Chapter 99: Three Hills Visits

Chapter 99: Three Hills Visits

Three Hills Visits

Three Hills

The Lord of Three Hills, Jorge, had summoned a war council to discuss the situation in Umberland. They had sent multiple armed parties to assess the situation. Jorge and his staff had personally little interest in the mountainous region, but now their survival depended on it.

If Umberland remained at the mercy of the Nicopolans, then thousands more armed refugees from Nicopola could arrive, with deadly consequences for Three Hills City.

"Our scouting group found Nicopolans camped in Ardia village," the Steward reported.

"That's close to our land. Do we know their number?" the Lord asked.

"The scouts believed it's almost a thousand."

Jorge drew a deep breath.

"Harvest is near; this could jeopardize everything," an old knight who was loyal to House Jorge lamented.

Sir Arius stepped forward. "I'll lead my contingent and the crimson knights to deter them from the village."

"The fame of the crimson knights might be enough to prevent the villagers from fleeing, but can we actually win the fight?" the old knight pondered.

Jorge gazed at Sir Morton, who replied, "If you wish, I could send a small contingent of Black Knights to accompany Sir Arius."

He nodded and walked to the large glass window. After observing the bustling cities below, he turned to his staff, asking with a hint of worry, "Do these Nicopolans really eat human flesh?"

The staff had no definitive answer.

Sir Arius, feeling the need to change the subject, asked the Steward, "What about the Lord of Korelia and Korimor? Any new report?"

The Steward hesitated for a moment. "We've received another report following the initial one, though I have my doubts about its accuracy. I'm waiting for further verification."

"What does the report say?" Jorge pressed.

"It indicates that the Lord of Korelia is advancing with a sizeable army."

This revelation caught everyone off guard. They had only recently heard of Lord Lansius' conquest of Korimor, a feat presumed to have involved a fierce battle against eight thousand Nicopolans, with Lansius commanding merely a thousand. His triumph in such a scenario seemed nothing short of miraculous.

"Could you repeat that?" Jorge asked, needing reaffirmation. Even he, who held Lansius in high regard, did not expect him to mobilize so soon after such a brutal fight.

"The Lord of Korelia is on the move," the Steward repeated and quickly added, "The report might be erroneous, though. Its contents are... hard to believe."

"What makes you think so?" inquired Sir Arius.

"The report claims the Lord of Korelia is leading over three thousand men, which seems exaggerated," came the response.

Instead of agreeing, Sir Arius flashed a grin and turned to the old knight beside him, who was once his mentor, "Do you think the Lord of Korelia might have incorporated the Nicopolans?"

The knight, with arms crossed, delved into deep thought. "It's a stretch, but not beyond the realm of possibility. He could have enticed them with promises of food or safety. However, the real challenges lie in how he would sustain them and the issue of their loyalty."

Sir Arius turned his gaze to Sir Morton, seeking his perspective.

Sir Morton, the Mage Knight, simply shrugged. "Incorporating former opponents into the ranks would require an overwhelming victory."

Reflecting on their last encounter in battle, Jorge let out a chuckle as he moved away from the window and returned to his seat. "That's precisely why he's the undisputed leader of this Grand Alliance," he mused thoughtfully.

The Steward implored, "My Lord, please, let's wait for confirmation."

Their discussion was abruptly cut short by the distinct sound of knocking. The door opened to reveal a weathered but unassuming figure, recognized as the head of their scouts. "My Lord, we've encountered the advance party of the Lord of Korelia. They assured us there's no cause for alarm. The Lord of Korelia plans to pass near Three Hills City to purchase winter gear," he reported.

He then added, "He'll be accompanied by a sizeable army and intends to encamp within a day's travel from the city to avoid causing any commotion. Still, we'll keep a vigilant eye on their movements."

Jorge barely concealed his amusement, shaking his head in disbelief. "He must be reading our minds," he commented, noting Lansius' apparent anticipation of their doubts.

