บท 29: The First Step

Although the winter ended, the unpaved streets of the capital were still covered in ashes, making them ground less slippery and providing a firmer footing for the residents. Furthermore, the new season and the public policies implemented, gave the trade inside the walls a new life, an great environment to flourish.

The subjects and the merchants were loudly bargaining, even the blacksmiths were busy doing their trades in front of their own doors. It was a lively atmosphere. The capital was being revived in Henry's hands. There was no lack of food, firewood, or jobs.

Henry gazed at the bustling scene from atop his castle tower, as the shy sun made its appearance. He had devoted much of his energy over the past few months to implementing various public policies, from trade agreements to establishing a Hunter Association. His goal was to build a kingdom that would rule the world, and he believed that a solid foundation was crucial for this objective. Thus, he focused on laying the groundwork now.

"We'll have to delay the infrastructure upgrades until the snow melts." - Henry muttered. He was aware that he needed to overhaul Eisenburg and start from scratch with urban planning, but that would have to wait until the ground was clean and soft. Eisenburg had a hundred thousand residents.

"The army is prepared, I'll take down those treacherous bastards."

-x-

The army was assembled, with Henry and Luther taking the lead. Henry decided to leave the other two generals behind to advance public policies and maintain order within Eisenburg and between Edisenburg and Orsus.

The thawing of the snow made the paths more stable and firmer, allowing horses to easily traverse long distances. Henry utilized this opportunity by ordering the barbarians and the army to venture into the Frozen Forest Outer Layer and capture the Snowfire Horses, a usually tranquil breed that became aggressive when approached by outsiders, making them incredibly hard to catch alive.

The Snowfire Horses' fiery red hair contrasted with their intense, icy eyes. Myths claim that the purest of these horses had the ability to breathe fire, as descendants of the Fire Dragons that once inhabited the continent. Over time, their bloodline weakened and became diluted, leaving them unable to unleash flames but they still possessed a strong physique that could withstand harsh weather. Fortunately, Henry able to secure 100 horses and establish a solid cavalry force.

Henry was bringing with him a force of a thousand men, being a hundred horsemen, two hundred archers and seven hundred infantries, including fifty barbarians. This could be considered one of the greatest forces that Stahl Royal Family has assembled after its foundation. This force was also composed of fifty warriors imbued with Tribal Tattoos, those who managed to pass through the excruciating process.

On top of his horse, Henry faced his soldiers in silence. He had no words to add, as Luther had already explained their mission. They were here to reclaim the Kingdom from the grasp of the greedy individuals who had conspired against the Royal Family and Stahl. They were here to save the lives of their compatriots, who were being explored by the traitors.

"Our first stop will be the Fortress Icemit and then Mirante!" – Henry said with determination – "It holds an strategic importance and it will give us a solid foothold to defend our families. We need to investigate the city and take it back…at all costs."