AN: "Cookies" → Speech / spoken air quotes
"Cookies" → Thoughts
"Cookies" → Spells / Martial Arts
"Cookies" → Message spell speech
I don't own Overlord
Have fun, enjoy and please review
AN: This chapter will be about a battle. I thus will describe rather terrible acts. If you are either sensible or underage, please skip the chapter. Thank you all for your understanding.
For those who will skip: It will contain the battle of Colognium and preparations for the next chapter.
Chapter 33
→ Near Colognium / Zesshi ←
Once Zesshi and the rest reached an upstream hill, they prepared for emergencies. Zesshi could observe the last preparations done during the early rays of sunshine. Some legionnaires brought a bit more ammunition to the siege towers, prayed and some other legionnaires would eat what meal would not be thrown up. The 'Auxiliar', or as Zesshi saw them former rebels, were preparing to use the river to land within the city. A bold maneuver, but it could pay off. Zesshi was sure she could cut the tension on the field.
The closer they actually came to sunrise, the more the legionnaires began to shift in their armor and grouped within their cohorts. Once his army was in position and ready Plumbus looked over his legion one final time.
"I wish I could have starved them out." He sighed.
"It would have lasted much longer." Zesshi tried.
"Even if. We would have saved my men the battle, at least we would not have as many losses as we are about to suffer. Now then. Trumpeter, give the sign." He ordered. The trumpeter nodded and with the sunrise and the cacophony of many trumpets and drums in their backs, the army's advance began.
Zesshi heard the sound of a horn and shouts. She could observe movement on the walls and then heard a hiss. A rain of arrows went over the walls and reached the legionnaires. She observed how effective the 'testudo' formation was. The shields covered nearly all sides, except the back. Only the siege towers were vulnerable, but very hard to incinerate, since they were covered in metal plates and wet animal skins. The soldiers carrying the ladders advanced behind the siege towers for cover. All in all very few were injured.
Volley after volley of arrows were sent at the army of Baharut. None did much damage. Then the siege towers' ballistae opened their fire. Zesshi heard screams and was sure she saw a file of enemy archers be thrown back, probably into the city itself. After the siege towers opened fire the archers focused on them. Luckily for the legionnaires working them nothing happened to the towers and the advance continued without any problems.
Once closer to the city Zesshi observed how the siege towers not only towered over the defenses. They were two stories higher than the wall. Then she heard screams from the walls and saw a few levies fall from the wall, arrows sticking out of their necks, chests and heads. The legionnaires carrying ladders, now close enough at the wall, ran out of cover and the last steps towards the wall. They used ropes, which were tied to the top of the ladder and hoisted them. Some of the cohorts were advancing towards predestined positions, slowly but steadily. The legionnaires, which had carried the ladders retreated a short distance and then formed a testudo, creeping sideways towards a siege tower. She saw them mount the towers and waited excitedly.
She saw the legion creeping ever closer and closer and the defender shooting and throwing everything they had at them. Zesshi was sure she had even seen naked cadavers being thrown over the walls, but did not want to assume.
Once close enough the testudos behind the towers opened up and one after another the men mounted the towers. The enemy archers used this chance and aimed at the seemingly exposed legionnaires, with little success. Some were shot while most managed to climb the towers.
Just when Zesshi thought it was going smoothly, one of the siege towers caught fire. To make matters worse it was the only one on either side of the gate house, it could end in a disaster. Shouts and cries of terror were heard.
Zesshi saw how the front gate was opened in a haste and some legionnaires ran onto the wall, throwing their javelins and getting their gladius battle ready. She knew those who decided to make a last stand, she even saw some engineers from the ballistae jump down to get on the walls. The success was mixed, as some either crashed head first into the wall while others would simply fall onto the ground, either killing or heavily injuring them.
The archers on the other hand fired every shot they could. Once the legionnaires were over the archers tried to get away, but the tower collapsed, burying everyone that was within the tower. Shouts emanated from the walls, as some of the defenders cheered. Some even went on top of the battlements and spit and threw heavy objects down on the injured and killed legionnaires.
She only heard Pugnus curse, while she herself stayed silent. She knew that victory would happen, with or without Baharut. But she could sympathize with him, as she knew how Baharut worked.
"I think we should use the ladders close to the former tower to support the legionnaires on the wall. We already have a bridgehead there." Zesshi proposed.
"At least we can send the ones, which would have climbed the tower." Pugnus agreed and signed a messenger, who started to ride towards a few cohorts, bringing the changed plans.
She observed how some of the testudo changed their directions and closed into some ladders. The legionnaires on the walls, to some extent successfully saw this and defended the ladders even harder than before.
The two other towers, which hadn't burned, were slowly filling with soldiers. The defenders tried to set the tower ablaze, but the archers took out the ones using flaming missiles. This saved their towers from collapse. Then the towers opened and a giant wave of professionals crashed into the levies from Re-Estize. Zesshi nearly fell into a blood frenzy at the war cries and screams, which promised revenge, fury and death.
→ "Burning Siege Tower" / Scaeva ←
The siege tower was crawling closer to the wall.
"Let's get them lads. Time to capture a city." The Centurion, a grizzled veteran with gray hair and eyes as cold as steel in winter, told them.
They advanced as fast and safely as they could. Once there they made a small opening within their formation, allowing individuals to run towards the tower. First came his childhood friend, then the next and again and again.
One of his new friends from the legion tried to run when he stumbled after a *thud* was heard. He fell forward. Scaeva only saw an arrow sticking out of his comrad's neck. The next climbed over him, burning his face in the dirt beneath him. Then his turn came and he ran. He felt a sting, but continued on. Once inside the tower he felt around his temple. An arrow had graced his temple and ear, giving a shallow cut through both of them.
"You're quite lucky, Scaeva." his childhood friend laughed.
"Yes. As ever." Scaeva agreed.
The rest of the cohort followed, with the Centurion at the end together with another legionnaire.
"Now get up there, hurry, hurry." He ordered and the speed, in which they had climbed the tower, increased.
They reached the top when they heard shouts about a fire from upstairs. Soon enough they saw it just above them. The heat got them and panic was about to set in when the Centurion used a whistle.
"The gate will open within seconds, prepare to storm. Time for our last stand!" He shouted and determination crept through Scaeva. He took out a pila, preparing to throw it as soon as the gate fell.
Then the gate fell and he threw his javelin, hitting an enemy archer right in the stomach. His childhood friend then threw him and the archer would die soon after, as he fell from the wall. Once they saw a chance they jumped over to the wall and took out their gladius. A vicious melee began. Then they heard *thuds* as some of the engineers jumped from the top of the tower, with mixed results. The surviving ones joined the battle.
Just as the Centurion was about to get on the wall the tower collapsed. Scaeva, close to the back, tried to grab him. Sadly the Centurion had not managed to grab his arm and fell onto a pillar, which impaled him in the chest. Scaeva looked around and joined his battle brethren and fought.
Suddenly his friend shouted and Scaeva saw the movement of the other soldiers, who were to climb the tower. They advanced towards a ladder close to them.
"Advance towards the gate house! There we will be reinforced." He ordered and the other soldiers followed. They fought their way, with some covering the back while others slashed, stabbed and killed their way through. The area they held grew slowly, but it grew.
They arrived at the ladders and were relieved when other soldiers mixed with them. They managed to get reinforcements.
"Further. We need to take the gate house!" Scaeva ordered and the advance began, though Some of the fresh soldiers would keep the ladders safe from enemies.
Once they got closer to the gate house the fighting got much fiercer and the casualties got more and more. Then the first entered and the fighting got even bloodier. The levies from Re-Estize used every dirty trick they knew, a favor which the soldiers happily returned. But in the end the soldiers under Scaeva were successful. He looked around, trying to find a way to open the gate.
