Under the hills, was the ongoing siege. Prince Victor had sent the majority of his forces.
2000 knights. 2000 knight-trainees, 2500 foot soldiers and what little remained of his levies who had already been thrown into the frontlines. His personal paladin corps currently stood at the ready beside him, forming in their ranks and columns upon mighty steads.
As Prince, he had the pleasure of having better focus of supplies, considering he also had the biggest force to feed. Duke Jeffrey would send his best knights to secure the supply lines, hence the prince didn't have to use his own knights and thin his own numbers.
Since the start of the campaign, the elves within the mid-front first deployed an impenetrable wall of defence. Which only collapsed when both flanks fell, thus forcing the elven mid-front to also fall back. During the march onwards for Victor's front. The elves attacked with hit-and-run tactics. Constantly firing volleys upon his men before swiftly escaping.
Realising the absence of The hunter within the night, the elves here brazenly performed multiple night-raids. The arrows they fired upon the humans were dosed in flames. Many of times, they were lucky and struck gold. Setting supply wagons and foodstuff alight. This forced the humans to having to charge out within the night to chase the harassers away.
Realising the risks of war to be higher, now that they had left human territory. During the last supply drop, Victor had ordered his maid to return home and await his return.
"LOOSE!"
Another volley from the trebuchet launched into Crea's Workshop. Over the stone walls and decimating any within the strike zone.
The elven defenders seemed committed to a complete defence, unwilling to sally out to meet them in the fields of battle. Prince Victor sighed, before climbing down his horse and entering his large tent to dip his tongue in some ale, to ease his nerves.
"Your Highness, I'm here to report."
Out of thin air, popped out a beautiful girl. Adorned upon her face was a white fox mask. Her mid-waist wrapped tightly with red rope. Her platinum hair remained exposed.
"You. Where's the little one?"
"Ah? Mizu is currently visiting another one of the names on the list you gave us."
"Good. I appreciate your assistance. When we return, as agreed upon I will grant you lands and peerage befitting of your contribution." "Now, if only you'd take off your mask. If you're as divine as I think you may be. I might just make you a princess and then later into my queen."
Kozumi glanced towards the entrance of the tent. Listening to the woes of battle.
"Your highness, if I may be so imprudent. May I ask for an advance payment? I worry about Mizu, No matter how strong she is, I can't help it. Familial love, you understand right?"
The prince chuckled, glad to be learning more about her personality, her wants and needs. Also, more than happy to oblige, perhaps this would increase his points with the beauty. Which he could later cash in, in bed.
"You may. You have done me a great service in weakening the enemy for me. Here, this should suffice. It's a ring of protection, I'm told it lowers the damage its wearer takes." He flicked a golden ring towards her breasts. She was quick to snatch it out of the air. When the entrance flaps flew open.
"Y-your highness. Enemies sighted. Behind us, what are your orders?" Announced one of his paladins.
Before answering the man, Prince Victor looked to find the beauty already gone. "Goddess Loha truly smiles upon me."
"I'll see for myself!"
Prince Victor barged out of his tent, climbed on top of his horse and rode to the peak of the hills.
Behind his army was another force that spread across the horizon. The flags above their heads.
Elven.
kophzi
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