I scanned the Black Forest carefully for the first time.
I can now see why this place is called the "Black Forest". The forest is covered with huge trees which are easily close to one-hundred metres tall. You would need several people to surround a tree trunk. The lush leaves overlay one another almost blocking out the son entirely. The dead branches and leaves covering the floor have been left there for ages. Water bubbles formed in the ground as the horses tread along. All the rock faces were covered in moss, so even the horses slipped if they weren't careful.
The air carried a wet and stinky stench. This place would be heaven for microbes and decomposed things. Sunlight would never reach the floors of the forest unless it was winter. Catching some sunlight every now and then was like finding new land to me.
The small animals in the forest moved in-and-out of the branches as they watched us uninvited guests with curiosity. It was still early morning and since there was no sunlight, it was freezing in the forest. I took everything but the climate into consideration. I moved forward slowly on my horse. The elves around me didn't look bothered by the climate.
Only I was feeling cold!
I sent five scouts go find the location of the Earth Dragons as our main force made its way towards the canyon. Our unit comprised of about one-hundred men and the three horse carriages behind us. The elders were only able to manufacture three ballistae due to the time constraint. But the worst part was that they hadn't made any arrows. Given the circumstances, I grabbed all the spears that they originally prepared to use for the arrows. As long as they fit into the magazines, I grabbed them.
Consequently, our ammunition was very limited. It might've been enough if we were using ballistae which fired arrows one-by-one, but I added a burst fire device, which would make it like a rifle, except fired by a machine. By my estimations, we only have enough for one burst. If that's how it plays out, then we'll have to kill the remaining Earth Dragons with our own hands.
We couldn't move fast because our horse carriages would likely flip if we tried to move fast along the paths covered with moss. To add to it, we hadn't explored the paths before either. That said, our timing was pretty good. The Earth Dragons had begun grouping up, but they hadn't advanced on our city yet. According to the map, the canyon was just ahead, and we should be able to circle around to the two sides of the canyon. I stretched my hand out to order everyone to stop.
"Ballistae unit, go right. Circle around to the other side of the canyon. The high priests are here, right? Alright, could you please slowly make your way leftwards? Once you find the narrowest part of the canyon, please take a look at the rocks on both sides. If you can't knock them down in one attack, please knock them loose. Lucia, come with me."
I brought two high priests from the palace with me this time, both of whom seemed very impressive. They look older than the eight elders. Upon hearing about this campaign, they offered to personally support me. I should use them as exemplary examples to show those eight elders what being responsible means. There's a reason why you eight can't become high priests. Your efforts to uphold morals are insufficient.
My plan was straight-forward, lure them out with a decoy and then spring on them. My plan was to use the bait drug to lure them out and into the canyon. From there, we would blow up this side of the rock face to block-off their escape route, and then fire at them with the ballistae from the other side. The plan was to kill them all using the ballistae, but in case that didn't work out, we were going to personally kill them with the spears ourselves. If we got separated, I'd dig holes and fill them with spikes. That was sure to get them.
I only had one-hundred men, but I think it'll be an easy task for them since elves can use magic.
The only question left was who was going to go and lure the Earth Dragons out. To be safe, I needed them to get close to the dragons' den, spread the drug on their own body and then run back. That was the most dangerous task, because as I said, they run faster than horses. Further, the fact that we were in a forest and that the floor surface was extremely slippery meant that the steeds were bound to move slower, so the chances of getting crushed by a dragon were much greater.
I originally intended to spread the drug among all of us, and use a chain-system where one person would put it on themselves, lure them out, run for their life towards us, pass it on to the next person, and repeat the process like a relay until the dragons were where we wanted them. But if I did that, then the scent wouldn't be strong enough to lure enough of them. So the best option was to have one person go and lure the hordes of Earth Dragons. Said person would have to either be an extremely skilled equestrian or be fast enough to outrun the Earth Dragons.
