[ - Author's Note - ]
It is June 20th of 2023.
The story started on June 13th of 2021. We are now over two years into it. Feels longer, to be honest.
So; where are we on the story thus far? Well; on FFDotNet the word length (Before this chapter) is 1,155,531. Views are at 646,246 right now. Reviews are at 1,375 with 2,079 favorites and 2,205 follows and XX Community Archives. On AO3 we have 1,643 Comments, 602 Kudos, 206 Bookmarks and 125,202 Hits. Like the start of the last act this isn't braggery; I want to archive the growth of the story up to this point. And now we finally start Act Three; something I know you all wanted to see... if only for Chloe and Olga...
I will say it's ultimately you who made those numbers happen! So thank you! So...
It's time to move on... As James puts his (not so) little (not) toy wagon to work and it's time to go off to the front lines!
In Elddale...
Enjoy!
[ - Act III - Chapter I: A Call to War - ]
Fortress Ken, Skyguard City
High Kingdom of Ken
Office of High Queen Celestine Lucross
The room was grander then it's main occupant preferred. Marble floors and walls with rich, stained books shelves and furniture with gold set to it in intricate designs. Paintings of key moments of the histories of the Seven Kingdoms of the Alliance hung where they could. Silver statues of the goddess and her fragments stood behind her; flanked by two, massive windows.
Celestine knew that opulence was often used as a means to impress and send a message to those who visited the owner but she would have preferred something smaller and cozier. Regardless she read the report in her hand quickly with a soft frown. "So... Blazecrown had begun mobilizing then?"
"Indeed, your highness." The six foot tall woman who stood before her was one of her most trusted military leaders. She wore solid, well made mythril armor with curved pauldrons, gauntlets with waves on the back of the hands, tall, armored boots and a helm with a lifted visor; one with a see through enchantment on it when dropped. Under the plates blue cloth could be seen with gold trim; the same color of trim her armor bore. Waist long, chestnut hair flowed behind her from under the helm and blue eyes looked to her. "The scouts have called it in mere hours ago. By our reports they're set to march in two to three weeks."
Celestine offered a soft smile. "Thank you, General." The woman, General Mallory DuLouvenoir, was the leader of Eostia's Regular Forces and her primary military advisor. "Send out the call to the Lords of all the States of Eostia; we march north to defend the border."
"At once." Mallory let off, saluting her High Queen with her right hand. "I've already contacted the Adventurer's Guild in order to ensure more manpower will proceed northwards. We should have a good pool of additional mercenary forces at our disposal."
"I see. If I may ask; do these forces include the Black Dogs?" Celestine asked as Mallory nodded.
"Yes, Your Highness. I know they have a... reputation that makes many uneasy but you cannot deny they get the job done." The general replied. "Is that a problem?"
"Oh, no. I am sure they will be... interested in the conflict, given their profession." Celestine said as she smiled. "Dismissed, General. And be sure to take at least some time to relax. We will enjoy precious few moments of such soon, I fear..."
[-]
"War... War never changes." No line in history has been as both true and false at the same time as this one. More then a few historians will point to places where war did indeed change. The Unitum Imperium coming up with the concept of regular, professional soldiers and supply lines. The later Imperium's use of combining light cavalry to raid and pillage and crossbows to punch through opposing armor. The advancements of walls and small forts into castles and fortresses. The Seven Shield Maidens using hit and run tactics and traps to wear down superior forces. Even now new spell orb enchantments are often brought to battlefields to project shields against arrow fire. Indeed, in this fashion war changes, often and regularly. And those who don't change fall to those who do.
So how is this phrase true?
While the means, the weapons, the armor and the tactics will change the reasons and the impacts never have changed all that much for all this time. The coveting of rich lands and it's bounty. A desire to 'return to a better time' where one's borders were larger then they are now. Becoming upset that one's neighbor worships a different god, lived in a different fashion or spoke a different tongue. Even simply wiping away groups that are, by the definition of the ruler or warmonger in question, unclean, subpar or 'heretics'. That's not even mentioning those who find 'glory' in war, find warfare noble and honorable or just wants to pick a fight to sake their blood lust.
There's something else that never changes as well; the results. No matter who wins, or even if there is no winner, those who go to war come back scarred of the body or mind and more often both, if they came back at all while those at home are left with worry and hope fighting each other in a mental tug-of-war. Food, metal, cloth, stone, wood and more are sent off to form weapons, armor, defenses and support for the solders as opposed to building new homes, new infrastructure and new wealth. All nations either waste money on armies for conquest and destruction or they raise armies and spend wealth to ensure they are not conquered by those who do. For all of the changes on the battlefield there are few, if any changes off of it.
It short, War... War never changes.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
Blazecrown, North of Angglash City
The Black Citadel
Kingdom of Garan
"I say we rush straight to their capital!"
"It didn't work last time, Drakepyre; why do you think it'll work this time?"
"Who cares, Goldtomb!? Let's just get there and FIGHT!"
"Stop shouting like a child! Ughhh! No, we should send a mass of probing attacks, find the weakest point and then break through."
"Hmmm, I'm not sure of that, but I prefer Reclusia's idea."
"What? No ideas of your own, Chaoxis?"
"We need more intelligence and scouting before I commit to a plan."
"What are you talking about!?"
"Well I'd at least like to hold additional territory this century!" As the arguing carried on Chloe wondered if this is really the best the Highborne had to bring...
They had gathered in the War Room of the Black Citadel; the bottom half of the wall was made of fused stone and the floor was paved with flattened, randomly sized stone reshaped to fit together. She was told it was done to make each floor unique and hold it's own character although she felt there were other reasons for it. The upper half of the walls were flat, black marble and standing before them was black book shelves of records and histories; painted as opposed to a natural color. Dominating the center of the room was a massive, black marble table with a projected image of Garan and Eostia set to it. Four of the five houses Matrons stood around it and bickered in a way more befitting of children then adults. Even adult humans...
"There's more then territory at stake here! It's about getting to bathe in human blood!" Standing at six foot three, Evgeniya Drakepyre was the tallest and physically strongest of the matrons. She bore the dark skin and pointed ears of the Dark Elves. She wore a nearly pure black armor with golden trim that looked fairly light but looked like it was made of layered plates with a more solid looking breastplate over what might have been C-Cups. She couldn't tell if it was made of metal, leather or some other exotic substance. Her waist long, blonde hair hung behind her, her bands framing her face with a large lock between her eyes. Golden eyes looked down to the map with a set of blue, silver trimmed, round earrings in her ears.
"Ugghhhh, human blood? Bathing in pig's blood would be more sanitary." Standing at five four was Masya Goldtomb who was wearing a black, gold trimmed bikini top over Double D Cup that more gold trim, a cloth gorget over her neck with a strange, textured look to them that looked like a golden brown. This texture was on the bracers she wore over black sleeves, her knee high boots as well as the pauldrons and the outside of her cape. A loincloth hung over her from a black, leather belt with a golden buckle at the front with bat like wings. A gold crown was set to her head with layers over the front over the point her golden hair made over her forehead as bangs reached her chest and the rest fell to her upper back. For a mage her dusky skin was well toned; not speaking of real strength but a clear hint to fitness.
