A/N: Hey everyone!
Apologies for the pause. I'm back in school, and it's been quite a hectic first month back. I won't be able to write as often or as regularly, but I'll still try to update as often as I can. The intensity of my schedule will remain this way until around mid-summer.
Without further ado, back to the story.
Demon Clans of Arnfair & Sarus #5
Ch14: Invisible Hand
"Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby, you can be director of the opponent's fate."
Sun Tzu
Arnfair region
Rapun 18, 1037 IC
15:02:37 hrs
Walker and the convoy of spec-ops buggies and armored vehicles swiftly drove along the dirt road as the sun began to set and darkness gradually settled over the forested region.
After terminating the daily messenger and eliminating the scouting group, the operatives seized the initiative to take the fight directly to the enemy.
They would wise up soon enough that something was happening when three groups they had sent didn't return. Thus, it was decided to strike while the enemy was still in the dark, in more ways than one.
Currently, while the main road they were traveling on did indeed lead straight to the enemy's main fort, many smaller paths branched off, with these leading to the numerous smaller forts, as well as some of the camps.
Thus, it was decided to take a piecemeal approach: the teams would gradually eliminate the smaller forts while also simultaneously strangling the supply lines to the region, until only the main fort remained. They would then save the biggest fish for last.
The previous night, when all the operatives had crossed over and had conducted overhead recon, the general layout of the enemy's forces placed them as somewhat scattered, with the camps on the fringes of the region closest to the Gate, and their current positions.
It was towards these isolated camps that Gravedigger decided to eliminate first.
Walker held up a hand and the convoy slowed to a halt, and all the operatives quickly exited their vehicles, weapons at the ready. "There are only about a century's worth of troops in the camp just ahead. Knives out, save your bullets for later. Quick and clean. Let's do the same for the other camps nearby." He whispered as he took out his own knife holstered next to his sidearm.
The group entered the camp, the night darkness enshrouding the operatives' figures as they stalked forward.
Thankfully for them, there weren't any guards on their perimeter. They must've thought the trees would conceal and protect them enough.
It didn't though, as within a few minutes, the group's campsite was devoid of life.
"Site's cleared. Back to the vehicles. Repeat the process for the other camps." Walker whispered into his mic.
The group wordlessly turned on their heels and quickly entered their vehicles, which had been left running, and continued up the road just a stone's throw to the next campsite.
The same grisly, silent process was repeated with the same outcome.
This process continued several times, as multiple small camps were located via their drone the night before. Although they were spread out, they were all relatively close to each other.
The enemy commander must've thought that spreading out his forces would give more effective coverage and control of the region, deterring any hostile action just by the amount of territory his forces occupied at any one time.
The group spent the night mopping up multiple sites, all of which housed only about a hundred troops each. Although they tried concealing the sites, they didn't place any guards.
Complacency kills.
As the night sky began to take on a slight orange hue, the teams were finishing up their tasks. they had eliminated well over several dozen campsites, and had cleared out some territory.
Finally, the convoy had returned back to the main road within the region, and now had come to a crossroads where multiple paths branched out.
"Group time's over, men. Split up, search and destroy. You know what to do. Keep in contact." Walker ordered.
Soon, the teams had dispersed, each group of vehicles heading along different paths and deeper into enemy-controlled territory.
As the night began to fade and the morning gradually dawned, each team found places to hide their vehicles by the sides of the roads, pulling up their camo net covers.
They would get a short amount of sleep before getting back to work.
Now, unseen and unheard, they would be taking the fight directly to the enemy, with them none the wiser. The region was to quickly and silently become a graveyard.
Fort Istrus
Rapun 19, 1037 IC
08:42:37 hrs
Legion Legate Proclus awoke from a confused sleep and strode out of his chambers to begin another day as usual.
Normally, he would've strode out without a care in the world, with danger from hostile factions essentially nonexistent. Or with an air of confidence, placed firmly in the strength of the troops under his command.
Today though was different. Instead of his normally relaxed expression and air about him, his face now bore a hard, serious look, as if he was deep in thought.
The previous night, he had essentially thought himself to sleep, mulling over the mysterious disappearance of the daily messenger and the cavalry scouts sent to find out what happened.
Of course, this was ample cause for concern, but he didn't know what to make of it. He wasn't about to burst out into a panic right away – that would be unbecoming of a high-ranking commander. That didn't mean he dismissed the reports simply because the messengers were missing. He had to sort through everything first.
More importantly though, he didn't know who or what could have possibly caused this.