Lucia therefore volunteered to play that role. Lucia was a great candidate. She had the buffs provided by the wind elves, she could control the direction the wind blew to ensure the scent reached all the Earth Dragons, she didn't require a steed, she had the agility to move freely through the forest, and she could leap off the trees so she wouldn't have to worry about getting stomped on by the Dragons. She was the perfect candidate no matter how you look at it.
But, I still had my qualms.
If she slipped up, she'd be a goner. The memory of my comrades' corpses who got stomped on are still clear in my mind. I still haven't forgotten the look of despair and pain on their faces when the dragons stomped on them. And that time, they weren't carrying the bait drug. This time they were all going to target Lucia. Should she slip-up, that'd be the end of her.
I was hesitant. I couldn't decide if I should get Lucia go. She was the best candidate, but I couldn't stand the thought of her life being in danger.
The two of us rode our horses up to the mountain peak. There were no trees at the peak. Standing on the rocks at the peak, we finally saw the canyon in its entirety. It was a long and narrow canyon. Given that it was so narrow, lining up the three ballistae would be enough to block up the exit. Based on the size of the Earth Dragons, I reckon only two would be able to squeeze past.
It wasn't ideal because once the Earth Dragons in the front row die, the ones in the back will use their corpses as shields to move forward, which would cost us lots of arrows. And if the Earth Dragons got close enough, then we'd only be able to stab the corpses directly in front of us.
In other words, I need to fight them in a space where they can be lined up in rows of four. The centre of the canyon was wider. The canyon was narrow at the ends and wider at the centre. I originally intended to block off the exits, but looking at it now, we have no choice but to kill them at the centre. The dragons won't be able to always use the corpses to move forward if we engage them in the centre.
Once we lure them in, we can split up into smaller units to take them on or force our way forward on horseback in a Macedonian Phalanx formation. However, based on the physiques of elves, I'd surmise that it would be easy to break our formation… The frustrating problem was that I didn't have any alternative solutions. I could only pray that my imperial palace guards are strong enough to hold them back.
Lucia gazed the far into the distance as she rode beside me. She didn't wear any expression and looked like she was half-asleep, but I knew she was deep in her own thoughts. She was thinking about how to return from the Earth Dragons' den. I never promised to let her act as the bait, but she insisted on it.
A soldier approached me on my left, and said: "Your highness, the ballistae have been set up."
"Change of plans. Move the ballistae to this area where it's wider, and set them slightly behind this area."
"Understood."
"We've also located a good spot to seal the exit."
That was the elder's voice which was carried to me by the wind. Using magic to communicate sure is efficient. I nodded. Now, there was just one last thing to do… Enter the dragons' den and lure them out.
Lucia tightened her grip on the rein of her horse, turned around to face me, and said: "Please hand me the bottle, your highness. I'll go now."
"That method is a little dangerous. Give me a moment to see if I can come up with a better plan… For example, sprinkling it on the floor or something…"
No, that wouldn't work. There's not enough of the drug. I've only got one tiny bottle, not a big barrel worth. Come to think of it, if I actually did have a big barrel worth of it… The city walls would probably have been destroyed already. I frowned and racked my brains. What's another way to lure them out without using someone as bait?
Sorry…
Nothing comes to mind…
"Reporting! The Earth Dragons have begun to move! They're moving towards the capital!"
It wasn't long before all the scouts I sent out came reporting back to me in their loud voices. To be honest, we're just responding to the best of our abilities as circumstances arise, and right now, I don't have the luxury of time to think. We either use the chain-system where one person attracts them, then as they gas-out, the next person takes over in a relay fashion, or Lucia does a solo-run.
While I was hesitating, a sudden gust of wind blew against my side. My horse panicked and almost threw me off. I tightened my grip on the rein instinctively to prevent myself from falling, and just as I managed to regain my balance, a blurry shadow flashed past me from behind.
My entire body turned cold.
Once the wind settled, my stuff on the back of my horse was gone. I reached for my belt and found that the precious tiny bottle containing the bait drug inside the pocket of my belt was gone.
I just can't stop Lucia.