"Enough... This is your issue; you let your disdain for the humans override your ability to respect their abilities. We cannot underestimate them." At five foot ten, Olesia Reclusia wore a black bikini top over F-Cup Breasts with a golden spell stone set between them in a golden pendant which held thick, golden straps that went around her neck off of which held a blue cape. A black thong was over her sex with a golden belt over it and her waist, two hanging plates from it. Her legs were clad in black, thigh high boots with three inch heels and a gold trim at the top. Her black hair was pulled back into a high ponytail held by a gold band that fell just past her shoulders, a large, golden tiara over her forehead with a red spell stone in it and large, blocky earrings off her ears. A pair of bicep length gloves and a whip at her right hip ended the look as she looked about with purple eyes.
"Humans don't deserve respect... but yes, we must not underestimate them." The last of the Matrons present, Vaslilsa Chaoxis stood a mere five foot one and wore a golden top moving from a gorget with a loop connecting over the top of the breasts as straps fell down, over her DD-Cup breasts and carried under to a point, just covering her naval. Black, gold trimmed, leather pauldrons were over her shoulders and fitted well over her upper arms and held a black cape behind her. Matching, fingerless gauntlets were over her hands and forearms that matched thigh, high boots save the gray pads over the knees. Around her hips was a golden belt holding a black loincloth. Her hair was pitch black and fell to her hips as golden eyes glared over the room.
"Enough of your collective bickering." There was another person in the room, besides Chloe and the four matrons. Standing six foot even stood Gavrilla Dreadblade; born of a Lowborne House and clad in golden hued, orichalcum armor. It bore pointed pauldrons and black, paneled guards over the sides of the hips. Under the armor was black cloth and a wide coattail was added under the plating. Her golden eyes looked about, her hair tied into two, waist long braids. It was hard to tell her cup size under the armor but she knew they matched her own DD-Cups. "We are here to speak of tactics." Despite being lower ranked then the Highborne Matrons in the room they heeded her words; Gavrilla might have been the strongest knight in Garan; adapt in both the physical and magical aspects of combat. "More importantly; where is Matron Nightsong?"
It was then the doors were flung wide open as a new figure strode in; shutting behind her. "Pardon my tardiness. Things have been... shifting as of late."
"Ehhhh?" Evgeniya let off as she looked at the newcomer. At five nine she wore a black, gold trimmed, leather gorget that bore a downwards point, matching layered pauldrons over black sleeves and bracers over the back of her arms and her black gloves. A matching substances cupped her breasts and wrapped behind her with a small, golden 'V' piece between and under her F-Cup breasts to connect them. Knee high boots covered her feet as a golden strap about her hips held up a black loincloth. Golden hair fell back past her hips as rose colored eyes looked over the room. A tiara, matching the tone of her outfit, was fitted over her forehead, bangs framing her face as two, cyan spell stones hung off it's front. Finally she bore a small, golden stud set to her belly button. "You're Czarina of Nightsong? Where's Zhestokiy?"
"My elder sister had a scuffle with her daughter... and, how shall I say, lost rather disgracefully." Czarina said with a huff as she reached the table. "As such I felt the need to take control of the situation. I am now the Matron of the High House Nightsong and am eager to see the humans brought low. Seeing how weak my sister is it is only right the stronger sister take charge to bring us glory."
"Tsk. Well it's been almost a century since such a change happened." Olesia let off as she crossed her arms. "Regardless as you're new you'll have little to offer in this meeting so best stay silent and pay attention like the pet over there." Chloe grit her teeth as she looked to the Reclusia Matron.
"I was merely enjoying our Queen's highest ranking leaders bickering like small children." She shot back at four of the five Matrons (The recent arrival being the odd one out) and recived their glares as Garvilla chuckled.
"I imagine that's a part of the reason the Queen likes her." The general spoke. "You might see her as the Queen's dog, but she has quite the bark, doesn't she?"
"Know your place!" Evgeniya barked out as she took a half step to the general who seemed more amused then threatened by the motion. "A mere Lowborne and a more meager Halfborne that came from human Chainborne stock have no right to mock your betters!" She let off; both of the room's Lowborne looking to her; the half dark elf with a glare, the full dark elf with amusement. Before another word was said the doors were flung open.
"If you have such energies to scream at one another then perhaps you can put it to the work you've been tasked with." All seven of the women saw who had walked in and moved around the table and formed an ad hoc line to take a single knee before the newest entrant. She stood at five foot ten; although three inches of her boot's heel made up part of that height leaving her five seven outside of them. Her body was clad in two, dark purple panels that covered her large, H-Cup breasts and down the sides of her body to her hip over a black thong. Over her legs was a set of thigh high, black boots with the aforementioned heels and purple stripes along it's front set vertically. Two, mythril panels were over her shoulders in long, curved pieces which held a cloak in place that bore a high collar; black with gold trim on the outside, red on the inside and formed of several segments rather then a single, solid piece. Detached sleeves went from the biceps to the wrists made of long, dark purple stripes which matched the color of her finger nails. A tall tattoo was set under her naval and ended short of the top of her panties and series of golden, ring earrings were on each ear.
Atop of her head sat a mythril crown; bearing two points in the center and flaring out slightly with a few, thin chains hanging over her head. In her right hand was a long, black staff with a large, 'U' shaped head capped the top and nestled a pinkish purple spell stone in it while the bottom flared out before coming to a point. Near the top and under the head a ring made of orichalcum that hovered, detached from the rest of the staff yet moved it time with it as if it was physically part of it. The woman herself bore sharp, golden eyes set to a face of dusky skin with the right side of her face hidden by black, silky hair that fell to her chest and framed the left side. The bulk of it fell behind in her an unbound yet tight tail to her ankles. "Now then; to your feet, all of you. Chloe; begin explaining the current situation to me." She said as all the women in the room stood.
"Of course." Chloe said, bowing her head slightly before speaking. "The Five Matrons has been assembling their forces and upon your orders General Dreadblade has begun the assembly of Blazecrown's forces. Your loyal Highborne and Lowborne servants have been opting to decide on a tactic. Based on previous recon efforts the enemy has their defenses as strong as usual; although some of their fortifications are still damaged from our last assault. However recent reports are... concerning."
"Concerning how?" Olga said as she walked to the table; her underlings parting and moving around the table as she looked over the map.
"We have reports that the humans on the borders are mobilizing themselves." Chloe replied as she kept her tone even, finally looking to Olga's face. "However as you know that is not so unusual; they often seem to ready at odd times."