Assassins?
Highly unlikely. As far as he could tell, they hadn't done anything as of late to provoke a response from a rival faction or certain individuals.
Bandits?
Not a chance. They were too sloppy and uncoordinated to have taken out Imperial goops so quickly and efficiently without a trace. And anyways, the legion's presence and constant patrols ensured there were too few bandits to pose a real threat.
Demons, maybe?
No way they could have entered their world without causing a ruckus. No doubt the locals would take notice and spread the word.
Then an incursion from the other world, perhaps?
Again, he didn't think it likely.
That was the whole point of the camp sent near the Gate. Although the men stationed there obviously lacked the fighting strength to resist any serious attack, they should at least have enough time to send a messenger alerting the rest of the legion.
An action that clearly hadn't happened yet.
Possibilities aside, Legion Legate Proclus decided to go out and inspect the situation himself.
He had donned his armor, and was making his way to the stables to rally a group of proper Imperial horsemen, when one of the guards came running up to him "Milord! I have a report!"
"What is it, legionnaire?"
"We have spotted standards of multiple legions approving. It seems that we are to have some unexpected reinforcements!"
"What?" This was indeed a huge surprise to the commander. He didn't think that it was necessary. "Do you know how many legions there are?"
"I did not get a good enough look, milord. You will have to see yourself."
Nodding, the commander followed the legionnaire to one of the fort's guard towers, and once at the top, brought his hand to his eyes and squinted hard to get a better look.
And what he saw was unexpected indeed.
A mass of troops was making its way along the main road on its way towards his fort.
He couldn't get a clear count at first, but as they marched down the road, he began counting the standards they bore.
Once he could see them all, he counted the standards of nineteen legions total. Which meant that in addition to the legion he already had at his command, the troop strength now stood at 200,000 men.
It was indeed a massive influx of strength for such a peaceful and rather out-of-the-way region.
As the mass of legionaries marched down the road, Legion Legate Proclus decided enough was enough; he wanted answers for everything that had been going on lately.
Mounting his horse, he galloped out the fortress gates towards the head of the column, intent on finding out what the meaning of this latest turn of events meant. He was unwilling to wait any longer for answers.
Impatience aside, Legate Proclus pushed his horse at a full gallop towards the line of troops. As he approached, he could see a group of legates mounted on their horses at the head of the column, he was nearly surprised by how seemingly relaxed they were.
They didn't have any of their personal bodyguards accompanying them, they weren't wearing their helmets, and their demeanor was akin to that of a complacent solider; unprepared for action.
He reigned in his horse when he had reached the column. "Greetings, sirs. Might I ask what the meaning of this is?"
One of the legates near the front answered first. "We were sent here to strengthen the troop levels and defenses in this region, on direct orders from Consul Remus."
"Legion Legate Remus was promoted to Consul?" Proclus inquired with surprise. "I thought the Emperor stripped him of his command after that campaign. When did this happen?"
"He was appointed Consul and named Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army by the Emperor himself. Apparently, he wanted only the best in the coming war with the Otherworlders."
Although Proclus didn't know Remus very well, he did interact with him several times in an earlier campaign. He had seen Proclus when commanding troops then, and admired his aptitude for the position. His ability to salvage seemingly hopeless and unsinkable situations was something truly worthy of a general. It came as no surprise then at the news of his fellow commander's promotion.
"What are his orders?"
"He is concerned that our strength in this region is not sufficient enough to maintain control. He fears that the Otherworlders may break through and make a drive straight into Imperial territory."
"Bah. My legion stationed here is enough to maintain our grip. Besides, the mouth of Gate is fairly narrow, leaving no room to maneuver. All my men would need to do is to simply stand in formation, hold them there and wear them down."
"I understand your logic, but apparently, this enemy is unlike any we've encountered before."
The Legate paused at that statement. His tone of voice and the look in his eyes told Proclus that the man wasn't lying, and knew something he didn't. "What do you mean?"
"You haven't heard? Apparently, when the expeditionary force crossed over into the other world, they were slaughtered to the last man within hours of their arrival. The fleet evidently fared no better."
In that moment, Proclus' confidence was shaken to the core at the revelation. He never dreamed that an Imperial army could never be defeated, much less an army of that size wiped out so soon. Now, he was beginning to see merit in his fellow commander's decision.
"But if what you say is true, then what good will the number of troops we now have fare any better? Those Otherworlders slaughtered an army more than twice as large as ours within hours. How do you suggest we stand up to them?"
"Those Otherworlders evidently had terrifying and powerful creatures at their command, which was apparently the source of their fighting strength. But since they have to come through the narrow passage, Remus hopes to surround the Gate before they have a chance to solidify a foothold, and we are to hold line before Remus arrives in force."
That was something that he himself intended to do, but with the terrifying, unknown strength the Otherworlders possessed, one legion didn't seem enough to hold back the tide. At least with numbers, they had a better chance of doing so at the narrow entrance.
"That seems to be a plan. How do you intend to solidify our hold here while waiting for the full strength of Remus's forces?" He inquired.
"Our legions will bolster the troop strength in this region. We shall construct fortifications at the mouth of the Gate and beyond that. We shall also construct fortresses to bleed them out should they advance further."
"A sound strategy, I must say. Do you intend to start immediately?"
"No. Our supply trains are still catching up. They should be here in three days' time. Once they arrive in full, we shall begin construction of the fortresses in earnest. In the meantime, our troops shall settle down for the night."
"I concur with your proposal. Oh, I must add something you should be aware of." Proclus interjected.
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Yesterday, the messenger that was supposed to give daily reports from a forward observation camp did not report in. I sent a cavalry unit to look for him, but they too have not returned either. I was going to send more parties to search for them today, when you arrived."
The other legates were understandably unnerved at that. Having a messenger and scouts simply disappear usually meant that they had been attacked or gotten lost.
If the cavalry unit was missing as well, there was a possibility that whatever had caused the disappearances was strong and well-coordinated.
"This cannot be allowed to continue." Another legate spoke up after a tense moment of silent mulling. "I propose that we have patrols at night. We should instead send larger, mixed units of legionaries and horsemen to ensure the mens' strength."
"A sound idea." Proclus agreed. "We shall do that starting tonight then. We shall begin construction of the fortifications and the wall in earnest in the morning."
The group of mounted officers turned their horses and began heading towards the fortress. "In the meantime, you and your legions should settle in for the night. We must proceed with haste if we are to give the Otherworlders a warm welcome."
The officers shared a haughty guffaw. "Yes, it will be quite satisfying to finally face our foe and slowly sap them of their fighting strength."
The band of officers shared another hearty laugh as they continued their march to settle in their fortress and set up their camp for the night, already discussing amongst themselves their strategy for preparing their defenses and their pitched battles with their newest foe, as if they were just another group of peoples waiting to be defeated.
And yet, even as they openly boasted of their supposed coming victory, they were completely unaware that the forest was already alive with eyes and ears.
Their foe was already in their midst, right behind them.
And they were watching, and had heard everything.
Hidden in the trees, covered with their quantum-camo cloaks, was the Viper platoon. "Gravedigger, Red Fang. You get all that?"
"Solid. We'll have to move fast to avoid getting cut off and keeping communication lines open. I'll contact another one of the team to secure the passageway. You are cleared to engage as you see fit. Out."
"Copy your last. We'll be sure to keep it quiet. Over."
Fort Istrus
Rapun 19, 1037 IC
22:37:42 hrs
The expected atmosphere of a silent night was not to be, for instead of the calming silence and occasional chitter of nocturnal creatures, the sound of boots marching and armor clinking permeated the peaceful darkness.
Said marching and clinking noises came from a group of fifty legionaries and ten horsemen, who were proceeding along one of the many dirt roads in the region.
Most of them had torches, though it was the infantry who were the ones that carried them.
The men had been told by the legates about the disappearance of the messenger and the scouts sent to find him.
While they weren't outright alarmed, they were understandably confounded as to the probable cause. Some of the possible explanations that had been explained were…unsettling, to say the least.
To help mitigate what had happened, they were ordered to begin night-time patrols, despite their greatly increased strength and their consolidation of control over the region.
One could never be too careful, as even surprise attacks on even fortified locations could cut off troops from their comrades, and cause an unnecessary drain on resources.
Now, as the group was slowly snaking its way along the beaten path, a few of the men began whispering amongst themselves.
Normally, soldiers kept the silence when on the march. Yet these men weren't used to doing this sort of thing so late at night.
It was uncommon for attackers to be active at this time of day. Unless they were small groups of bandits or assassins, soldiers would never commit to any major action at night.
Thus, after an hour or so after beginning their patrol, the overarching discipline on maintaining silence slowly began to fade, and though it began only as a whisper, the men began conversing amongst themselves.
"Do you think this patrol is necessary?" One of the brave ones spoke up first, breaking the silence.
"The order came straight from the legates themselves. We have to follow these orders."
"I know that…I just think that, do you think that whatever caused those disappearances could be faced during the day? We could bring more of our strength do bear then."
"That is a reasonable proposition…although, it could be that this new few prefers to attack at night."
"Bah. Such cowardice won't bring them the satisfaction of victory. If they truly wanted it, they would have to directly assault our fortresses, or face us directly."
"I'm not entirely sure they want the satisfaction of victory, as you say."
"…What do you mean?"
"I can't say for certain, but…we know nothing of our new foe. They've only gone after a single messenger and a turnae of horsemen thus far."
"That just shows how weak they are. They only attack an unarmed messenger and a small cavalry group? if they truly wished to seize victory, they would have probably already attacked us by now."
"Choose your words carefully, friend." The first legionary cautioned, his warning laced with surprise at his comrade's sudden rashness. "They may be probing us for weaknesses, or learning our ways for future attacks. I wouldn't be surprised if they are watching us right now."
"…" "…" Most of the other legionaries and cavalry heard this, and an uncomfortable silence quickly settled at this remark.
The idea of being watched in the dark, combined with the fact that they were already in a foreboding nighttime atmosphere, was enough to set the men on edge.
Eerily, they continued their patrol, but not with the same confidence they had as when they had begun.
"…It is strange, is it not?" Another legionnaire spoke up after a long bout of silence. "Somehow, now that our comrade mentions it, I really do not feel truly alone out here after all."
"Do not bring a curse down on us." Another swiftly rebuked. "I do not wish to tempt fate just yet."
"If I do, it will be with a scutum in one hand, and a spear in the other, with my gladius at my side, facing them down and looking them in the eye." The legionnaire spoke up.
Although he put forward an air of confidence, inside, he was still just as unsettled as the rest of the men. He was just a new recruit that had recently joined the legions, but ignorance is bliss.
The seeming tone-deafness to the reality of facing a new foe quickly permeated and replaced the mens' previous apprehension. They agreed wit a single affirmation. "Here here!" The legionaries heartily agreed.
They continued their night march with renewed spirit…yet that one legionary's fear of being watched proved to be all too true.
"So that's the patrol the drone picked up earlier?"
Lurking in the trees and shadowing the patrol's movements was the WOLFHOUD team. They had been observing their sector and when one of their drones picked up the heat signatures, they closed in for the kill.
"Grey Hound 4, this is Actual. Looks like there's at least a couple guys in the back of the formation who seem to be drifting back a bit. What say we go in for a snatch?"
"Sounds risky…but it could be done. How do you wanna deal with the rest of the group?"
"I'm seeing cavalry in the front. I say we set up on both sides of the road ahead of them, and when I give the order, drop the cavalry first, then everyone else as fast as possible."
"Sounds good. I'll let my team know."
"Solid. Actual to all teams 1 through 4. I want you set up an ambush on both sides of the road ahead of us. On my command, drop the cavalry in front first, then everyone else quick as you can."
A series of rogers followed after a moment, and the operatives quietly moved into position.
When they had set up, the commandos quickly checked their ammo and zeroed their weapons, a mess of infrared lasers that were invisible to the primitive solders' eyes painting them as targets by their soon-to-be-attackers.
"Weapons free."
"So how do you wish to kill our cowardly foes when we have defeated them?"
Unlike before, the legionaries were now in high spirits, and had regained their former confidence, and then some. By now, the horsemen, who were typically a cut more disciplined than the infantry, had also joined in the banter.
"I think I would take my gladius, look into their eyes, mocking them as I cut off their armor, before slowly running through them." One said with a grin.
"That sounds almost tiring. I would just run him through with my spear and watch his eyes in satisfaction as he dies." Another replied with an arrogant laugh.
"Well, personally, I would want to take his own weapon, hold up to him, before finally – "
The lead horseman never finished his dream as his head burst with a red mist, his compatriots quickly falling suite, terrifying their steads. The poor creatures neighed loudly and reared, their panic matching that of those in the rear.
"Wh-wh-what is happening!?
"Are they dead already!?"
The questions couldn't be answered, as within moments, the men behind also dropped like flies. They never heard or saw what was attacking them. The horses too were quickly silenced.
When the ruckus had finally settled down, the darkened figures of the operators emerged from the treeline. They looked over the bodies ensuring they were dead, putting an extra, silent shot into a couple who had somehow survived the initial flurry.
"All clear. We'll leave the bodies here."
"Wouldn't that be a bad thing? The last thing we want is 200,000 soldiers hunting us down."
"That's what Gravedigger Actual wants. The plan is to have the enemy running in circles as we slowly whittle them down. Can't fight effectively if you're in a panic."
With only silent affirmation and nods from the teams, they slowly melted back into the darkened forest. Like a pack of wolves, they began stalking their next victims.
Fort Istrus
Rapun 20, 1037 IC
09:03:27 hrs
Legate Proclus was in his quarters conversing with the other legates on the finer details of their defensive strategy.
"So do you think we could erect bulwarks at these roads?"
"That could help, but we should instead focus on constructing fortresses along the major roads."
"What about those supply wagons that were trailing behind?"
"They should be here within three days."
"They need to arrive soon. My own supplies stocked here won't last much longer, and my troops can't forage long enough to – "
"Urgent message, milord!" The commander's issues were interrupted by the sudden entrance of a messenger. The man's shortness of breath, one of voice, and look in his eyes told something was very wrong.
"What is it, legionnaire?"
"Some of our men discovered several patrols! All of the men were dead! Even their horses were killed!"
"What!?" Those present took a double take at the sudden news.
"Did you find anything? Anything that could indicate who or what could have done it?"
"Not much, milord. The way they were killed was…unusual."
"How do you mean?"
"All of the men's bodies were punctured by numerous small holes. But the unusual thing is that there were no arrows. It was almost as if the arrows were pulled out."
Now a confused silence permeated the room. An enemy that pulled out all their arrows?
Was their enemy that thorough in their attacks?
Or did their attackers use a different form of assassination magic?
None of these questions could be answered. But they couldn't learn more about this new foe by hunkering down in their fortresses.
And yet they still had to prevent the Otherworlders from crossing over and ravaging through their world.
With few other options, Legate Proclus had no other reasonable choice but to increase patrols.
Arnfair region
Rappun 20, 1037 IC
23:42:16 hrs
A century of legionaries and three turnae of cavalry were patrolling along one of the roads, half of whom carried torches.
Like the group the night before, they were determined to maintain the Empire's grip on the region.
Unlike the previous group, they were reasonably apprehensive, given that they had heard rumors that several patrols had been silently killed, evidently without a trace.
"Is it true that all the men in those patrols were killed?" One legionnaire awkwardly asked, breaking the heavy silence.
"…I heard that the men were killed by what seemed like arrows…except there were no arrows found."
"How is that possible?...Did they remove all of the arrows?"
"It seems unlikely…I also heard a possibility that the attackers may have used a different kind of assassination magic."
"So we are facing assassins now!?"
"I wouldn't exactly say that just yet…although to fight assassins, we would just have to take care not to give them an opportunity to strike."
"Looks like we got a larger group marching by. This is gonna be fun to see the reactions on their faces." The lead C.O.B.R.A. operative said with a grin over the mic.
"We're set up over here."
"Copy. You got those speakers mounted and ready?"
If the Ghost Tapes from the Vietnam War had any effect on the NVA, then it would certainly work on these primitive minds.
"Ready as they'll ever be." The other operative replied with a hint of excitement.
"Right then…start the music."
The group of legionaries and cavalry all initially heard the noise. It started as a rustle, a whisper even.
"What is this?...Am I dead?...Is this the afterlife?" An eerie voice permeated the empty night sky and the darkened forest around the men.
The men initially thought this must have been their minds playing tricks on them as they were exhausted, but the more experienced cavalry were not frightened as easily. But then it came again.
"Where am I!? Is this the Underworld!?" It almost sounded as if that whoever the voice belonged to had suffered terribly if their soul hadn't passed on properly.
"I can't see anything! There is nothing but blackness! Where is this!?" By now, the group was barely containing their fear.
"Papa, where are you papa?" A little child's voice could be heard, bringing new chills up their spines.
"Papa, you said you would come home! Why did you not keep your promise!?"
"I'm so sorry, my child…so, so sorry." A small sob could be heard in the voice.
"Friends, I thought I could gain glory and riches by going into the Other World…but it seems that was not to be…" That forlorn declarationmade all the mens' blood run cold. So it was true then that their compatriots were slaughtered in the Other World!?
"Friends, I warn you…! Do not go into the Other World! Beware of them!...of them!"
By now, the entire group were shaking in their boots and armor, almost ready to run in a headlong, panicked flight.
"Turn back before it is too late! Save yourselves!...SAVE YOURSELVES AND RUN!"
The disembodied voice seem to fade away amidst a torrential sound of a beating wings, as if a spirit was taking flight. A nearly-demonic screeching sound followed as the voices faded, and then silence…
That was the last straw for the men.
In a panicked flight, they turned tail and ran straight back to the safety of their fort.
Arnfair region
Rappun 21, 1037 IC
09:32:47 hrs
The previous night's spooky mission had payed off.
The patrol group in question were scared mindless after hearing those soundtracks played at night had done a real number on their confidence.
The news would spread fast, and that would put a dent in the morale of everyone stationed in the region.
But words alone couldn't prove anything tangible.
If they were to prove that something was indeed out there, then they had to follow up by hitting them were it hurt them the most.
Which is why, after JTF Gravedigger's drone picked up a long column of supply wagons heading towards the region over bridges, an ample opportunity presented itself.
There was only one major bridge heading into the region, over a river.
In anticipation of the column's arrival, the S.T.R.I.K.E. team and Viper platoon had taken up ambush positions, after placing explosive charges on critical weak spots on the bridge.
"Strike Lead to Red Snake Actual. You set up over there?"
"Affirmative. Waiting on you. We'll do this fast."
"Copy that. Now we wait."
It didn't take long for the wagons to come into view. Some were covered by canvas, while others were open-air. Carrying barrels, weapons, wooden crates, and all other manner of supplies needed.
It was almost laughable to see so few escorts. There were dozens of carts, and yet only a few dozen soldiers and mounted cavalry, combined.
The Imperials must've been really confident in their fighting prowess to have such critical assets guarded by so few.
"Strike Lead to all. Wait for the lead wagons to make their way across, then bow the charges. Then we go weapons free and clean up the rest."
"Solid. Holding." The operators acknowledged.
The wagons continued their way down the road, the horses' hooves clopping loud on the bridge's stonemasonry. Soon, the lead wagons head reached the other side.
"Detonate explosives now! Go loud!" Not a moment later, a massive roar rang through the forest, water spewing up, stones flying everywhere, and all the wagons and horses in the middle of the bridge simply disappeared.
For the supply column, it was sudden unreal chaos.
"WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?"
"Was that explosive magic!? Are we under attack!?"
The only answers came in the form of multiple sounds of repetitive thunder and small flashes of light as the lightning cut down the unfortunate survivors.
They wouldn't be alive to see their precious cargo, the lifeblood of the Imperial garrisons, be burned by their unseen attackers.
Fort Istrus
Rapun 21, 1037 IC
10:03:27 hrs
A sense of dread hung over Proclus and the other legates as they discussed the latest news.
One of the patrols from the previous night had reported hearing ghostly voices. It seemed as if the failures of the expedition continued to haunt them.
"Do you believe that the voices truly could have been from the legionaries that went into the Other World!?"
"Something is out there! We need to hunt down whoever is causing this!"
"And who would we get for the task!? The report is already spreading, and fear is beginning to spread among the ranks!"
For Proclus, he rubbed his temple at the situation which was already coming apart. Multiple patrols were dead, and now a group of hysterical legionaries had all reporting hearing noises.
It seemed that whatever had caused the previous ruckus had finally decided to begun to make itself known
His musings were interrupted yet again. "Reporting in, milord! I bring urgent news!"
"What is it, soldier?" His patience was beginning to wear thin.
"The supply trains that were supposed to arrive was ambushed by the Lycus river! The bridge was destroyed and there were no survivors!"
"What!?" Proclus andthe other legates stood up in alarm at the news.
"How could the bridge have been destroyed!?"
"Did the enemy use siege weapons!?"
"No, that's impossible! There is no way they could have moved them so quickly and without being seen!"
"Was it fire magic or assassination magic then!?"
Legate Proclus was truly in a bind now. Although their troop strength had been greatly bolstered, their important supply train had been destroyed.
Worse still, the only way leading into the region had been cut off with the destruction of the bridge at Lycus River. Which meant that they were now isolated and cut off.
He couldn't think in a near-panic state of mind right now. He needed to salvage the situation, but how?
It was clear that whoever or whatever was attacking them had the ability to strike anywhere, anytime.
Their situation and survival now hinged on Supreme Commander Remus and the full might of the Imperial Army arriving in time to save them…
After-Action Report:
Multiple enemy strongpoints and patrols eliminated
Psyops successful; enemy morale degraded
Enemy supply train destroyed
Bridge destroyed; hostile forces are now isolated
End Report