I sighed as I looked into the distance and said my prayers. I hope Lucia returns safely.
I went around the small mountain and arrived at the canyon below where the three ballistae were set-up and aimed at the entrance. The elves were busy organising the spears, which are now arrows and slotting them into the magazines. Our limited ammunition made me shake my head. If I had another five days, I wouldn't even need the imperial palace guards. I could just set up the ballistae at high-strategic points and rain down on the Earth Dragons with arrows. Plus, I'd have enough ammunition to annihilate them.
But by the looks of things, I think fighting the Earth Dragons head-on is unavoidable. By my estimation, our ammunition won't last longer than a minute.
"Take a few men, head to the exit, dig deep holes and put some spears down there. Remember to cover it properly."
After I passed down my orders, I moved the front of the ballistae and touched the wooden ballistae. This was actually the first time I'd seen it. They did a good job making them. They're definitely up to standard, but I just can't get used to Elves using a human invention. It's a miracle they were able to understand my blueprints and produce them accordingly.
The captain of the imperial palace guards walked up to me and asked: "Is this alright, your highness?"
I shook my head and replied: "I can't guarantee that we can kill them all with the ballistae. I need all of you to get into formation behind the ballistae. Form a formation like this: This place is relatively small, so have four spearmen kneel down in front, have the spearmen in the second row hold their spears on their shoulders…"
I crouched down and excitedly drew on the ground. Watch closely and learn properly. This is precious knowledge humanity accumulated from their battles thousands of years ago, you know? Do you know how bad-ass this stuff was back then? You elves are still too young and simple-minded…
The captain cut me off and asked: "So form a square-like spear formation, right?" He crouched down and finished drawing the part I had yet to finish…
"Ah… Yeah…"
I looked at him with a surprised look while he looked back with a helpless expression. It was like when a tutor tries to teach a student some advance materials, only to find out the student already knew it… I treated him like an idiot, and ended up making myself look stupid…
Fuck! This is awkward now…
I forgot that the elves have technology more advanced than during King Alexander's rule, so of course they'd know battle formations and strategies from back then. I took them for idiots… They should know the Macedonian Pahalanx Formation as well. As long as they had good team work, they could pull it off. Elves must've created these formations themselves in the past.
"Understood."
The captain left to go and organise the formation. The imperial palace guards brought four-metre long spears with them this time. It'll work out if they fight the Earth Dragons as if they were a cavalry unit. What I'm more worried about is whether or not the troops in the frontline will be able to defend against the Earth Dragons' charge. The imperial palace guards may be strong, but they're still elves after all, and elves have lean bodies compared to humans. I really worry if they'll be able to withstand the charge of the dragons.
The last hole I asked to be dug was done, everybody else had finished with their preparations, and the scouts had returned one-by-one. Alright, all that's left is Lucia. I wasn't with Lucia, and walkie-talkies didn't exist yet, so I had no idea what sort of situation Lucia was in. Did she find the enemies? Was she hurt? Was she scared? I didn't know anything.
Lucia always had an "I don't care" look on her regardless of what she was doing. She would probably sacrifice herself without any complaints if I asked her to. Was this her devotion to love or loyalty? Or was her courage a combination of the two?
Spears rose up one-by-one and a simple Macedonian Phalanx formation was formed. The imperial palace guards held their positions vigilantly as they waited for the Earth Dragons to come. Their eyes showed no hints of fear. Perhaps it was due to their battle experiences that allowed them to be so confident. They were silent and still as a rock, as though waiting for the moment the silence would break.
The relaxing smell of green vegetation in the air was replaced with the scent of metal, oil, and the silent tension of the men. We all watched the direction the enemy was going to come from silently. The entire canyon was silent… All that remained was a tense atmosphere that would make anyone nervous. I looked at my men and lifted my right hand up.
"Everyone, get ready. Don't panic when the Earth Dragons appear. Wait for them to enter our range before firing!"
"Understood!"
It was time… Time to finally open the curtain on our battle with these rampant creatures.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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When I looked at Ji Si and took out a tiny bottle and poured the liquid onto the tip of everybody's spear, they all asked: "What's that?"
Ji Si paused for a moment and replied: "It's a demonic bottle. It contains spring water her highness gifted. She added a command so that the spring water contained in it'll combust. Once it makes contact with the enemy, they'll be reduced to ashes. Your highness, you're aware that these demonic bottles were filled with this not long after the last war, right? I think it's better to refer to the spring water in it as her highness's "command", rather than as water."
"What else can it do besides set fire to things?"
This thing is awesome! It's like an enchantment. It could turn a normal spear into a fire-spear. So, does it just set fire to the Earth Dragons once it pierces them?
"There is also 'Freeze', 'Venomous Poison' and 'Explosion', all of which were made from her highness's holy spring. I thought you knew about it, your highness."
Ji Si looked at me with doubt and said: "Your highness, you should ask her highness to share some of this knowledge with you. Not only is her highness a wise a ruler, she is also a brilliant strategist, a skill she proved ten years ago. And today, it is your turn to prove yourself to us."
He took out the imperial guard unit's flag on the side and passed it to me with a face filled with frivolous pride. I took the flag and said to those in the formation: "Please give me a spot in the formation."
"No, no, no. Your highness, a king does not need to enter battle himself. You just need to standby at the camp. The troops will not get confused. You need not throw yourself into the formation. You need only to stand behind them. As long as the flag remains standing, our troops will fight to the death."
Ji Si grabbed me by the hand and dragged me to the back of the formation. He looked at me with the flag, and softly said: "Ten years ago when our defence line crumbled, her highness took the flag in hand, and charged the enemy's vanguard while roaring loudly. When that happened, it was like a goddess had descended and all the troops who were on the verge of the defeat re-assembled, the troops who were fleeing regretted their decision, and all the elves regrouped under her highness's flag. The life of every elf was entrusted to the flag in her highness's grasp that day. After that, that flag which stood irrevocably became the source of confidence for our men. Every man concluded that as long as the flag stood, no one would retreat. Come. Come, your highness. Her highness's blood runs through your veins and you are her son. It is now your turn to take the flag. Please deliver your speech. It does not need to be a heroic speech. You just need to let our men know that you have our backs!"
The flag blew in the wind as it whispered through the canyon. The tense air was shattered by the roar. The floor beneath us shook like an Earthquake hit and the sound of metal clanged in rhythm with our heart beats. Dirt rose at the entrance of the valley as our prey entered our ambush.
Mom led the charge last time? Where did mom summon all that courage to take the flag and charge the enemy lines when she was just a single woman facing off against humanity with troops who'd lost all morale already? Was it her love for her country or was it out of responsibility as the queen? All I've heard about kings and emperors who came before me was how tyrannical they were. But I've now seen how brave a wise and capable ruler can be.
"Attention! Children of the World Tree, Men of the royalty of elves!"
I didn't know what to say, but I could feel my blood-flow speeding up and my heart beat racing with excitement. My hand holding the flag trembled, my breath sped up as I stared at the dirt closing in. Was I craving battle? Was this because of my background as a solider or was it because of the owner of this body? I didn't know. I'm not very familiar with the culture of elves. What came out of my mouth was a pledge made up of a combination of stuff I'd read during my time here.
"..."
The spears the imperial palace guards held were steady. There wasn't a hint of doubt from them, but I could tell that all their attention was focused on me. I watched the dirt dancing in the air, felt the trembles of the Earth and looked at my men as the blood in my body began to boil. I tightened my grip on the flag. This strong motivational feeling made me sick but at the same time, uncontrollably excited.
"Listen in. Behind you is the land of the elves, your wife, your parents and children. Behind you are the gazes of all elves, and above you are god's watchful eyes! Remember the oath you pledged, remember the honour flowing through your body, remember your responsibilities and remember your training. I shouldn't have to say much to warriors like you. All of you are the unbreakable walls of our city!"
"YES SIR!"
