All of those who heard his words knew who he was referring to. But Steffanford was preoccupied in the map.

It was a very uncommon sight to see a girl or a woman in the battlefield. Mostly they were assassins, spies or scouts that could easily blend in as civilians. Never on the front lines or planning the movement of armies.

“It must be very hard now for you to let her go for marriage talks.” A lord sneered.

“You can only imagine. Unlike her brothers, she is truly gifted in becoming my heir. I hope I am not the only father who had a daughter like her. It always makes me wish that she was born as a boy instead. But thankfully she isn’t that interested on getting married as of yet.”

“Doesn’t that make a conflict between your children then?”

“No, her brothers were more than willing to hand over the position of the heir to her which she actually doesn’t want. She even-” another loud clap resounded on the room. But this time, it came from King Edmund Seethflick, the army’s marshal who decided to put a stop on their talk that may possibly continue all day if it was not interrupted. .

“Milords that is enough, we are not here to brag our children. Your majesty please.” He passed the baton to his sovereign but it seems that the high king was still caught on reading the map.

“Fascinating… really…” The high king himself was actually ignoring all the talk and was completely absorbed on the map and the drawn defense plan. Such designs and intricacy to the smallest detail of the plans made him remember someone in the past.

“Your majesty?” the marshal’s voice put him back to the meeting.

“Oh? *ahem… well then. Lord Grymshade, I will give you full command of 10,000 soldiers to hold this place. I will also send one of my trusted advisors, Lord Bendiston will also assist you here. He will help you for any matters you cannot resolve without my authority.” The high king looked at Baronet Meser Bendiston, the vice commander of his personal guards.

“Yes thank you your majesty!” the baron bowed in gratitude.

“Lord Grymshade, I trust you and your word’s worth. Do not disappoint me.” he repeated.

“Yes your majesty! We will die holding every speck of rock of this land!” the baron loudly spoke.

“Well then milords, I have actually other plans that I must discuss with you all. This is strictly for your ears only along with your trusted bodyguards here.” Steffanford then intricately explained and briefed them all about his plans and the goals he has in mind.

He revealed some details in consideration of possible leaks. This action was intended to hit two birds in one stone. If there is a spy or traitor in this room, he will know immediately. And he has some measures already taken to catch any traces.

And as he had expected, his words gave surprised looks, adoration and smiles from the people inside this room. The very same looks that they gave him when he gained his first achievement.

This put a smile on Edgar that got him to speak out his thoughts.

“Now, this is the real Steffanford I know.”

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It took them several hours to finish packing everything before the army started marching. Tens of thousands of long spears and crossbows rattled as they take their steps away from their home. Similar to their Swazbian counterpart, Steffanford’s army isn’t an ordinary levy but a fully trained professional army. The proof of their skills and discipline were proven when they took this Vigarya Fortress on a shortest amount of time. The Marshal bid his farewell to the High King to lead the soldiers and rode on the first column of the marching beast.

But unlike Duke Cornelius army’s composition, these men were mainly composed of foot soldiers with only fifteen thousand mounted troops, which were mostly part or escorts of the baggage train.

Rhodlin lands were mountainous and rugged with hills, rough terrains and valleys that it was not suited for cavalry. As thus the quality of their mounted troops were not as good as the elite of the Duke’s cavalry.

These foot soldiers were equipped however with the best quality armor for a regular army. Thick padded leather armor for lighter weight and ease of movement with full body, deep wooden shield that could stop javelins and bolts at point blank range. Armed with a single short maces strapped on their hip, for possible melee fights against armored knights of Swazbia. But their main weapons were the long, serrated, steel tipped spears called Grundry Spears that were purposely made against the charging full armored knights of Swazbia.

“Your majesty, all of the Yzaldian guards have gathered. They are waiting for you.” Huey called for him as he entered the hall.

They are still currently on the main hall of the keep. Steffanford was kneeling in front of an altar that has a golden emblem of a Circled Star, praying. The servant respectfully waited for his master to finish.

After several minutes, he stood up and walked towards Huey.

“Thanks Huey, you can now go back along with your friends. I will need your assistance once again when we arrive at the passes. So get a good rest on the carriage.” He spoke with appreciation.

“Yes your majesty.” With that, his servant left the room and was replaced but Edgar who entered the same door.

“The Yzaldian have already finished preparing your majesty, they are waiting for you.” Edgar said.

“I know, Huey already told me.” He replied with a nod and went outside.

His horse was already prepared by his servants and took the reins from them. Another one was carrying his weapons and handed it to him. Steffanford carried the two long swords over his back and mounted his horse.

“Lord Grymshade, I shall be depending on you then. May Saint Chrollus bless you with fortunes!” he left the bowing lord with these words. His personal guards followed behind him as he rushed towards the end of the marching column.

As he gallops through the moving formation of his army, he was met with three armored mounted soldiers and had to stop.

Three of them open the visors of their helmets and revealed their identities as the three kings. They were wearing same plated leather with full body chainmail that covers most of their body. They bowed towards the High King in salute.

“My king, may we accompany your party?” Zenobia asked.

“Of course.” He replied.

Then turned towards Edgar who was riding beside him.