"Hold the entrances there and on the ground! I need help with the gate." Scaeva shouted and everyone nodded.
Scaeva soon found the mechanismus and tried to use them. A crunch was heard and he continued.
→ Colognium / Proditor ←
This morning, after being awoken by pain, Proditor had prepared for battle. He knew that the levies, while numerous, would stand no chance against Baharuts legions. It usually ended in a massacre at Katze Plains. So he came up with a few plans.
He was stationed with the leader of the army, at the back, and observed how the siege equipment was hoisted. He cheered when one of the siege towers burned and then collapsed. He was furious when the legionnaires formed around a single one amongst them. Though Proditor could respect such individuals, as he once was one of them, he wanted to survive and such individuals usually turned the tide of a battle.
Seeing the advance towards the gate house he went there and destroyed the mechanismus. It would mean the gate couldn't be opened soon, which was now a good thing.
Just as he came back a ballistae, from one of the intact siege towers, shot at his position. He ducked and only heard a *thud*, then a scream of agony and fear. He looked up and saw the leader stuck on a spear. The spear itself pinned him on the wall. Blood streamed and Proditor looked around. No one was there.
"Such a nice chance to take over and win. The Surshana must be on our side." He thought, taking out a knife.
"Sorry, but you are not worthy and already dying, but I will make sure we win." Proditor grinned, before cutting the stomach open and then cutting the tongue out.
A plan already formed and he went to some archers, just as he saw the legionnaires enter the gate house.
→ Near Colognium / Zesshi ←
Zesshi saw the movement of the soldiers and was shocked. She never expected such determination, or desperation, amongst the soldiers of Baharut. She only thought that the scriptures of the Slane Theocracy or the forces of her new home were able to pull something like that off.
"Seems like I was wrong about that." Zesshi mused in her mind.
Pugnus meanwhile was giving orders left and right, desperation in his voice.
"I want the gate open as soon as possible."
"When do the other siege towers open?"
"What do you mean we can't send further reinforcements to the salient?"
Zesshi heard those and many more. Each sounding more desperate and scared than the last one. It got on her nerves and she looked at Sebas.
"Sebas, how strong are you?" She asked.
"I am at level 100. If you ask about my physical strength, it is hard to tell." Sebas replied.
"Not what I meant. Could you carry and use a ram?" She asked.
"That shouldn't be a problem." Sebas answered.
"Then we advance. Send the Hanzos to help the legionnaires. We will take a ram and then move in ourselves. I can't hear more whining today." Zesshi hissed, preparing her scythe.
Pugnus seemingly hadn't noticed anything.
→ Harbor within Colognium / Oculus ←
The rebels arrived within the harbor, having transported small boats through the forest and then crossing on them. They first cleared the harbor, killing any resistance they could find, which was close to none. Some levies tried to give up, but they were cut down like the dogs they were. They also looked for survivors, but found none, except some raped women, which they left in silence.
They then continued to advance towards the center, finding more corpses, which had bite marks and chunks of flesh missing. Some of the corpses were fresh and former levies. Others were older and probably died during the storm in the city. The smell was disgusting and some rebels even vomited into a corner.
"Please tell me they didn't do what I think they did." Pedites said.
"Oh they did it. Probably even more. All surviving women carry bastards. All dead are desecrated. Such a disaster." Oculus replied, a tear running down his cheek as he remembered the attack on his village, or rather the report one of his villagers gave him afterwards.
"We should move on. The less of Baharut and us die the better." Pedites sighed and the group continued.
They were surprised at the center and realized that they would need a bit more time, as they met a column of levy infantry. They were spotted and attacked. Now they were fighting for their merry life and retreated towards the town hall.
→ Gatehouse / Scaeva ←
Scaeva and a few legionnaires tried and tried to open the gate. When a snapping sound was audible one engineer looked around the mechanism.