Dame Daniella responded with a smile. "My Lord believes that an army near a city creates unnecessary strain and tension. With the harvest not yet arrived in Three Hills, his appearance would only lead to price gouging and speculation, harming all parties, especially the community."

The Steward sighed in relief, realizing this was probably a good outcome. "Your Lord is wise to make such a decision," he acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Lord Jorge exchanged knowing glances with Sir Morton, who smiled faintly. Both were reassured of Lord Lansius' abilities.

"Pardon me," the old knight interjected, "You haven't answered: where will your Lord and Lady stay before the harvest?"

"My Lord, Lady, and the army aren't stopping," Dame Daniella revealed, causing a stir. She added, "They're heading south as we speak. I'm here to gather winter gear, spiced wine, and crossbow bolts."

"South? To South Hill?" Lord Jorge interjected.

"Yes, My Lord. They have unfinished business with the Lord of South Hill."

This left Lord Jorge and his staff dumbfounded. They were too focused on Umberland and their city.

"He has the pretext, but it's overly ambitious," the Steward protested. "What about Umberland?"

"The supplies are for Umberland," she explained.

"But you said they're marching to South Hill?"

"Yes, we expect quick results. The Lord and Lady likely celebrate the harvest festival in South Hill and then proceed to Umberland."

The Steward, caught off guard by the response, was rendered speechless. Meanwhile, Lord Jorge couldn't help but chuckle, deeming the idea audacious, almost to the point of absurdity. "Attacking South Hill and expecting a swift victory? That would be a jest if we weren’t talking about the Lord of Korelia," he mused, shaking his head in disbelief yet with undeniable fascination.

He continued, "I do hope Lord Lansius isn't biting off more than he can chew. Dame, must he not be weary from constant warfare? This would be, what, his third campaign this year? And now he's already plotting a fourth?"

"It's difficult to say," she responded thoughtfully. "The Lord of Korelia's victories, though hard-fought, only resulted in a small number of casualties."

The Lord of Three Hills nodded thoughtfully. "And what of his plan for South Hill?"

"Regrettably, I am not privy to that information. The Lord of Korelia is known for keeping his strategies close to the chest."

"I see..." Jorge nodded, acknowledging the careful nature of his ally.

"I am only aware of his plans concerning the upcoming grain deal," she disclosed.

"A grain deal?" the Steward interjected, his suspicions confirmed. "Are you intending to purchase grain to sustain the army?"

"After the harvest," she reassured him.

The Steward shot a glance at Daniella. "Even Three Hills doesn't produce such an excess. To buy enough grain to feed three thousand, essentially half a city's population through winter, would create an enormous burden."

Daniella turned to Sterling, prompting him to step forward. "As the personal squire of the Lord of Korelia, I must correct you, Maester. We are not here to beg for grain, but to offer assistance."

"Assistance?" the Steward responded with a hint of sarcasm.

"Pardon my directness," Sterling began, "but My Lord believes that, given the Nicopolans' strength and numbers, no nobleman in Lowlandia could single-handedly seize, fortify, and hold Umberland. Currently, we find ourselves in a precarious situation. Without additional support, even the spoils from South Hill would likely prove insufficient for the upcoming Umberland campaign."

This insight into Lord Lansius' thoughts captured everyone's attention. Lord Jorge gestured to the squire to continue with a wave of his hand.

"The Lord also confided that without the Grand Alliance, Three Hills would likely face costly wars against the Nicopolans alone. Thus, he trusts that his assistance will be welcomed with open arms. If this isn't the case, then I'll inform the Lord and Lady so they might reconsider their plan."

Lord Jorge exhaled deeply. While he was personally inclined to assist, Three Hills had limited resources to offer. Could he risk a famine to support Lansius in the Umberland campaign? Would his council even allow such a decision?

Not aiding Lansius might jeopardize their only chance against the Nicopolans' threat. Yet, supporting him risked inciting rebellion within his own ranks. Each option carried the risk of potentially catastrophic consequences.

Now, the fate of the Grand Alliance and Lowlandia hung precariously on Jorge's decision.

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