--- Everlasting City ---
Baron Lark was fuming with anger. His most talented daughter, sent as an attractive marriage prospect to seal the union of the Landragon and Lark Households, was brutally killed and launched like a boulder onto the Lark Castle, not only bringing shame to the Lark family name, but to Baron Lark himself.
This was a message.
Arthur did not need the Lark Household to solidify its position in the Southern Gate Region and become its overlord. Count Elderwood was an old man, obsessed with his territory size and historic foothold in the region. He was an old knight too preoccupied on past achievements, and one that had yet to realize that the younger generations were going to replace the old ones, a change that would forever change the politics of the Southern Gate Region which had remained relatively steady for the past couple decades.
It only took one man for everything to change: The [Ice Demon] Arthur Landragon, supported by his two brothers, and given freedom of action by the current Landragon Viscount.
"We only have one shot at this...", the intermediate-rank wandering acolyte Hugo Phuin spoke, "Even if we attack during the night, a cautious strategist like Arthur will probably have many scouts prepared to watch our movements. My spell [Darkness Veil] might give the army some stealth, but it will not last long nor be very effective considering the movements of our army..."
Baron Lark nodded, and looked at his strategists for a solution.
However, they all looked quite pale: "This is a very difficult position. If we wait, then there won't be anything left to protect. Walls are already destroyed, and habitations are being destroyed-"
*BOOM*
Yet another boulder had fallen onto Everlasting City. Along with the dwellings that it had damaged, the worst was the terror brought to the inhabitants and soldiers. Every boulder exploded and shattered in countless rocks that would kill those who were unlucky enough to stand too close to the impact. Worse still, the dust would accumulate and create short-term breathing difficulties to those who inhaled the fog created by the impact.
From afar, those who had taken shelter in the Lark Castle would feel empty upon seeing their habitation being destroyed mercilessly.
*BOOM*
The firing rate was impressive. Every hour, fifteen boulders would hit Everlasting City.
"Our only hope would have been for Arthur Landragon to follow the common strategy of a frontal attack, giving us the advantage of the geography and knowledge of terrain. However, he has made it quite obvious that he has no reason to do so...He can just keep firing boulders and spells at us without a care. Since the start, the Elderwood Alliance was not about conquering Everlasting City. It was about destroying the Lark Household, which had not bent to Count Elderwood monopole of food and power in the Southern Gate Region", Knight Paul spoke
Baron Lark nodded: "The other lords are blinded by benefits, and fail to see that trusting the Count would only lead them to become involved in countless wars that would overall threaten their legacy...I never expected a variable like the [Ice Demon] to appear so suddenly...I still can't believe he reached this realm of strength and war strategy in four years..."
Another knight took a glance at the map: "Our only hope is a direct confrontation between our soldiers. We are cornered like rats. Since the more we wait, the worse our situation becomes, launching a night raid tonight is the most sensible move...but I can't help but feel..."
Baron Lark nodded: "Feel like we are going to lose? There is no shame in admitting something that even a fool would see. We are at a disadvantage in every possible area: We lack numbers, even with the half-trained militia. The difference is so high that even if we had elite soldiers and a brilliant strategy, it would be difficult to overcome. Second is terrain. We will fight in open ground. Considering that we lack numbers to being with, an open charge will only lead to more casualties in our side. Third is the quality of soldiers. The last reports given by our spies is the methods that the [Ice Demon] used to keep his soldiers sharp. Physical labour building the siege weapons and bringing boulders has maintained and even improved the physiques of the common soldiers..."
Hugo Phuin continued: "Fourth, the quality of our soldiers...A random soldier from the Elderwood Alliance would easily be able to take on three, or even four militia on his own. If we talk about the [Dragon Army] raised by the [Golden Demon], then you might need to double this stat. They have roughly 50 knights on their side, perhaps even more, while only 12 remain in our army. Our only advantage is the number of acolytes, but the [Ice Demon] unnatural firepower will prevent us from focusing on the offense, since a single [Ice Arrow] of his will be lethal"
Baron Lark nodded: "Still...He has clearly showed that surrendering was not an option...Sending a messenger will only give them more time to weaken us...I will open the Lark Castle's treasury, so that our soldiers can fight with our family's best weapons. The [Black Iron] union, which has always been against our policies, has also allied with us for the sake of Everlasting City survival. We won't be lacking equipment-wise. I would advise you, along with your soldiers, to give your farewells to your loved ones. We might not see tomorrow, but hopefully, tomorrow will see Everlasting City standing proudly, alive still"