"Look at the dust swirling up over there. Look at those beasts running rampant! Nothing is allowed to run rampant on our land! We inherited this land from our ancestors, and we mustn't let it get damaged! Don't let those watching your backs down! Don't let me down! I'm right behind you holding our flag high! As long as this flag stands, we will not fall! May the gods bless us! May glory and victory be ours!!"
"YES SIR!"
The first row of men crouched down and pointed their spears towards the wave of dust coming toward us. In front of the dust was a small silhouette jumping off the rock faces.
I loudly shouted: "Lucia!"
Her silhouette got closer and closer as well as the Earth Dragons. I've seen drawings of what Earth Dragons look like in the books I read. This was my first time seeing a Triceratops like animal. The horn on their head resembled the battering rams used in city sieges. They were big as rhinoceroses, yet faster than a horse. Their steps shook the Earth like Earthquakes, making the two sides of the mountain appear like they were going to collapse. We were standing on land and yet it felt like we were at out at sea rocking and swaying.
Dirt filled the air and covered the sky like a sandstorm, and they were the demons lurking within. They were huge and strong. People always fear things larger than them, that's completely normal. Our long spears look like mere toys to them. I didn't know what I could place my faith in.
No, I actually do have something I can place my faith in.
I can place my faith in that small silhouette flashing in the distance.
"Prepare your magic!"
"Stop!"
I stretched my arm out to stop Ji Si standing by my side. I looked at the small silhouette and said: "Lucia will get hurt! Don't unleash your attacks yet! Wait!"
"It'll be too late by then!"
"Once the Earth Dragons enter, it doesn't matter when we block off the exit! I can't put my Lucia in anymore danger than she's already in!"
I kept a close watch on her small silhouette as it got bigger and bigger. Lucia finally came into sight. Her leather armour was covered in mud and leaves, her ponytail came undone and her blonde hair was flailing in the air.
I shouted in her direction: "Lucia!!"
"My prince!!"
Lucia's voice was trembling and was carried to me by the wind. I saw her reach her hand out to me as well as the Earth Dragons close behind. I don't know what she went through, but I was certain this was worthy of becoming a legend of courage, intelligence and unwavering determination. Seeing her reach out for me, I stretched my left hand out as my body continued trembling.
"Seal the exit!!"
Two giant fireballs headed for both sides of the cliff and created a huge hole when they exploded. The rocks in the valley collapsed and sealed off the Earth Dragons' exit.
"There's no retreat route for us! Everybody is watching us! We are the city walls!!"
I watched on as the Earth Dragons charged us. Not a single man under me was showing a hint of fear. The Earth Dragons were facing the virtually invincible vanguard. It felt like all my blood rushed to my head as I faced these creatures which had killed me once before. Everything in view turned dark while I felt so sick I wanted to puke. My entire body was trembling. I felt cold but couldn't stop sweating. My limbs went numb but I just wanted to slaughter them.
Is this war? Is this war?
I looked at those crazy beasts run rampant, and then I looked at my men, and finally my fiancé. I lifted the flag in my hand up high. The sunlight shined on our flag as it fluttered in the wind. This is the flag that holds the blood, glory and miracles achieved by the military. And this time, it's my turn!
"For our kingdom, our people, and our queen!"
I watched as the Earth Dragons and my men roared!"
"For our queen!!"
The roars of the elves could still be heard amidst all the quaking and noise. Lucia rushed to the front of the formation. She came down from above and I opened my arms to catch her tightly in my embrace as she descended. She had the scent of the perfume on her as well as the smell of rotten leaves. We tightly hugged each other. She breathed lightly on my shoulder as I rubbed her back. I was so happy and moved I couldn't speak. Lucia was fine, she wasn't hurt, and now she was back in my embrace. Tears started to form in my eyes as I felt the warmth and breath of my beloved.
Lucia softly said while on my shoulder: "Your highness! Please give the orders!"
I let go of Lucia, clasped her face in my hands one last time, and lightly wiped the dirt marks on her face. She smiled and fell to the ground from exhaustion, clinging to my leg. I drew blade, the blade of a commander, looked in the direction of the ballistae, and shouted: "Ballistae unit, ready up!!"
I could hear the sound of the chains and wood from the ballistae moving. The Earth Dragons fully appeared in our sights. Their presence exceeded what I'd imagined. There weren't twenty, but close to fifty of them I think. Perhaps Lucia lured the ones living in the Black Forest as well, but it was fine. Since they've come for us, I won't let Lucia's efforts be for naught.
They were getting closer!
And…
"Fire!"
The ballistae roared as the bows clanked and fired the arrows at the Earth Dragons. The concentrated rain of arrows flew in the direction of the Earth Dragons rushing us. The arrows pierced the Earth Dragons in the front line. Blood, organs and flesh sprayed into the air as if it were raining blood. The air was quickly filled with the scent of blood making it difficult to breathe.
The arrows with the 'explode' command exploded as they hit their targets, blowing the dragons into pieces.
The Earth Dragons were blown to smithereens one-by-one. However, the ones in the rear didn't seem to slow down. They stepped on the exploded flesh and organs like a water-stream flowing over rocks as they continued to rush us. The ballistae came in really handy, and the explosive arrows really did the job. The rain of blood didn't stop from the moment we fired the ballistae. We were covered in their blood before we even engaged them.
I wiped my face and brushed off god-knows what parts of the Earth Dragons stuck to my face. I closely monitored the Earth Dragons' silhouettes approaching us. The ballistae were firing away like no tomorrow, but due to us having so few, they were only able to slow down their movements. Even if one exploded, the ones in the rear wouldn't care and continued their charge.
They're too close! The ballistae can't work their magic at this range.
I loudly roared: "Ballistae unit, retreat! Everyone to the rear! Good job! Now men, there's nothing left to say. For our queen!!"
"For our queen!!"
The elves operating the ballistae jumped down one-by-one and rushed over to join our formation. The centre of the formation made way to allow others through and then they regrouped tightly together. The Earth Dragons had just about crushed all the ballistae. The Earth Dragons covered in blood were disgusting. It's like they were completely covered in blood and bits of flesh. The men closely watched them rush at us while howling.
Whether we make it through or not will depend on whether we can stand our ground or not!
"Hold your positions! Don't let them break the formation no matter what!"
The first row of men kept their spears trained on the beasts as they kept an expressionless face. They were neither scared nor glad, just like martyrs. The large beasts came charging as they roared. The men in the front line had the heaviest tanking job. If they lose their footing, then everything we've done up till now will be for naught.
They're close now! I could see their scales flashing. The men in the frontline lowered their heads and pointed their spearheads directly at the incoming enemy.
Get ready…
Intercept!!
A strong gust of wind blew in front of our men and the dragons, taking away all the dust smothered with blood, all the stones, and even put out all the flames. The wind blew fiercely towards the hordes of Earth Dragons. The Earth Dragons went into a state of shock and panic like a horse does when frightened. The dragons in the rear continued to race forward and knocked all the dragons at the front away, completely destroying any resemblance of a formation they had. The dragons in the front rows helplessly fell into the spears of our men. The spears pierced them neatly as they fell to the ground miserably.
I lowered my head and looked at Lucia. Lucia clenched her teeth tight and the veins on her forehead looked like they were going to pop. She focused on the spot where the gust of wind was rising, and combined her fire magic with Ji Si. Their combined fire-dragon hit the horde of Earth Dragons and completely wiped out their vanguard.
"Your highness, this is all… I can do…"
Her eyes met my mine. She then smiled slightly and hinted at me not to worry. Then she collapsed to the side.
"Somebody take care of Lucia! Men!!"
This is an opportunity!
I can't let Lucia's efforts go to waste!
I walked through the blood, raised the flag, looked at the horde of Earth Dragons who were now in complete disarray, and shouted: "Men! Onward! Charge!!!"
"YES SIR!!"
That's it, that's it!
Now it's our turn to charge them!!
"For our queen!!"
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