"What is concerning is that their more central territories are also mobilizing." Gavrilla injected pointing to what Olga recalled was called Bria. "And what informants we have in their most southern of lands-" She moved to point at what was called, oddly enough, South Point. "-seems to think they might be readying for war. Our ability to communicate is rather slow, unfortunately, so this means they were preparing for a couple of weeks now."
"Curious... I wonder if Celestine foresaw our attack?" Olga mused with a soft hum.
"Inferior as the humans are we need to remember that their leader is a fellow elf and a fragment of a goddess." Vaslilsa spoke softly as she looked to the map. "She is not to be underestimated; none of us save our Queen can hope to match her power." Olga let off a soft hum in thought. The Choaxis Matron was correct; few could match a Trueborne of the Dark Elves and of them were a select few High Elves; and those that held fragments of the goddess were among those few. It was why she avoided direct confrontation with the divine elf; she wasn't fully confident she could handle her alone. They only ever shared a battlefield because Celestine was too focused on protecting her precious humans to challenge her openly attempt a more direct assault. Even then she was forced to admit certain humans were able enough that she couldn't slay them outright and weren't worth the effort to kill; a single human was not a threat to her life but she was aware of her people's last conflict with humanity. An able enough human could hold her until others arrived and drowned her in the numbers of their kind.
Of course she also had her current condition to consider...
"Other elves are in their number too." Czarina added as attention moved to her. "High Elven cousins, half elves of all stripes and Tratorbrone as well. We must assume some are attempting to scout and spy upon us."
"Let them!" Evgeniya barked out with a grin. "Who cares if they see us coming to meet them in glorious batt-"
"Stop barking like a dog." Olga let off in a chilled voice, the Drakepyre Matron stiffening as she looked to the queen with wide eyes.
"A-apologies..."
"See the scouts, no matter their breed, are put to the sword. Same with the spies." Olga spoke as she looked to the map. "If they are mobilizing already then they already know too much. Are the five of you prepared for war; even if they are alert?'
"Yes, My Queen!" All five let off in unison as Olga smiled softly.
"Good. Even if this assault fails in the end we chip away at the humans and weaken them." The Dark Queen began. "All we must do is strike, strike again and carry on until their lines break and we flood their lands with their own blood. You have permission to turn the Legion as wild as you wish upon them; so long as the job is done." The five matrons quickly shared feral grins as Olga looked on; her face impassive and without emotion. Even if they tried to read her eyes for a hint of her true thoughts they would have no clue to them.
'Until they break... How I wish it were so easy... It is clear humans are filth, insects to be stepped on, a plague of rodents to be washed away in fire and smoke... And yet seven centuries of war have availed us naught... Even those thousands of years ago we failed to slay them when they were at their weakest... It is the whole reason we are no long only Trueborne... The whole reason we sacrificed such a pure honor was to reclaim our numbers from those ages...'
'We lost too many Trueborne then, so I am told. Our records claim a mere two thousand left to eliminate them... But our oldest elder, one who survived the war; returned and cast to Highborne... She claimed we sent five times the number... And lied to my generation to hide the full scope of their failure... How the war turned to a stalemate before those blasted goddess fragments turned the tides... Bah! Fools!'
'I came down here with seven Highborne houses, five dozen Lowborne houses and a small army of golems and we struggled to conquer Garan... We all blamed it on those traitors but the humans south stopped us cold. Had we not the Legion at our beck and call we couldn't carry forwards at all! We've been reduced to commanding beasts borne of demons to fight our wars and still, still, they refuse to die!'
'It's oddly respectable in a way... If humans are insects then they are best called cockroaches. They survive all you throw at them; they breed and infest everywhere! You burn a colony of them away and they return the moment your back is turned! No, exterminating them is beyond us. I would have an easier time plucking the stars from the night sky. But we can keep them weakened. We can keep them in check. We can keep them here and from the Northern Reaches. No doubt they'd find a way to survive even that and if they reached Nidavellir...'
Gavrilla kept the focus on tactical and strategic aims as Olga listened on. Her hand gripped her staff a slight bit harder; imperceptible to most. Chloe's head turned to her hand. Outwardly Olga's face was unchanged but inwardly she allowed herself a small smile; tainted birth aside Chloe was loyal beyond all doubt beyond even those she brought with her so long ago. She was the only one Olga could allow a hint of a view of her true thoughts. But her thoughts turned back to the path they were on...
'If they reached Nidavellir then we will be put to the sword. Our culture, our way of life will be washed away in barbaric blood and fury... No. I will not permit even a remote chance of it! We will keep them weakened here and block their advance with the Dread Field. I will die before that is allowed...'
'Even if such is... inevitable...'
[-]
Argon City Adventurer's Guild
Barony of Mungale
All eyes was glued to the projected screen as chatter sounded as what seemed to be a solid font of words projected to the center of the image. What it said was direct.
GARAN IS ON
THE MOVE!
Following it was the voice of a booming man as images of what seemed to be knights training followed. "Adventurers! Garan is mobilizing once more to conquer the lands of Eostia! Are you ready to do your part! It's time to drive the Dark Nemesis back! Join up with your local mercenary order, militia or sign up as a conscript and do your part to drive the hordes of the Dark Queen back! As you can see, our knights are training hard in order to face off against what is to come! Sign up now and-"
"A curious thing..." An accented voice said as a strange woman looked to the screen before turning to look to the desk. After a moment she would walk over to it and tap her knuckles to it to gain the attention of Kara who looked to her and smiled.
"Oh, it's you! Are you looking for work?" She asked as the woman shook her head.
"No. Forgive me; but I would ask a boon." The woman spoke as Kara blinked at her.
[-]
We had, with permission, took over a large farmer's field and turned it into a training field. Archers were training on one side and on the other men battered each other with wooden weapons; swords and staves mostly. The call came in; Blazecrown was mobilizing. War was on the way and, as such, we had sent out the word; our conscripts had been drawn up from across Mungale and an oppressive air of seriousness was pressing down on us as I oversaw the men battering at each other. I would stop once in a while to offer advice to someone or correct someone's combat style before moving on. Gregory was, of course, doing the same.
One thing we had going for us was we were close to the border; we could afford a week's worth of training to bring everyone up to speed before marching north. The southern states would be marching right away; using wagons to rush as much of their elite troops to the north along with any cavalry and marching the rest to catch up. Everyone across the nation was doing hard work.
Speaking of; we had carpenters making four more flying wagons... although no one was calling them that as Grand Duke Samuel Fiorire dubbed it 'the Cloud Rider' and while I was happy with just flying wagon I was overruled. That gave me deja vu... That said our limiting factor was the spell fiber needed to power them; the quartz needed to make it wasn't often sold in large quantities so getting them was an issue. Until I had enough fiber I couldn't make another one; still we would have the frames set to go once we did.
Speaking of preparations I spent the last of my Class Skill Points; one in Balanced Combatant to bring it up to a full three and set the last point into Force of Will. I also had four RSP to spend so I dumped them in Luck, of all things. It was my lowest stat but, currently, the only one not a Primary or Secondary Stat. I guess I just hoped for a little good luck with what's coming. I also dumped all fifteen of my SSP in Recovery; mostly because Rapid was nearing it's max now, at eighty four.
Other preparations was focused on my armor. As it turns out Blake von Adelle took the liberty of enchanting the spell stone in the center of the chest of it; the focus was on climate control to ensure I wouldn't get too cold or hot or overheat from combat as well as working on an inwards focus. This meant any enhancement spells like Bolster Perception, Physical Burst or Tailwind, healing spells like Ease Toxin, Regenerate Wounds or Blessed Recover as well any boosting Combat Arts like Adrenaline Rush, Steel Skin or Reflex Boost would get a little bit of a boost.
That was enormous by itself and there was power left over for a few other things; mostly myself enchanting Physical Burst into the armor directly which would do two things; it would reduce the strain on my body as opposed to casting it myself and I could still use my own magic. As it turns out only the caster loses the ability to use magic and in this case the stone would be the caster. It wasn't perfect, mind you; while in use the stone wouldn't enhance other spells but that was an acceptable compromise. Further more I could cast Physical Burst on myself as the stone did; meaning I could double the effects for the standard penalty. I would finally add Levitate to it; it couldn't be used if the stone was using Physical Burst but I could use my own Levitate to further enhance my air speed. If it came to it I could fight from the air in a manner approaching Aeris' ability to do so. I finally added Aqua Breath, set to turn on if I was fully submerged. Just in case.
As for the stone on the glove I enchanted it with Arcane Weapon and Arcane Shield both; I would use Arcane Weapon to form a physical shield (I included options for round shields, kite shields, knight shields, bucklers and tower shields) and Arcane Shield would layer over it to reinforce it. I had tested the effect; the two together was, for the mana cost, more powerful and efficient then either alone but with the same mana. More over I also added a few other Arcane Weapon forms; parrying daggers, various knifes, short spears, swords, lassos, brass knuckles (It seemed any sort of 'knuckle' weapon didn't require a particular class to use, likely because unarmed combat was open to all) and a series of tools including hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, saws, hoes, picks and shovels. Because why not? Also to the glove I added Ring of Alarm. While it had imperfections it should, when active, help avoid sneak attacks.
As for the Dragon's Claw my tweaks were limited; adding Shadowblaze and Holyblaze Weapons to it. Honestly; Blake had done such a wonderful job of turning it into a focus I didn't want to tamper much on it; I had only added them so I could use either if I popped Physical Burst. The one last touch I added to it, my armor and the Shining Gemini was a tracking spell. Just in case.
I had just finished giving a fresh recruit some pointers when my voxlux pinged. I pulled it out and saw my father's face in it as I answered. "Hey Dad. What do you need?"
"I need you to come back to the manor, right away." He said through the device. "The Grand Duke has put in a request for you; he needs the services of the Cloud Rider."
"Did he say what it was about?" I asked as he nodded.
"Indeed... He received a request... from Arnold von Blitzhaus."
[-]
Flashback, Thirty Minutes Ago
Fort Cochlea
Northern Elddale
"Damn..." Arnold Von Blitzhaus, Count of Elddale, glared to the reports on the desk he sat at. He was looking over his reports in regards to the current situation with Garan mobilizing. That wasn't the only issue, of course; Beardsley had been discovered as an member of the Cloaked Crowns. It took time before he gained a copy of the report, a redacted one given their limited contacts in the Black Watch but it was enough to understand the basics of the situation; Beardsley's courier was intercepted by Feoh agents, somehow, and it found it's way into the hands of it's Princess Knight, Alicia Arcturus. She in turned called upon, of all people, James Noxdecus who in a manner of days brought Beardsley low along with his new agent, Albert Arcturus. To say it was vexing was an understatement. That Beardsley had visited him during the audit raised further concerns, he was sure. Thankfully his excuse in inviting him over, asking for the man's assistance in getting his finances in order, held up as the now late Prime Minister of Feoh was well known for his financial and economic expertise. He was sure some suspicion would remain for a time but without proof nothing would come of it.
That said his current issues were more immediate; repairing his snail forts.
Snail forts were forts of varying sizes that started as a single walled structure that was expanded by building a single wall by the gate and forming it to wrap around the fort with gates stationed along the way. This gave a somewhat easy way to expand the walls as needed for higher defense. That said they had downsides; if the enemy took the outer wall they could move along it towards the inside. Of course gates atop of the walls set to the towers were added to this one along with other measures and entering and exiting the fort fully took time as you had to ride around the inside of the walls (To the point barracks and other structures were built inside of the curved extensions) but they were, comparably, cheap for their size. However nearly all of the snail forts in Elddale and the northern territories had taken damage in the last incursion as well as had caused damage to more traditional, powerful forts and castles.
This meant that repairs were still ongoing as manpower and materials were being focused on the more powerful forts first and smaller snail forts later... and now rapid repairs were being made to ensure the snail forts were ready to some degree; a broken section of wall had a wooden stockade raised up with stones set to either side. The wood would act as a filler so less mortar would be needed to fill the gaps and he could stretch limited supplies further. This would, of course, result in overall weaker walls compared to a fully mortar filled wall but compromises needed to be made somewhere.
The issue was made worse for two reasons; his expected supplies from Tyn weren't coming as a fire broke out and burned down three warehouses containing their needed mortar; sabotage or accident, he didn't know. Moreover what they had left was going to Jetra as they had their own repairs to make. Second being an unlucky rainfall fell onto some of theirs that wasn't correctly stored, left for the elements to claim; some was salvaged but some was also lost.
"So, our supplies aren't coming, huh?" His son, Victor, was in the office as well. The fort was a small one so the room was spartan and sparse; a cheap if sturdy desk, matching bookshelves and wooden seats with nothing covering it. The local commander didn't decorate the office at all save a flat, wood carving on a wall of a tree grove. "What do we do?"
"Ask for assistance, of course." Arnold said as he pulled out a voxlux. He glared to it; the device made by James Noxdecus was useful but who made it was still annoying.
"We're begging for handouts, then?" His son said with a sigh.
"Understand; it will not be considered a handout." Arnold said with a huff. "It's in the best interest for the states behind us to loan us their aide. After all the more the fighting is kept in our territories the better it is for them. Above even the Accords that is why we will be given assistance. Call, Samuel Fiorire." He let off as the device started to ping. It took a moment but soon the Grand Duke of Ur answered.
"Arnold... I presume your making preparations for what is coming?" The Grand Duke, his image projected over the device, greeted him as he spoke. "Is something the matter?"
"Indeed. We need to shore up our defenses and, as such, we require mortar to make up for lost supplies..." It took a moment fore Arnold to explain his full position and reason for his needs, the Grand Duke nodding.
"Hmmm, I see." Samuel let off with a hum. "It'll take time to ship them out... Although... I can make no promises but I might know of a way to rush a ton or more to you in a day or two's time."
"Truly?" Arnold let off in surprise. "If you could do so I would appreciate it. We should, I would think, have the fort ready for the coming assault if so."
[-]
"So; that's the situation." Merlin let off as he spoke to me in his office. "Arnold needs mortar and based on current reports we think Garan will head that way when they attack. As such repairing that fort has been made a priority and the Grand Duke wants you to use the Cloud Rider to haul as much of the stuff to his fort as possible. He also mentioned that seeing it would be... a good means of showcasing what innovations can be made."
Translation; I'm going to have you show off your invention and make jaws drop.
"Right." I said with a nod. "I can handle that, well enough."
"Additionally I want you to bring Makoto as a guard but you'll also be picking up however many Blossoming Knights as you can." He added as I nodded. The Knights of the Blossoming Moon was a new order that the Grand Duke had formed to serve under his daughter in her role as a Shield Princess. I wouldn't be surprised if Prim herself would ride with us.
"That'll depend on how much room is left but I might be able to transport a handful of people as well." I replied as he nodded.
"Good. Now, as soon as you're ready I want you to take off and-" He was cut off as my own voxlux went off; pulling it out I saw it was Sora calling me.
"Yes?" I asked as I answered the call.
"I apologize for the I interruption." She said, looking to me. "Kara is here and wishes to make an introduction to you of... someone rather exotic."
Well, that was curious...
[-]
One outside of the manor I could see Kara awaiting me as well as someone very new and very different. "James, I'd like to introduce you to one of our Adventurer's from the Sunkissed. This is Akanji Isikhulume." She said as I looked over the woman who set a hand flat to the center of her chest and bowed slightly.
"As she says, I am Akanji Isikhulumi. I would humbly ask you to hear my request." She said with what I think was a light African accent. I say think because I wasn't fully sure; Africa is a rather... large land mass. As for the woman she bore skin a little lighter in shade then milk chocolate and brown eyes... as well as an afro. Like a nice, fluffy looking ball on her head. I liked body was clad in a white, sleeveless top and loose, black pants with a massive brass colored girdle around her midsection that went from her groin to just under her breasts. Matching bracers were on each hand and she bore a series of rings around her neck; not tight to it but stacked on one another. A round plate was under it with hanging points from it. Her pants tucked into white boots that stopped short of her knees and a black cloak held under her ringed collar.
(-)
Name: Akanji Isikhulumi
Title: The Sunkissed Storyteller
Class: Sage
Level: 19
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 40
Status: Healthy, Relaxed, Hopeful
Romance Rating: 81
Corruption Rating: 13
Known Traits
[Shield Caster] You are an expert in casting all kinds of shield spells. +10% Power to all shielding spells you cast.
[As Told By...] You are known for telling and listening to stories and histories you've not heard before.
[?]
Hailing from the Zuru tribe on the Sunkissed Continent she was very close with their elder who told many stories to the children. After he passed on she would leave to walk the earth and into foreign lands; seeking to bring back more tales to tell to her people.
(-)
"Very well." I said with a nod. "If Kara is willing to vouch for you then I'll hear your request out." She bowed once more, hand to chest, before speaking.
"I thank you, Good Lord. I am a seeker and teller of tales and stories." She began, her hands moving before her and gesturing lightly as she spoke. "I have traveled far and wide and took up jobs to pay my way. Small tales or tall tales; I wish to hear them all. This war is a tale. A tale I wish to see and someday speak of. I want people who hear to understand the strength and plight of your peoples in this time. As such I ask you bring me with you."
"I see..." I took a glance to Kara who nodded once and opted to take her at her word. "Understand this; while I appreciate your zeal to learn I cannot bring someone who's going to be dead weight. If you want to go and speak and write things down you can find your own way. If you're coming with me I'm putting you to work; that simple."
"That is acceptable." She replied with a nod. "I am an able healer and I cast powerful shields. I am not the best at laying low your enemies but I can defend and guard your allies."
"Good. I'll be moving out to Ur shortly to help with some efforts. If you're coming then I want you to prepare and be here in one hour." I told her as she nodded and smiled.
"That is plenty of time. I shall return shortly."
[-]
About an hour later I had a bag of personal supplies with some food and water loaded up. Blake von Adelle, helpful man that he is, made one of my armor's pouches a bag of holding which I loaded some useful books and other items into. My new armor was on, the Dragon's Claw at my hip with my parrying dagger and the Shining Gemini at my back. Once I was ready I loaded onto the Cloud Rider and rode it to the front gate. Coming with me was Makoto and Aeris; the former as a bodyguard and the latter as a second pilot; being someone who enjoyed flying she took an instant liking to the Cloud Rider and I took the time to teach her how to fly it. Our personal belongings were stashed in a hidden spot under the pilot's bench. A few minutes early Akanji arrived and blinked at the wagon as I drove it next to her. "What an odd vehicle."
"You haven't seen anything yet." I let off as she climbed on; the three of us standing to open the bench and store her stuff before sitting down with Akanji sitting to Aeris' right. "Are we ready?" I asked as I reached out and activated the map; seeking out Stonewall City, the Capital of Ur. Once everyone gave me an affirmative I aimed the wagon down the road before pulling on the throttle and getting some speed before pulling the stick back and making us take off.
Akanji shrieked something in a language I didn't know or understand as we powered into the air; pulling the throttle back to bring us up to speed. With this we'd be there in a matter of hours! "We are flying!?" She let off as I grinned.
"Made her myself. Working out how to do it was the hard part." I said, bragging a bit.
"I have... never heard of such a thing!" She let off, looking over the side as we flew off. "Well, Desh Kaho has the Soaring Elephant which can float but... at a speed that walks! This is true flight!"
"Soaring Elephant?" I let off, glancing to her as I made sure I had the right pathing. Didn't want to miss our target.
"It is a massive structure; the size of a small keep that floats." She replied as she fell into a storyteller mode. "I am told it holds a massive spell stone, the size of an large elephant that powers it. Indeed; they even shaped it as such. They use it to guard their capital and it soars overhead but so slowly. A light jog would overtake it." She said before looking up and gasping.
Besides up a series of blue birds of some kind were flying in formation and we were starting to overtake them. I adjusted our course to come to their sides; we ended up so close Akanji could have touched one of them. Eventually we overtook them fully as Akanji turned in her seat and clambered over the backrest to follow them as much as she could; standing at the back corner to do so.. and a flash of white had my vision shift to look at her from her front, reaching out and nearly touching one of the bird's wings who chirped as the narrator's voice sounded.
"On wingless craft our hero takes to the sky, onwards to assist in the coming war from the north." The view faded for a moment...
And when it came back I saw...
I wish I didn't see it...
A field of women... Human women... Halfling women... Dwarven women... Even what I assume were half dark elves... all being raped... Goblins, orcs, ogres and even trolls took their time in the rape of more women then I dare count...
Dear lord...
"From the north comes hate... comes lust... comes anger and vengeance and more! But above all what comes is war..." The view shifted to be fully black and while I couldn't feel myself I shivered.
"The worst deeds that can be done from one being to another shall be done... It will be a time of bravery and depravity! A time of blood and sweat! A time of brotherhood and bigotry! From the north... comes war..."
"In all of it's glory..."
"...And all of it's horror..."
Act III: Of Glory & Horror
[-]
Once that... cut-scene ended I popped the menu open not to do anything but to just collect myself... Dear god that was... visceral... I'm sure if it was some anime it would be a bit erotic or something but...
The faces of broken women with no hope in their faces or eyes or pain and hopelessness... That was the biggest turn off I've ever been through!
Thanks Narrator! I reaaaaaaally needed the extra Nightmare Fuel!
Uggggghhhhh...
Once I had... recovered somewhat I exited the menu and engaged Akanji in conversation as a means to help steady myself. After a couple hours we had arrived at Stonewall City. I had contacted the Grand Duke about where the warehouses were so once we arrived I landed well before the city walls. I had to this; most defensive fortifications had a spell woven in to cancel Levitation which is what kept us in the air. Thankfully we could still drive the wagon like a car as I landed us on the road and drove along; getting weird looks from the guards and slightly less but still odd looks from the people inside the city. Supposedly he would be there with the Blossoming Knights and, likely, Prim.
It took little time to drive up to the warehouse in question; the doors were wide open and men were moving heavy looking sacks about. Said men paused to stare as I drove up and moved to pull ahead of them then shifted it to reverse. One small change I had made is when I put her in reverse my map changed to a rear view camera as I moved as close as I could as I pressed the stone on the stick. The back of the wagon dropped down and the back stones used a modified Arcane Weapon spell... to make a ramp from the ground to the back to help the men load her faster. Once parked we hopped off as I smiled... I saw the Grand Duke and waved as I walked over about to quip something... except...
"James!"
I was pounced on.
I turned and met Prim's tits to my face as I braced (I wasn't fully unprepared for this...) and caught her about the hips and chuckled, hugging her before setting her down. "Can't you greet me in a new way?" I let off as Carmen and Troya moved closer but staying back a little.
"Mehhhhh! Why would I do that?" She let off as she giggled and hugged me around my waist, my arm wrapping about her shoulders. "I missed you... We didn't have the time to talk last time..." She let off... and she was right... We, of course, saw one another in Feoh but Alicia's state was more important so our meeting was polite, friendly but curt. Additionally my duties dragged me away but I had called her up both to talk and check up on Alicia. "And I love the new armor! You cut such a heroic figure now!" She then leaned up and I blinked as she looked me in the eyes. Why was she... "Lulu is right; you do have to look close." She spoke softly.
Ahh. I see. "Someone squealed." I let off as she giggled... before a polite cough sounded. Right.
"Prim; let me introduce you to a new helper." I said, gesturing to Akanji. "This is Akanji and I will not pronounce her last name as I know I shall mangle it-"
"Isikhulumi." Akanji supplied with a smile.
"-a storyteller and mage from the Sunkissed." I aid before looking to the dark skinned women, pointing to Prim. "This is Princess Prim Fiorire of the Grand Duchy of Ur."
"I greet you, Princess." She let off as she bowed with her hand to her chest. "I come to learn of the peoples and stories of this land but I shall lend my aide."
"Thank you." Prim let off, pulling from me and curtsying to the woman. "I will trust in your strength in the times coming."
"Alright, enough staring!" Samuel let off, clapping his hands twice. "Load that mortar! We need it to get where it needs to go quickly."
"I didn't know you made something like this..." Carmen let off as she moved to look over the wagon. My guess was she was trying to use her magical senses to figure out what I'd done. "Is that a... huge spell stone? It doesn't feel like it."
"Now, now, let me have a few secrets." I teased, wagging a finger. "Mostly to avoid spreading rumors too early." I said as she nodded as I looked to Prim. "Your father rode on it; he said nothing of it?"
"No. He said you made something impressive but wanted me to see for myself. A self propelled wagon, huh?" She said as I chuckled.
"Oooooooh, more then that. No one ruin the surprise!" I demanded as the girls who rose with me nodded. As we spoke men moved sack after sack onto the back of the wagon. "That said I don't know how many of the Blossoming Knights I can bring along. Not with all the mortar."
"You need not worry, M'lord." Troya let off, smiling and waving to us. "I trust in what you can do. I am sure if it is unsafe you'll unload who you need to." I nodded to her as Prim pulled on my arm.
"Come on... Let's chat for a moment while everyone works..." She let off with a smile. "After all we might not have much time for it soon..."
[-]
We made small talk for a bit as the sacks were loaded up. Thankfully I made sure the Cloud Rider was built strong with tough wheels; it bore the load well. Once all the sacks available were loaded it came close to the top of the barrier. Once closed and locked up I moved to the pilot's position as knights loaded on. Prim sat by my left with Troya by her and Carmen seated in her lap. Aeris and Aknaji were to my right as Makoto and four knights sat on the sacks by the backrest with their legs behind us, spread to mind our heads and shoulders. Another twenty knights sat on the sacks by the barriers, legs hanging over the edge with their collective supplies was on the sacks in the middle. The Cloud Rider was loaded heavy and you could feel it; as I rode though the city gate it felt much more sluggish then usual. I set the map to locate Fort Cochlea (It was off by a quarter mile but it was easy to find) and once outside I pulled on the throttle. The wagon shuddered but came up to speed; maybe sixteen miles an hour, before I glanced to Prim and grinned.
Seeing said grin she was about to say something before I pulled the stick back. The wagon shuddered but still powered upwards as I pulled on the throttle. Unlike last time I was more ginger with the controls; we had a lot more weight onboard after all. In case you were wondering; yes I had stress tested it with a lot of weight but this was a bit more then I had tested with. Still I was sure it would work as we powered upwards... as yelps sounded.
"By the Goddess!"
"We're flying! We're flying!"
"Hoooooooooooooly shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!"
And then, of course, was Prim's reaction as she yelped out and clutched my arm as she looked over the front as the ground got further away. "Oh my gods!" She bellowed out as she pressed her breast to my arm (Which I couldn't feel; because armor) as she looked about. "You made it fly!?" She let off as I chuckled.
"What can I say! I was inspired!" I let off as I turned slowly to bring us on course. Of course I had something else I wanted to make... this was only mid-scale, after all...
"Amazing! It's amazing!" She let off as we flew off towards Elddale...
Not where I wanted to go, but where I had to.
[-]
Fortress Feoh
High Kingdom of Feoh
King Aston Arcturus' Bedchamber
"So it's time..." Aston let off as he looked to the two people in the room, his gaze settling on his daughter first. He knew well that Albert and Beardsley's betrayal weighed heavily on her still and he wished to keep her where she was to allow her heart more time to heal... but the situation would not allow it and she would charge forth regardless.