“Edgar, is everything prepared already?” he asked.

“Of course your highness, the equipment will be ready and easy to be built when we get to our destination. And if everything goes according to your predictions, we will be able to arrive two to three days. Maybe four at most.” the commander replied.

“You all have worked hard eh.”

Edgar was not just the commander of his guards but also his trusted personal advisor and representative in situations he cannot command. He was 20 years older than Steffanford and has longer experience in terms of war and battle than him.

“Not as hard as you have Your Majesty. I know that the real reason of your late awakenings is that you sleep late.” Edgar said.

“I have to Edgar. I have to. We almost had it.” Steffanford said as his horse slows down to a trot beside the marching army.

“The peace that we highly sought out. But because of my incompetence, I missed and lost the chance to grab it. That’s why I must do this. Being called desperate is out of my concern anymore. I wanted to end this war yesterday.” Steffanford spoke tiredly.

“Yeah, if this was twisted on a different, good way, you three would have been fighting on the same side.” Edgar looked at the sky in reminiscence.

“Hmm… I still remember the good old days.” he did the same.

As their talk of the past subsided, a soldier on horseback caught up with the High King with bated breaths. His lighter leather armor in green robes and short sword told Steffanford that he is a scout. The soldier saluted and continued his report.

“Haaa… Ha… Y-your majesty! The Seven Colored Snake have been caught!”

It was a coded words used by Rhodlin scout that can only be deciphered by the ears of the High King and the Marshal.

“Thank you. Did our marshal already heard it from you?”

“Y-yes your majesty! I already passed him the message.” The scout replied.

“Then get some rest before going back to your position, you earned it.” He said.

“Yes, thank you your majesty!” the soldier galloped away from his sight.

“What was that your majesty?” Edgar asked.

“Hmm… our way to Othrys will be smooth sailing now.” Steffanford smiled.

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They marched for four days straight towards Augrmund Passes before they stopped at the Barony of Legingrad. The last stop before they enter Augrmund Passes. His army was greeted by Baron Ferraris and his two thousand soldiers. A Swazbian lord who ruled over the said barony that defected to his side.

At the same time, he received news from Baron Grymshade that Duke Cornelius have finally arrived at Vigarya Fortress and made camp just on its vicinity. No concerning matters were reported as the baron explained. The baron also put the important details of his plan on how he will try to pin the duke as long as he can. But Steffanford doubts this as the baron would not easily send a detail of his plan through a rider that could possibly be caught. He grinned as he smells something is already being cooked with this move.

Now Steffanford’s attention is the famed gateway of Central Swazbia. Augrmund Passes was actually two separate valleys. And both headed to different directions. Golden Boulders is the main highway towards the Royal Capital while the Silver Boulders is the road to eastern part of Central Lands. And he can only use one of them.

Not only that, the Golden Boulders will be much more difficult to pass with several forts and three castles on its exit. While Silver Boulders will have less resistance, but it will take them more time, resources and men if they took this longer route.

He only ordered a temporary camp as they will be moving once more at dawn on the next day. And he is on a makeshift tent that could be fold and unfolded at a moment’s notice, sipping tea while reading several more newly arrived letters.

What he is reading right now is the series of parchments and reports both from scouts and Swazbian lords that will be defecting to his side. All of them were bearing same news about the massing army in the Golden Boulders. He knew that the way to the Othrys will be impeded but he didn’t expect such quick movement from the Swazbian lords. He expected time delays to their response.

Especially when their own king is quite distant on the matters of the problems of his realm. Cornelius is the only thing that comes to his mind but then he remembered his old friend. And after that thought entered his head, he felt a cold shiver of unease and fear. Something that his body was familiar with but he didn’t remember when. His deep thinking was suddenly interrupted by someone’s voice outside.

“Your majesty, Baron Bauhnmont and Baron Chrestil sent another letter. These just arrived.” Edgar entered the tent.

“Thank you” he took the parchments from his hands. He remembered these lords as one of the lesser Swazbian nobles that promised him full support as soon as he arrives on the capital. He was able to learn the sincerity of these two nobles from the scouts and spies he had sent. Especially on how Baron Bauhnmont made a deal with the Golden Bough Trading Company, the richest mercantile organization in Western Vadraldia. The former made a massive loan to fund his military goals which is obviously to show his support for the Rhodlin advance.

‘He must be expecting some kind of profitable reward after doing all of this that he didn’t even take into consideration the possibility of failure.’ Steffanford thought.

“Your majesty, forgive me for asking but… is the letter you sent… carried some kind of insult?” Edgar asked with a frowned look.

“Why is that?”

“One of the three envoys I sent to deliver the message to Count Magdalag were imprisoned and the other two was… badly beaten when they returned.” Edgar revealed.

“Then that only proves my thoughts about the count. It was a test to see his personality, Edgar. Although there is also the possibility of him faking it, so this is still a dubious action.” He replied.

“Sometimes I am getting concerned of your recent strange and peculiar tactics to defeat your enemies.” Edgar sighed.

“Unfortunately for you, what we are getting right now is already the results of what I already did and started several months ago. Just enjoy another surprise show I will be showing you.” He gave a playful smile.

MAP OF THE CONFLICT (with its events)