"Of course the gate won't open. The damn bastards destroyed the beam connecting the gate with the mechanism. If it can open then only by pushing it open." Then the engineer shouted and anger flowed through everyone within the tower.
"Sooo. What is the next plan?" The legionnaires asked.
"We need to push the gate open, otherwise our cavalry can't get inside the city and we would fight weaker than with them." Scaeva said.
"Then let's move out and open the damn thing." One legionnaire shouted and walked over the opening on ground level. Just in that moment many arrows went inside his body and he stumbled backwards, dying a horrible death, as he would slowly bleed out.
"We need to form a testudo and then advance towards the gate. Once there the last line will push the gate." Scaeva said, equipping his shield and covering the opening.
One after another came outside and soon the survivors formed a testudo. They creeped forwards and finally managed to reach the gate.
"Get the ballistae, they want to open the gate." They heard and then they observed how the levies brought a smaller ballistae on the opposite roof.
"Oh shite." Thought Scaeva as the levies were loading it.
"Open the gate, fast." Scaeva ordered and the last line began their work, slowly and steadily. Just when a small crack of light shone through, giving all legionnaire there hope, a *thud* was heard and Scaeva's childhood friend was pinned against the gate. A spear was shot through the shield and bolted his friend and another legionnaire through the chest and then the gate. Worse was that it also blocked one hinge of the gate.
"It is blocked for good." Scaeva thought.
"Keep the testudo!" He shouted.
Arrow after arrow was fired at them. The ballistae, after missing ten times, was abandoned. Soon the arrows stopped and Scaeva dropped his shield a bit. It proved a mistake as he only saw the tip of an arrow for less than a second. Pain stung in his left eye and he groaned at the pain, involuntarily, uncontrolled and angrily.
"Scaeva." One of his men shouted.
"I am better than ever." Scaeva grumbled, ripped the arrow out of his eye socket and threw it on the ground. Then he stomped on it and smeared its remains on the ground.
Soon the arrows finally stopped and Scaeva could observe how they started to flood inside the gateyard.
"Give up and you may live… if we have a good day." a cocky sound echoed through the yard.
"F*** off. We are only warming up."
"As if."
"Get over here." Echoed back. A lone figure walked in front of the others. He held a single bastard sword. He seemed older and his smirk was sadistic in its very nature.
"I like it when a plan works. I like it even more when weaklings think they can best me." the enemy said, a snarl formed.
"Brace yourselves, we will try to buy time." Scaeva whispered.
→ Gateyard / Proditor ←
Proditor was shocked. He only saw one person survive such a fatal wound, which was Gazef Stronoff himself a few annual wars back. But here he saw another such monster. A man who didn't stop, even if the situation was so hard against his survival.
He was sure that the legionnaire hadn't seen his injuries or even his own shield. Proditor saw at least eight arrows stuck in the legionnaire and the shield was now more a block of arrows than a his shield.
"Maybe a talent?" thought Proditor, as most such individuals had such.
"F*** off. We are only warming up."
"As if."
"Get over here." Echoed back at him, after he gave his proposal.
"Such a shame. They aren't as stupipd as I hoped. But only this guy must die and the battle is won. At least it is a silver lining. If the sinew of the ballistae hasn't ripped." Proditor thought as he observed a small ruckus going through the formation opposite of him.
"As you wish, Attack them boys." Proditor ordered.
The mob around him began and hammered on the shields when Proditor retreated a bit for better view. He then saw more legionnaires come out of the gate house. A brawl ensued, which would fill the yard with corpses soon enough.
"Where is the column, which I wanted here?" Proditor shouted at a messenger.
"They are fending off an attack in the rear." The messenger replied.
"Argh. Useless dogs, them and you. If you can't deliver an order then take your sword and fight." Proditor hissed and nearly threw the useless person into the yard. He observed the brawl for a while longer.
"I need to intervene against this one legionnaire. He is clearing this yard easily. Despite his injury. How can someone take so much?" Proditor thought, fear creeping in his thought.
He got onto the yard and sneaked towards his target. No sound came from him as he was closing in. Then he stabbed him in the knee from behind. The legionnaire, on one knee, turned and rammed his shield against his right foot. Pain shot through Proditor.
"I will skin you alive and make a shield from the leather," he shouted, anger rising.
"At least my skin has any worth." the legionnaire answered, punching him in the chest, which hurt him immensely..
He got on his back, kicked the kneeling soldier on the head and then stood up, still hissing in pain.
"First I will kill you. Then one after another we will kill all your comrades. Re-Estize will win and we will rule over Baharut once more." Proditor ranted.
"But it will be my god who will rule." was left unsaid.
The legionnaire crawled back to the gate, while Proditor followed him. Just then the soldier turned and stood up, supporting himself on his shield.
"You truly want to battle? It doesn't matter, you are dead and only don't know it." Proditor boasted.
"We will see." his opponent replied.
Just then he heard a *crunch* and a *thud*. Then his world turned black, to never have color again. The last thing he saw was his medallion of a phenix, which he had carried for 30 years to the day..
→ Outside Cologne / Zesshi ←
Zesshi, Sebas and some Hanzos were running towards the gate. Zesshi halted for a short time.
"Hanzos on the wall. Help the legionnaires." Zesshi ordered and the hanzos followed the orders. Zesshi had enough of this battle. It was boring to observe a stone wall while the action was going behind it. And listening to the general giving orders had grinded her nerves to dust. Now she needed action, and she was getting the action she needed.
She only heard desperate screams from the walls and rushed to the gate, Sebas in tow.
"Can you open the gate for me please?" She asked.
Sebas, though obviously opposed to the plan, nodded. He placed himself in front of the gate. Zesshi was confused. Then she saw how Sebas lifted and ripped the gate out of its hinges and her jaw hit the ground. Sebas then placed it aside, just like a normal door.
"That is strength. If he wasn't with Tuare…" She mused.
Just as the gate opened Zesshi went in. She needed only a few parts of a second to know the situation and decided to help the weakling before her. Bringing her scythe down onto one enemy, he was cleaved into two halves. The legionnaire, in shock and heavily injured, looked around, trying to stand up.
"You are safe. Zesshi is here." Zesshi whispered, an evil grin on her face, and the legionnaire collapsed.
Just as he collapsed, Sebas opened the second gate and the massacre began. Zesshi just couldn't contain herself any more. A slash through an enemy here, a stomped skull there and much more was about to come. She was in a different world when she butchered her way through the enemies and probably some allies as well.
They tried to form a phalanx with their pikemen. She simply cut the pikes and then continued on.
"A monster!" Zesshi heard and smiled menacingly at the group.
Panic set in as she swung her scythe, cleaving a group of levies in half at their bellies.
"Such a nice day." She smiled at the rest and the mob ran.
Some were tramplet by their comrades while Zesshi killed roughly three quarters of the remaining group.
She followed the group in a relaxed walk and would later follow their disgusting scent. She found a burned casket of a city and observed the dead.
"Such useless humans. Not even preparing albion sheep is in their repertoire." Zesshi hissed, remembering Foire, Fith and Entis great cooking.
"Such as shame. I heard the city was once rich with people and gold." Sebas sighed.
"It was. But the levies seem to have ransacked it for good." Zesshi agreed, though small giggles came from her as she found her prey. A big column of levies besieging the town hall and trying to get inside. The rebels meanwhile successfully held the gate of the town hall.
"Seems like I can have a bit more fun." Zesshi mused as she got closer.
Some of the levies already looked terrified. Others turned and tried to attack her. Either the attacks bounced off her new armor or she destroyed the weapons before they reached her. The second massacre ensued. It only lasted an hour and none of the levies there survived.
When she finished Zesshi felt relieved and relaxed. Sebas meanwhile observed her. Though Zesshi didn't ask any questions, as she knew he had his orders and she probably made his job harder than it needed to be.
Only 1500 levies had remained and those were taken prisoner. Zesshi saw the empty mass graves and the eyes of the auxiliar.
"I am sure they aren't prisoners for long." Zesshi mused.
The army was victorious and retreated to their camp.
Zesshi herself was happy and felt like a child, which got a cooky out of a cooky jar. She was sitting in her tent with Sebas, as he prepared dinner.
"This day is fantastic. Everything is as planned. We won and I got to exercise my muscles a bit." Zesshi thinks, as she eats a small strawberry cupcake.
Sebas was observing with eyes like an eagle. The hanzos retreated into the shadows. Reports were sent and the sun was setting.
"This was truly a great day." Zesshi smiled and finished her cupcake. She would sleep like a baby that night.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Jircniv ←
Jircniv wanted to dance on the table. Instead he had a maid bring him and Nimble a glass of sparkling wine. The first army of Re-Estize was dead and his army was victorious. Sadly no survivors were recorded.
"It just so happens that mass graves were available and retribution was enacted." Jircniv mused.
With no survivors, there would be less strain on his coffers, but also less answers and information.
He and Nimble were finishing the sparkling wine when he remembered that Katze Plain would happen soon.
"I have an order for you. I want you to bring this order to Lady Arachama and Leinas. I want them to accompany me to Katze Plain tomorrow. The Battle will be soon and we can't bumble around. Also send orders to Pugnus to prepare his legion. I want his legion to arrive at Katze Plains via "Gate" tomorrow." Jircniv ordered and a drunk Nimble saluted with an over the top motion.
Nimble ran and was out of the room, when Fluder entered.
"Ahh. I guess your armies were successful?" Fluder smirked.
"Yes, gramps. Only one remaining." Jircniv beamed, feeling the numbing effect of the alcohol set in.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachne ←
Arachne, after having a short cuddling session with old-mother, worked the papertrail. It was, luckily , getting smaller and smaller. Once she was finished she had spent some time with the twins and Arche for the rest of the day.
Just when She was preparing to go to bed Leinas walked into her room.
"Nimble from the four imperial knights is here. We have orders for tomorrow. The emperor wishes for us to accompany him and his army to the Katze Plains for the annual war. Do you think we should accept?" Leinas asked.
"I don't think we have a choice. Tell him we will get to the palace tomorrow morning. Could you also tell Yuri of this? I already dismissed Tuare for the day." Arachne asked.
"I will do that. I just wanted to let you decide. We will then have breakfast with the emperor, thus we will rise early tomorrow." Leinas answered.
"No problem. I am just a bit anxious. Me, a cripple, going to war? I am shuddering." Arachne joked and the mood increased.
"Then a good night, lady Arachama." Leinas winked.
"Good night, Leinas Rockbruise." Arachne nodded.
After Leinas left, Arachne finished her preparations and would fall asleep.
Just as her dream, about a big buffet of strawberry-chocolate-cakes, was getting good, she was roused awake by Tuare.
"Good morning, lady Arachne. We have an important appointment today." Tuare cheered.
Arachne grumbled and hissed, but Tuare, true to the timetable, was not relenting. After five minutes of fighting the inevitable Arachne gave up and decided to get ready.
With the help of Tuare, Arachne got clothed and into her comfy wheelchair. She knew that old-mother had used those and felt prideful to have something this personal from her. She kept on and on in her mind until Leinas came into the living room.
"Are you… Ah you are ready to depart?" Leinas asked.
"Yes, though why do we need to go this early? The sun hasn't even risen." Arachne complained.
"The emperor wants to be at Katze Plains before the Re-Estize army and Nazaricks ruler. It's important for him so he can plan." Leinas sighed.
"Well. I say we should move out then." Arachne said.
"From the door on we will talk to you as 'lady Arachama', is that alright?" Leinas inquired.
"Yes. It is actually my name, but old-mother also wanted a nickname, as two with the same name could be confusing." Arachne replied.
Tuare pushed her wheelchair through the living room and foyer. Once outside Arachne saw a carriage, which had an open roof. She got hoisted and secured inside.
"What about luggage?" Arachne asked.
"Is already prepared. I took the freedom to have it within a trunk and Miss Leinas helped me to secure it on the back." Tuare answered.
"That is good to know. Thanks Tuare." Arachne told the maid.
Once the last trunks, one for Tuare and one for Leinas, were secured Tuare was seated and Leinas took the reins. Arachne knew that Tuare wasn't capable of driving the carriage safely towards the palace and thus made a little small talk with her.
Once they got closer Arachne could observe how a large carriage was prepared. Some of the servants ran over. They inquired why they were here and then placed their luggage to the others. Arachne then was hoisted out of the carriage and into her wheelchair.
"Good morning, lady Arachama. I hope you had no problems with the early appointment? It is important for us to be fast these days." a voice said and Arachne turned. There stood the emperor. She observed him as he came closer. He seemed nice. With those thoughts also came butterflies.
"Good morning, my emperor. I hope I am not too cumbersome?" Arachne inquired, suppressing her blush.
"No you aren't. I guess you haven't had breakfast?" he asked.
"Sadly no, as we hurried to get here." Arachne answered.
"Then you will be delighted that we can eat while we travel to the Katze Plains." Jircniv smiled.
"That is truly generous of you." Arachne smiled. She observed a blush.
"Then let's get moving shall we?" He grinned, even if it seemed a bit goofy.
"Yes." Arachne nodded and Tuare pushed her towards the carriage, in which she was hoisted and secured. Jircniv seated himself next to her and breakfast was served. Buns with bacon and fried eggs. It tasted great, though Arachne rather liked the cooking of Nazarick-mansion.
Soon she felt the carriage moving and saw the trusted purple of a "Gate"-portal.
→ Colognium / Zesshi ←
Zesshi woke up in the early hours. She was even earlier than Sebas. Walking out of her tent she observed that the twilight was already there.
"It wouldn't be worthwhile to go back to sleep." Zesshid decided and walked in the camp. After a short walk she got back and relaxed on her field bed, Sebas just turning around and waking up.
"Good morning, Sebas." Zesshi greeted him.
"Good morning, miss Zesshi." Sebas replied.
"Should we start to pack?" Zesshi asked and Sebas hummed in agreement.
It didn't take long and nearly everything was stored in the respective trunks. Only some cook supplies and food were outside. Sebas used those and prepared a breakfast, while Zesshi seated herself on one trunk.
Sebas had prepared a few buns and then packed the supplies into their trunks. They now sat there and munched on them. The army itself was rousing itself and then preparations were done. Soon enough the camp was no more and the legion was prepared to march. Magicians were in the front and used scrolls to cast "Gate". As soon as that was done the legion marched through. Zesshi and Sebas followed them with their trunks. Only a few bureaucrats with a magician remained at Colognium for now.
On the other side she saw a Castellum and barren lands. It reminded her of Katze Plains, but it didn't feel right. Then it dawned on her. They were Katze Plains, but someone or something had moved the hills and now Baharut at the high ground. Zesshi assumed it was done by Nazarick, as she had never heard Baharut do such a thing.
Soon enough another portal opened and an imperial carriage came through. She felt a strong presence inside.
"So Arachne is also here." Zesshi mused.
The legions stood themselves at attention, while the injured were brought to the hospital. Soon the emperor with entourage stepped out and helped Arachne into her wheelchair.
Sebas meanwhile led Zesshi to a tent, where Mare was awaiting them.
"Good morning, Mare." Sebas smiled at him.
"Thanks Sebas, to you too. Good morning, daughter of the supreme one." Mare beamed, trying to sound formal.
"Hi. Just call me Zesshi." Zesshi smiled and the dark elf blushed a bit.
"As y-you w-wish." Mare stuttered.
"Thanks. Is this the tent for Nazarick?" Zesshi inquired, Mare nodded and opened the front.
"It is. Your part is over there. L-lord Ainz was a-adamant that you would be safe during your stay h-here." Mare reported.
"Thanks." Zesshi grinned and brought her trunk to her spot.
The tent was luxurious. Though it would be better to describe it as a tent built from many tents. Everyone seemingly had her or his assigned tent. It contained a field bed, a place for a trunk and some free space. Then there was a corridor, which connected those tents. It also led to a separated 'room', which contained multiple chairs, couches and tables. Even a floating mirror was attached.
The whole area was also covered in either fur or carpet. The tents were all covered by a larger tent, which seemed to be heavy. Zesshi was stunned and brought her things to the tent, which was assigned to her.
"Best camping trip ever!" Zesshi thought while her excitement broke through.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Ainz ←
Ainz was quite happy with the results he had. The adoptive daughter of Aracha had managed to score a decisive victory. Albedo and Demiurge were over the moon and bombarded him with ideas, at least until he had enough. This was in the night. Now in the morning he was checking over his preparations and found nothing amiss.
"Now. I need to go to Katze Plains. I want to make sure Arachas daughter makes it through without injury.." Ainz said, a shudder running down everyone's back.
"Are you sure I can't go with you?" Albedo asked, sounding terrified.
"I want everything to run smoothly. Thus you will remain here. I wouldn't be alone there. It is the best solution for this." Ainz rattered down, listing every argument he had used the last few days.
"It is just that…" Albedo sighed.
"I know. I am sure we can have a relaxed time after this battle. But for now we need to be careful. Anything new from the prisoner?" Ainz inquired.
"Painkill is questioning her right now. She broke during the night. The results will be ready once she has finished the questioning, Lord Ainz." Demiurge reported.
"That is great. Now then "Gate", be careful while I am gone." Ainz told them and then went through the portal.
He stood in the middle of the camp, as he had observed it with his "Mirror of Remote viewing". It was a barren place and he, with the legions Baharut had sent, were on top of a hill. Ainz looked around and found Mare, Zesshi and Sebas in front of him, all bowing towards him.
"Now then, could we go towards our tent?" Ainz inquired. A short nod later The group led him towards Nazaricks tent and they rested inside.
"Anything new?" Ainz asked.
"No, Lord Ainz." a chorus answered him.
"Zesshi, the report of your last battle was splendid. Tomorrow though, you shall be witnessing. I am sure a wave of 'Death Knights' will be enough to destroy that enemy of ours tomorrow." Ainz ordered.
"As you wish, lord Ainz." Zesshi agreed.
"Then we shall prepare for tomorrow, shant we?" Ainz said and one of his eyes flared up.
→ Re-Estize camp at Katze Plains / Barbo ←
The second army had marched towards Katze Plain without any problem. Barbo and his trusted companions had made sure of that. Now Barbo had sent out scouts and learned that the enemy was camping on the only hill. Barbo and his advisors laughed at that.
"As if a hill will save them. But let's see what they will try." Barbo joked and a messenger was sent.
While it seemed useless in regards to the last few annual wars, as they came back empty handed, it was tradition to meet before a battle. Usually both sides would try to convince the other to not fight. Sometimes it worked and a battle was resolved before it even began.
"Such a waste, but I have many conservative supporters." Barbo sighed.
"Tomorrow we will win, and then we will take the empire back into our fold." Barbo smiled at his companions. All cheered and laughter filled their camp.
AN: Woah. One battle done. What will happen in the next chapter? Can a battle be avoided or will we see the lambs? Just kidding. We all know we will have fun.
I hope you enjoyed this double upload. It will not be regular, but I had something to celebrate and thus hope this gift was something good.
See you in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed it and if you did, please leave a comment / review.