Stubborn daughter, he thought with a small smile.
Beside her was his eldest son, Christopher who shifted a bit on his feet; clearly nervous and trying to hide it. His son stood five seven and bore blonde hair pulled back into a tight, short ponytail as he wore a double buttoned, light jacket with long coat tails; blue with gold trim. White pants were over his legs and tucked into felt boots with leather soles with white gloves over his hands. Unknown at a first glance his outfit was a set of Armor Weave with a silver circlet on his forehead, holding a purple stone in it's center and was a piece of Mana Armor.
"My children... you know as well as I what is to come... and you'll now see it all first hand..." The King of Feoh began. "I wish nothing more then to rise from this bed and go there in your place but a father can only coddle his children so much... and I need not explain my condition. So... I will ask... no, as the King of this Realm I order both of you to come home alive. Understood?"
"I don't plan on dying there father..." Alicia said as she moved to punch her left palm with her right hand. "We will push them back; count on it."
"I know sister is more reliable then I am..." Christopher said as he took in a breath. "But I plan on doing my best; no matter what."
"Heh... Just what I expected from you both." He said about to speak further... before the door opened up and someone walked in. "Who... ... you...?"
Alicia and Christopher both turned and looked only to gasp a bit as the man waved in a lazy manner. "Sorry. I was coming home for a visit when I heard about the coming war. ... I'm sorry I haven't been home sooner." The man stood six foot in height even and held messy hair that fell to his shoulders and bore light, purple eyes. He wore a blue tunic with steel chain mail over it although uneven at the edges. Black, leather pants were over his legs, brown, leather and sturdy boots on his feet with fingerless, brown gloves on his hands. At his hip hung a simple mace with flanges and a spike at the top of it. A simple, wooden shield with a battered, steel layer over it; painted blue. "... It's... good to see you, father."
"Benton..." Aston let off as the man's siblings smiled back to him. "My wayward son... It's been too long... Forgive me for not standing to greet you..."
"Forgive me for not being home sooner. When I heard you were ill I began a journey home." Benton said with a sad smile before turning to his siblings. "And it's been too long since I've seen the butch and the sissy." He added with a teasing tone as Alicia huffed and Christopher sighed.
"You'll never change, huh?" Alicia let off as she shook her head. "It'll be good to have you at our back, brother."
"Thank you..." Benton said as he stood a little taller. "Now... What can you tell me about what's going on?"
[-]
Fort Cochlea
Northern Elddale
"We'll be expecting forces from Ferra and Mungale to arrive shortly. The Grand Duchy's not long after. As for the rest of Ur they should arrive not too long after." Arnold said as he looked to his three sons, standing before the desk he sat behind. "Now I feel the need to remind you; we are going to keep the peace and not antagonize any of our rivals during this war. Yes, even Noxdecus."
"Ughhhh, come on father... You expect us to play nice with them?" Jaeger let off, frowning a bit as Channer gave him a look. He had only just gotten back home and he had to leave once more to the fort to prepare.
"Yes, I expect it. That includes their pet mongrel." Arnold let off as his second eldest son frowned.
"I don't see why we need bother pretending to be nice to-"
"I'm not asking you, Jaeger, I'm telling you." Arnold said firmly as his son flinched.
"I don't like them either so it's best to let Channer deal with them but for now we have to treat them as a... fine ally." Victor injected. "They want to keep the fighting from reaching Mungale and we want to keep the fighting as north as we can. Our interests align in this moment. We can go back to being at his throat when all is said and done."
"Exactly." Their father let off with a proud smile. Victor had caused him some trouble; between his theatrics at the Princess' birthday party before being poisoned and how he was manipulated in the Council of Lords he had matured somewhat. Victor was becoming more of a worthy heir, day by day. "Our infantry will be backed by their archers. We will work as one; like it or not. Now; let's begin with a scouting report on-"
What he had to say was ended as the door was thrown open, the Count frowning. The man wearing good, splint armor was Fort Cochlea's commander; Lieutenant Faris Zoolander. Arnold wasn't overly familiar with him but expected there was a reason for this. "M'Lord! There's a bloody wagon flying this way."
"Really? Why are they pushing the horses so hard?" Victor asked blinking at the man... who shook his head.
"N-no M'lord, I mean there's a wagon flying this way!" Victor frowned, the man's words clearing nothing up. "And I mean it! It's flying through the bloody air!"
"WHAT!?" Each Blitzhaus let off as Arnold stood, the four moving to follow the man to the keep's roof. It was a quick jog before the Lieutenant pointed out towards the sky...
And they say something blue, wagon shaped and flying Eostian colors soaring along towards them. "Channer?" Arnold let off, knowing his son would use magic to get a closer look getting a gasp in return.
"It's... James!"
"The... How!?" Jaeger let off, gawking.
"So... He's been busy..." Arnold spat out, clenching his hands together. 'How annoying...'
[-]
Arriving at Fort Cochlea I started to slow us down and lower the Cloud Rider towards the ground. From the air you could see the damage done to an outer wall and the ongoing repairs. Guess Blitzhaus was busy. Soon we would land and I'd move forwards a bit slower; the road wasn't as smooth as most, sadly. Shocked guards waved us through once we identified ourselves and rode around the fort. It was a snail fort and two coils deep so it was a bit of a ride to get there. Once we were in the courtyard I could see where the repair crews were stationed and, after a moment, moved to back up over there.
The back of the wagon opened, a ramp was formed and I parked it before we all hopped off the Cloud Rider. We were getting looks, doubly so as I assisted Prim in disembarking from it. It took no real time for four of the five Blitzhaus clan to come out, Channer rushing ahead of them to look over it. He was gawking at it as I resisted the urge to chuckle. "Chan, been awhile!" I let off cheerfully.
"Where did you get a spell stone large enough to... Wait..." He let off as he felt the wagon's enchantments with his own magical senses. "Is that... spell glass... It feels a bit oddly structured..."
"Come on Channer, I can't share all my secrets." I said as I chuckled. "The Grand Duke called it the Cloud Rider. Name stuck."
"Knowing you it'd just be called 'flying wagon' or the like." He grumbled as he kept checking it over. I turned, trying to not let nerves show as the rest of House Blitzhaus (Minus Dulca) arrived.
"You've made quite the device." Arnold let off as he crossed his arms. "Hurphf. As much as I dislike you I will admit you've done well. How many of these do you have?" I had no idea if he was fishing for something but the truth was we would be fighting side by side soon. Some honesty was expected now.
"Just the one." I replied as I pointed to it. "We're preparing more Cloud Riders but we're having a bottleneck on material."
"Hey! What are you all gawking about for!?" Victor barked out to the workers looking over the wagon. "We need that wall repaired! Unload that wagon!" It took a moment but soon one man stepped up and checked the Arcane Weapon made ramp would hold and soon they were unloading it. "Noxdecus." He let off as he turned to me as I shrugged.
"Blitzhaus." I replied curtly, trying not to smirk. I mean I'm rather proud of what I'm made and I know that (Outside of Channer) that what I made would drive them up the wall. We looked at each other for a long moment before he huffed.
"So; I imagine you'll be off to pick up more, huh?" He let off.
"Aeris knows how to fly it. She'll be returning to Stonewall to transport more knights over here." I replied politely if curtly. "I assume we'll be using this fort as an anchor. Do you know if the plan is to just fight them here or march north and challenge them."
"We will march." Arnold replied as I looked to him. "There are towns and villages in the region that will be providing us with food and other supplies. We cannot afford to allow too many of them to be raided or destroyed."
"Makes sense. You don't have a fortification further north?"
"No; my ancestors tried but Aberrant raids kept the structures from being made." He replied. "The supply chains needed to do so would be too thin and difficult to protect. For now we have to deal with the situation as it is."
"Annoying, but it is what it is." I sighed softly.
"Agreed." He said as he stood closer to stand over me a bit. "I don't need to tell you we are not friends but in these conditions we are necessary allies. I shall set aside differences for the time being."
"Until Garan is pushed back." I replied as I extended a hand that he quickly shook with a too strong grip.
"I am glad we understand one another." He said before letting go. "I'll assign you a room but I warn you; these forts have rather spartan accommodations."
"I'm no prissy child. As long as the bed isn't crap I'll be fine."
"Very well."
[-]
Prim would move to report the situation to Celestine including my new, flying toy while Aeris returned to Stonewall to ship more of Prim's Knights to the region. Once Prim was done her report and I set my things to quarters we would end up with Arnold and his sons in a small war room as he started to outline what he expected; in short, recon-in-force. It made sense; they'd want to find a weak spot to press through. The topic shifted to how best to use the Cloud Rider.
"Transport of supplies and troops is good, although it's not large enough to do much of both; at least in large amounts without more of them." Arnold summed up with a frown. "Recon is another thing we can do from the air. What about aerial assault?"
"Well, we can get archers and mages on it to attack from the air, although the driver would need to be wary of both return fire from magic and aerial foes." I replied. Indeed; Garan had gargoyles in it's employ that could fly after the Cloud Runner although they were too slow to catch up. That said opposing mages who could fly might use wind spells like I had done time to time to try and catch up or come into range. "I built it rugged but it's not invincible; it's shielding is more for comfort of anyone riding on it. It won't take many hits."
"Hmmm..." Arnold let off, cupping his chin.
"I would suggest it be used for raiding enemy camps." Jaeger put forth as I nodded once. "We could easily move an elite team behind enemy lines, strike and rush back before a counter could be fully made."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. I wove in an illusion spell to make it somewhat invisible; although high speed will ruin the full effect." I added. Even if the cloaking effect wasn't ruined by that the mana needed would be pulled from the rear stones so the top speed would be reduced regardless.
"Creep in and dash out." Jaeger let off with a huff. "I don't like you, Noxdecus, but I enjoy your style of thinking. I imagine we could send in a team and I could use the wagon as a sniping perch."
"What about using cannons from it?" Victor asked as I hummed.
"We could fire one or two from the rear with little problem." I let off. With some reworking maybe even have a broadside. "Of course the issue with that is ammunition, powder and the fact it'll take up room we could use for other things."
"Everything's a compromise, isn't it?" Channer added with a sigh.
"I think we'd get more out of loading mages onto it; even if it would pull them from other areas of the front." Prim interjected. "I imagine it would be up to father and his general to decide." I had to agree with her assessment; cannons had a use but a wagon full of mages would be fully able to rain hell and destruction with additional utility.
"I will admit, I'm reluctant to send it into direct combat; at least not yet." I said as I frowned a bit. "Remember; I'm not in a position to easily replace it. If it's damaged beyond repair it will be weeks at best before I can get another up and running." That had everyone frowning in thought as they thought; indeed what I said was a major consideration. It's usefulness as an attack platform was unquestionable but if it went down any other utility, such as transport, went with it. There was a well worn quote there.
Amateurs study tactics. Professionals study logistics. And the Cloud Rider would be a true ace in logistics.
"For now let's limit it's actions to transport and rear line strikes." Arnold suggested. "Once we have at least a second or third running we can consider using it as an attack platform. The rapid mobility on offer is too good to ruin." He said as I nodded with Channer and Prim with Victor and Jaeger nodding a moment later.
"Right. ... By the way..." I began looking to Channer. "Where is Dulca?" Eostian nobility was expected to put in work come war in a leadership role and the women were no exception in the mostly egalitarian Alliance.
"I left her to manage things in Walrien to manage things." Arnold let off, referring to Elddale's capital.
"Also, she can't really be bothered; you know her." Channer added with a huff. Ahh... yeah... Dulca was always a lazy one...
[-]
The following days were fairly boring; training and work mostly while Aeris used the Cloud Rider to ferry the Blossoming Knights to the fort. Additionally the Grand Duke began to explain it to other Ur nobility and, as such, it was used to bring more infantry, mages and supplies (Including mortar) forwards to Elddale. It wasn't long before a war camp was established outside of said fort and tucked away by a nearby town. In short; we rushed up more troops then expected.
In that time reinforcements had been arriving in more traditional means as well; Mungale forces had started to arrive as well as Ur's, Ferra's (Who marched under the sound of bagpipes. No, that is not a joke), Pinewall, Cameron and elements from Rockquarry. Supposedly by the time Rockquarry and Cameron arrived the first battles would have normally been fought; instead Bemul and Morara forces were set to arrive tomorrow before the first shots had even been made. In addition work on the walls proceeded at a good pace; there was enough mortar to fill the gaps in the wall and myself, Channer and one other mage used fire spells to help cure it a bit faster. Planks were laid over the gaps as opposed to proper brickwork but the situation demanded speedy repairs over better ones.
Everything's a compromise...
It was at this point the scouts called it in; the first Garanian forces were marching towards us. The bulk of it was Legion and a few, Dark Elf minders and we all agreed it was likely an attempt at recon-in-force; a probing of our lines to see what would break.
Well...
Guess it was time to battle test the new equipment soon...
[ - Author's Note - ]
Alright... The first battle is going to come the next chapter. This is mostly getting things set up, introducing Akanji, the various Garan Matrons as well as properly introduce Olga. We also got to see Alicia's brothers, finally, and a few characters reactions to the flying wagon. This was always going to be a set up chapter before things picked up.
Also the new HTML Gallery is up and running; it'll be located at the bottom of each of the AO3 chapters. That should be useful.
I also find it funny that everyone is talking about the Cloud Rider being used to attack from and yet little mention of it's role as a transport which itself is one of the most important things in the military. Not flashy, not glorified, but required. Anyway, what's next chapter...
What else?
Oh yeah.
War begins.
~~Eostian Scribe