Chapter 154 Tactic

154 Tactic

"Another mage..." - Luther shivered, the memory of that man-made disaster still vivid in his mind. Despite his five decades on the battlefield, he had never witnessed such devastating power concentrated in the hands of a single individual. It was akin to the legends passed down by their ancestors, tales warning of the formidable power wielded by rare mages.

"We need to avoid a direct confrontation with such a formidable opponent. We can't face him in an open field, we will be doomed fighting head on." - Henry said - "The diversionary tactic will be an essential contingency and a way to end everything quickly, minimizing our losses. I know that we are lacking a General in the frontlines at this moment and I expect to fill this void as soon as possible, but can you do it, Luther?' - Henry asked, pointing at the snow with his twig.

Luther's eyes carefully studied the drawing etched into the snow, his hand instinctively reaching up to scratch at his white beard as he delved into deep thought - "How many days would you need me to stall their forces?"

"We'll require a month, perhaps two" - Henry stated - "The journey to their capital alone will need twenty days on foot, but that's assuming we meet no obstacle on our way there. Despite the loss of their king and numerous nobles, there may still be individuals willing to sacrifice themselves for the royal family."

The old General pondered, his years of experience playing all possible situations in his head - "I can manage it, my liege. I've spent a lifetime defending our borders. I know every tree and every corner along the way. Sitting up some trouble won't be a challenge. It's child play. And, Mirante is only a two-day journey from the border, making it easy to get supplies and mitigate other logistic problems."

Henry smiled - "I expected nothing less from my trusted General. However..." - The twig in his hand moved again, drawing a circle - "What is the base of all diversionary tactics?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I'm already looking forward to it, Your Majesty" - Olaro replied, slightly embarrassed. He understood everything that had been discussed, but couldn't help feeling a bit self-conscious that a woman who rarely took the lead had quickly grasped the plan.

Henry's smile widened, his eyes resting on the trio before him. Everything would be fine.

-x-

Morning came, and the army resumed its march along the White Merchant Road, which had their footsteps marked on the white blanket of the never-ending snow. Luckily, Henry had ordered the Sun God Company to pause their operations in the South Region, ensuring smooth passage for the soldiers and keeping the roads clear and unobstructed.

If they hadn't stopped the merchants' activities, they would have encountered numerous delays, forcing them to halt repeatedly. Merchants were a social being and they would try to do networking in every occasion. As the sun rose high above their heads, the walls of Mirante filled the horizon. The fortress that defended the kingdom for centuries.

"Mirante" - Henry murmured, memories flooding back of the civil war. He remembered Luther's powerful strike on the gates, opening the way for the soldiers to enter - "It's been a while." Henry hadn't returned to Mirante since the end of the civil war. He only ordered it to be rebuilt, wishing to construct a sturdier protection.

"It begins" - Henry couldn't help but mutter.