Chapitre 232: CHAPTER 232
A/N: If you want to donate or read up to 35 chapters ahead, you can visit my p-a-t-r-e-on/kurowashi
If you see grammar errors, please let me know so I can fix them. I'm always open to constructive criticism.
I would like it if you guys left some reviews.
Thank you for your good words and support.
------
CHAPTER 232
295 AC
POV THIRD PERSON
Aermir found himself compelled to leave a portion of his forces behind to quell unrest on Longsister and Sweetsister. Consequently, only 7000 men, including 2000 from other lords, accompanied him to Littlesister. The unexpected discovery of a small hold on the island prompted a shift in his strategy, forcing him to initiate his conquest from this newly revealed point. Despite the altered circumstances, Aermir remained resolute in his overarching plans.
The primary force of the enemy comprised 9000 men, with a significant portion—8000 individuals—consisting of Vale Knights and disciplined soldiers. While they may not have matched the prowess of Northern soldiers, they proved to be formidable adversaries. Unlike the Sistermen, these soldiers were neither sluggish nor undisciplined. Their experience gained through frequent clashes with the Mountain Clans had honed their skills and instilled in them a high level of discipline.
The Sistermen, facing the impending threat, mobilized their smallfolk and levied them into a fighting force, amassing approximately 4000 levies. Most of these levies were strategically stationed in castles and holds on the eastern half of the island. Aermir's plan foresaw the initial battles being waged against these levies and the Sistermen's reserve forces positioned at the eastern castles and holds. The unfolding conflict would test the mettle of these hastily assembled forces against the might of Aermir's army.
Lord Kalton stood on the battlements of his hold, a somber expression etched on his face as he watched the messenger disappear into the distance. The fate of his sons and the majority of his forces weighed heavily on his shoulders. The campaign against Lord Drasil had proven to be a costly endeavor, and the toll it took on his family and troops was devastating.
The once bustling halls of the hold now echoed with emptiness, the absence of the departed soldiers and the laughter of his sons leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. The loss was not only personal but strategic; the military strength of the hold was severely diminished, and Lord Kalton was left with a mere 500 reserve soldiers to defend his territory.
Lord Kalton gazed out to the horizon, his mind racing with thoughts of how to rebuild and strengthen his hold in the face of such adversity. All he could feel was an impending doom. Lord Kalton knew that sending messengers to Lord Torrent was a crucial step. Perhaps an alliance or assistance could be sought to bolster his defenses and reclaim what was lost. The ravens carried messages of urgency, and now, mounted messengers rode with the same urgency towards Lord Torrent, seeking aid in this desperate hour.
The wind carried the salty scent of the sea as Lord Kalton looked towards the beach as thousands of Northmen disembarked. Lord Kalton, though burdened by grief and loss, steeled himself for the challenges to come. He was not going to go down without a fight.
...
The messenger rode hard, the hooves of his steed pounding against the dirt roads. The urgency of his mission was palpable, and the sense of relief and gratitude washed over him. He couldn't help but feel fortunate that he was chosen as the messenger to carry the weighty news and pleas for assistance.
As the hold's walls disappeared in the distance, the memory of the approaching enemy ships lingered in the messenger's mind. The sight of those ominous vessels reaching the beach had been a harbinger of doom for his home. But now, with each passing mile, the threat seemed to recede into the past.
The dirt roads stretched out before him, winding through the landscape. The messenger rode on; he knew in his heart his home was doomed, but he was thankful as he was saved. Even if it was too late for his home, the intel he was bringing with him was something that would provide him some reward, and he could start over with that.
As the wind tousled his hair and the rhythmic beat of hooves continued, the messenger pressed forward with a mixture of urgency, hope, and the anticipation of a reward; he heard a shrill whistle of the wind. As he raised his head, he saw a big black bird diving towards him, and the next second, he felt like something invisible was pushing toward his face; it was only for a second, and then everything turned to darkness.
After killing the ravens, Poe had come for the messenger; she had used her dive bomb spell to crush him. As her father had commanded, she and Erebus were not allowing any bird or messenger to leave this castle. She was not going to fail on her mission and disappoint her father ever again. She knew Aermir didn't blame her, but she blamed herself nonetheless. Scouting was her responsibility, and because of her oversight, her father's plans were almost ruined, and to her, this was unacceptable.
...
Aermir, a formidable force on his own, led the assault on the hold with a calculated approach. The 200 Juggernauts behind him moved with precision, their imposing presence enough to strike fear into the defenders. Aermir, a master of magic, knew the devastating power he possessed, but he opted for a more strategic and measured use of his abilities.
Standing before the imposing gates of the hold, Aermir raised his hands, conjuring a potent spell that shattered the gate into splinters. The echoes of the magical assault reverberated through the air, signaling the beginning of the assault. With the entrance breached, Aermir led his forces into the hold.
Despite the overwhelming advantage Aermir held, he chose to let his men take the forefront. His intent was clear — to give his troops the opportunity to gain valuable experience in battle. The Juggernauts, well-disciplined and trained, followed their leader into the hold with a disciplined and coordinated charge.
His magical prowess could easily have conquered the hold single-handedly, but his mindset prioritized the growth and proficiency of his troops. By allowing them to engage in the heat of battle, he sought to hone their skills and fortify them for future conflicts.
The Juggernauts destroyed the defensive force of the hold thanks to their extensive training, magical equipment, and their buffs. Every one of the Juggernauts was as powerful as The Mountain, and they had no trouble mowing down 500 men.
After the battle, Aermir divided his forces to simultaneously conquer the east and south, catching the enemy by surprise. Jory, commander of the Drasil Knights, took command of the contingent heading east, tasked with securing the castles and holds in that direction. The remaining forces, under Aermir's direct command, marched southward to systematically eliminate any resistance along the way.
The element of surprise was Aermir's ally, and he leveraged it to its fullest extent. His flying familiars, Poe and Erebus, played a crucial role in maintaining secrecy. By eliminating ravens and messengers, they ensured that the enemy remained oblivious to the impending invasion until it was too late. The invaders moved swiftly and discreetly, their approach concealed until they were already at the doorstep of their unsuspecting adversaries.
Jory, leading the eastern front, employed tactics that showcased both skill and strategy. The castles and holds fell one by one as his forces moved with calculated precision. Meanwhile, the main force under Aermir encountered little resistance as they swept through the southern territories, systematically cleaning out smaller forces, holds, and castles.
The invaders, buoyed by the momentum of their surprise assault, met little organized resistance. The element of chaos among the defenders further played into Aermir's hands, allowing his forces to assert control over the territories with minimal casualties.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone