I do not own GATE or any of its properties. The same goes for Mount and Blade Warband, this is all just for fun and honing my skills as a writer.
Rindyar Castle
The sound of the blacksmith's hammer rang out in the castle. The morning was clear, sentries had changed, horses were fed, and peasants worked the land outside the walls.
Count Rafard had already awaken from his slumber, stretching his muscles in front of the window, his arms and chest scarred from the short war with the Nords.
He donned his usual wear of a gold lined red tunic, tending to his daily retinues soon after. They discussed the daily schedule at the height of breakfast, and read letters for upcoming events usually hosted by his king. Those miscellaneous to him was discardedin the same pile where he had left the courier's message of a peace treaty with the Nords.
Abruptly, his nose caught the slight smell of invading smoke. Not that of a warm fireplace within his quarters, but more of burnt wheat and foliage. An all too familiar scent of war.
He turned to his Lady, Elys, who carried the same confused expression as him.
"Do you smell fire?" He said to her.
The doors to the main hall were opened abruptly by the Captain of the Guard.
He bowed his head before he spoke, "Milord, a messenger has brought unfortunate news that Count Clais was defeated in an ambush and that an unknown force has plundered Rduna. Count Clais has requested for his men to take shelter in your midst."
The guard could already see his mind turn to the defence of the castle within seconds, "Let them through, I will meet with Count Clais to see the problem. Have every able-bodied man join the garrison, gather the rest and bring them to the keep as quick as you can. Get the fastest rider you can find and send word to King Harlaus that we're under attack."
"Yes milord." The Captain nodded and turned on his heel, marching past the doors held open by the guards.
As the Captain was dismissed, Rafard turned to his wife, who already knew what the ordeal and routine was, "Elys, go to the safest part of the keep and stay until I return."
"Yes my love."
He called for his servants to fetch his armor and arms, readying himself for another siege or skirmish that tainted his morning.
Soon after, he rode under the banner of his fief and through the castle gates, accompanied by his knights and sergeants.
Over the hills, a cloud of white smoke seared into the sky, clearly the burning of foliage and wheat was true. A more grim sight with an injured Count Clais riding over the grass and towards Rafard, his morale broken army marching slowly after him.
Count Clais was not happy nor was he broken. He was more irritated with the foreign arrows stuck in his armor and one deep in his hip. The marks of arrowheads that grazed off his winged helmet was a clear comparison, a fair similarity that could be made with the Khan's Horse Archers.
"What has happened? Have the damned kingdoms decide to break another peaceful morning with a raid?"
Clais grunted at the pain in his hip, "Far from correct Rafard," He said as he rode up to him,. The rest of his army limped past the castle gates with no hesitation. He removed his helmet to speak more clearly, "They took Reindi Castle within hours, Their banners are foreign and not from this land but they bare the looks of the empire from the old times. Though, I've yet to learn that the legions rode flying beasts back then."
Rafard raised an eyebrow, "Flying beasts?"
"Correct, black as night and faster than a falcon. Bigger than two adult horses." He said, "I routed my forces when they came down and preyed on my knights up like a band of hawks."
Rafard was taken aback. He had seen war, battles that lasted for days, and sieges that painted the walls in red-stained gambesons and helmets. But this talk of flying beasts fishing knights out from their saddles? Clais was a trustful friend to Rafard but he was never sure if the man was careful with ale or wine.
Whatever it was, the smoke that kept rising was enough to persuade him that some force was marching towards the castle gate.
Rduna
Fire and smoke loomed at his left, two rows of Saderan legionaries marched on the right. Their armor clinked and their feet trudged atop the mud in a disciplined line. Away from the looted and plundered village.
The banner flew high, flashing its colors in front of the clouds, its golden cross and wings glittering like the stars.
Participating in the first incursion was Colt Formal, head of the Formal Clan. He sat clad in his shiny armor, surveying the fertile land.
A legate rode next to his side, "This land is fertile, enough to supply our forces. It should be a swift incursion before the rest of the Imperial Army can follow." He said.
"Indeed, but we can't rest now, even if the skirmish with the natives of this world was fast, we don't know their true numbers."
Certainly, the skirmish did not pose any threat to the Saderan legions. The vast units of shields and spears were efficient in deflecting crossbow fire, and the simple sight of their Dragon Raiders was enough to send the lord and his knights running in retreat.
"We will surround that castle just beyond the hill by tomorrow morning." His gauntlets pointed to the stone structure, a red and white banner flapping over one of its towers, "Make sure we have enough provisions so the men aren't gaunt when climbing the walls. Soon the enemy will make a counter-offensive and we will have to be the ones defending the Gate."
The Legate nodded, "Yes sire, it will be done."
Praven,
King Harlaus stood in the courtyard, two knights behind his back while he aimed a sturdy crossbow at a target. The sun set behind the target, as if the King was about to shoot the red ball of flame.
After the war with the Nords was put to a stop, the city worked with a more quiet essence. Markets bustled with merchants and caravans while children chased each other through the streets. The mercenaries slept outside the walls, waiting for employers with good pay to march them out to a lively journey.
By his side, his chamberlain gave reports on the current financial affairs.
"There have been less smugglers found since this morning, and caravans are being smart enough to hire more guards. Though there has been an attack on one convoy near Ryibelet; most certainly deserters from the war."
Harlaus let loose a bolt, striking an unlucky shot near the edges of the target,
"Hmm," He grumbled, loading another bolt, "Have the Guild Master spread the news: Gold to those who hunt down these deserters."
"Of course your majesty. Oh and I would also like to let you know that Hedwig from Geroia should land near the ports by tomorrow morning. He brings the invention that you requested nearly 2 years ago."
His bolt struck closer inside, but it was not what he was aiming for, "Good news, thank you for the report."
The Chamberlain nodded, "You are welcome your-"
"Your majesty!" A voice rang out.
The Constable strode towards the King and his company, concern dripping from his voice and expression.
"There has been an attack in our realm. Rindyar and Reindi Castle has been besieged and several villages were pillaged. Count Clais was injured in a skirmish but managed to escape and is taking refuge inside Rindyar Castle with Count Rafard."
Harlaus lowered his crossbow, irritated, "We've been attacked? By whom?"
"My spies have said no other kingdom is marching against us, but it's an unknown force with an organized army. The scouts have estimated that the force is nearly… 50,000 strong."
It was until the Constable's number count, that it made Harlaus' eyes open wide with terror. He'd assume it'd be another month of raids and countless skirmishes with another kingdom, but no realm would raise such a number of men that it would throw their own realm into chaos.
"Get word to the marshall and every other vassal now, alone I can raise 10,000 men but we'll need all we can use," Harlaus shot his crossbow, the bolt landing dead center in the target, "Levy the realm and hire as many companies you can find and keep that promise to pay. Empty the treasury if you have to. The town militia will stay behind and guard this keep, those in the villages will join us,"
"And what of the other realms?"
Harlaus handed the crossbow to his servant, quickly turning to prepare his armor and horse, the rest of the group followed, "Send emissaries, it's clear we've been at war with nearly every realm in Calradia but the kingdoms are stubborn, a force this large isn't just invading for Swadian lands."
"Consider it done, your majesty."
The townspeople saw nearly thirty riders pour through each gate, blacksmiths were once again tasked to forge weapons, repairing their lord's armors, and sharpening their blades. Poor levied farmers and militiamen marched out, kissing their families goodbye. Knights heeded their call, keeping to their oaths and riding out with their lords. Banners were raised, horses were fed, and spears were sharpened.
The people of Swadia knew the realm was a war infested land. They'd suffer from terrifying raids and outlaws that watched the roads every year. Nearly every boy and man in each family knew the basics of training to fend off these attacks, taught to shoot a bow or to swing a sword. Now, they'd be the first line of defence against the Saderan Empire.
Hello everyone, I know this is a short chapter and not at all exciting, but the next chapter I will ensure you that there will be some level of violence and a longer word count.
Now, this being the first fanfic I've posted, I'd really like it if anyone would leave a review. Criticism is always helpful also.