Chapitre 85: Battle of Aster Conclusion Pt.6

Athan Geldstein, Month 11, Day 21, Year A.F 652. City of Aster, Kingdom of Rosalia.

I stood over our forces as our troops retreat. I left the rear to our remaining knights, those with enough power and stamina to keep the enemies at bay.

Fortunately, their enemy knights have dwindled, dwindled to an amount they cannot hope to risk, if they ever desire to stay relevant for the long term

With a sigh of relief, I watch the city go farther and farther away only to see ships docking itself by the ports. I give a sigh of relief knowing that the city was at least conquered.

Though the bitter taste of defeat won't seem to leave me. I shake my head away from such thoughts. There was nothing else to be done. All I have to do is push forward and fight for another day.

Eriven Relis

The six thousand army running with their tails behind their back was more than amusing and as much as I want to follow them, our biggest problems remain here. The city has fallen to enemy hands and I am now expected to help. Yet doin such would make an enemy of one I do not wish to even offend.

"Sir! A request of negatiation from the city."

"Sir! We have Lord Aster, asking for a meeting for the upcoming siege."

Two messengers arrive, each one bearing a decision for me to make. Do I try to take this city and make an absolute enemy of this monster or do I leave this city to them and follow with our plans.

A gruff voice take me of my thoughts, "How about you see what this Princess wants first before you make any rash decision.

I look at General Dane, taking in his words, I give him a nod before standing up and ordering my men, "Prepare my horse and a hundred knights. We'll be having a meeting with the city's forces."

The soldier salutes to me before running quickly to prepare my horse. I look to Dane beside me and spoke, "Do you think this ploy will work?"

He shrugs, "I don't see how it won't. The north will be in disrepair after this and the only premier power left to rally behind is the princess."

I sigh, the pit in my stomach never going away despite his words, "Yeah, sure."

The ride was uneasy and chaotic. The battlefield left its scars on the ground as puddles of blood remain despite our allies' staunch effort of cleaning.

Though seeing the weary eyes of the soldiers as they watch me pass by, left me a bit ashamed, aware of what I'm about to do would wash away any of their sacrifices.

Despite that I ride forward unto the high walls now crumbling into dust and the gate that seemed to be once huge was nothing but a pile of burnt wood and melting steel.

The men behind me ready their sword as we encounter the enemy army. The first thing I notice was their armor seemed expensive and durable one never seen on this continent.

Despite my reservations, I pushed forward. The enemy's eyes remain neutral and passive. Seemingly uncaring of the contingent I brought with me, so sure of their strength.

Though once we pas through the gate, the overpowering smell of smoke wafted into the air as I choke back the vomit and disgust from the burning corpses left on the street, rotting and melting.

I shake my head away from such as I spur my horse forward, hoping for a change of scenery. The change came to a city intact and unaffected. Though the gate was crumbling and filled with corpses dyeing the bridge in blood.

A few more minutes and we arrive at the castle, one which showed the extravagant wealth this city once held. The once snowy paint was now filled with burnt mark and its once decorated windows was now destroyed and melting, it couldve been quite a sight if I had arrived earlier, d

Riding through the afternoon sun. I tried to lose some heat as I disembark my steed.

The knights follow me inside as a messenger guides me to this meeting. I open the door and entered, coming up to a man and woman.

The woman stood up, her beauty was typical of that of a princess, her regal movement and ettiquette displayed, it was more than apparent that this one was Princess Emma.

I push my hand forward as a sign of respect, one which she gladly took before sitting back down. I took the seat in front of her and asked, "What do you wish to negotiate?"

She gives me a pleased smile before gesturing around her, "The city, I wish to avoid any more casualties, since the city as it is could require quite an amount of manpower to rebuild."

"That would be within my power," she gives me a pleased smile, one which I intend to remove, after all I cant just do this without a sufficient repayment.

I spoke once more, "Yet that wouldn't be enough," She squints her eye in suspicion.

I cross my arms as I continued, "Giving you a foothold in this continent would be detrimental for us in the long run, but the fact of the matter is we both don't wish to lose our men so early in this war."

I give her a knowing smile, "After all, I'm sure your goal won't be ending here."

She leans back as she replied, "Doing so would be a waste. I'm not a woman that won't take the opportunities presented before me."

"An opportunity that remains quite abundant from the destabilization of the northern counties." The man interrupted our take and I glare at him in irritation.

"Excuse me? Who are you?" I spoke to him in a mocking tone.

One which he immediately replied with an unfazed smile as he offered his hand and spoke, "Ansen Rivider, Son of Arthen Rivider, heir of the Rivider Grand Dukedom."

My hands then tensed, aware of what this man represents. It would mean that she is keeping her options open and has allowed this man in her presence.

I swallow dryly as I give a smile, "It's quite nice to meet you here,"

I look to her as I glance back at him, "Though I would have assumed your reaction to her betrayal to be much more violent."

He shrugs with his irritating smirk, "Betrayal is a strong word. I believe she had a mere change in objective, one we both found to be in the same direction as our own."

So that was it? They plan on using her as a deterrent, one that is willing to strike at a moment's notice, one which would be aimed at our throat should we ever lose enough men to give her a reason to mobilize.

I lean back on the chair and give them a confident smile, "Then what is it you need of me? I'm sure I've stated the necessity of such a city."

A smile comes from Ansen as he spoke, "Some plans are already in motion. It would do well for you if you choose to cooperate."

Emma and I look to him in suspicion. He sounded like he already saw this coming. I glare at him with suspicion, "Oh? Then kindly tell us of your little plan."

"The two princes shall meet once more,This time in battle, though, I don't think they'll be able to survive the upcoming storm."

The words sink in and I give him a small smile, "Quite a delight then, though how sure are you that we wouldn't want to have our prince alive? After all, settling in such a small territory leaves much to be desired."

He merely smirks as he glances to the thoughtful Emma. I nod, understanding his insinutation. "Perhaps you're right. But that doesn't mean i'll be willing to give up such a prosperous city."

Emma looks up from her thoughts, "Really? That would imply it hasn't burned to the ground, even then it would require quite an amount of resources and connection to restore it to its former wealth."

She gestures to herself with a smile, "Resources and connection this one has access to."

"Now, either you fight for a desserted and burning pile of a city or you give it up for the access of trade I'm about to steer into Brieslin." She gives me a sweet smile, one which I can't help but feel scared and enchanted.

I try to act nonchalant to her words as I reply, "Then Im assuming that, this could be deal for us?"

She reaches her hand for a shake, "Of course," She gestures to herself, "I could start trading bruncian products to this continent, increase my wealth and rebuild, all while the two of you would benefit from the influx if goods, never before seen in this continent."

She looks to the me and him before giving a smile, "Is that enough?"

"Yes."

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