Although the leader of the Wolf Pack said that the entire country of Dioshin was attacking, it took a moment for me to process this information.
“They’re... going to war with Aberis?”
“Not Aberis, just you.” The wolf leader explained. “Since you’re a new lord and the majority of the wilderness is still untamed, he plans to only attack you and those who ally with you. He likely believes that Aberis won’t act to survive their self-interests. They’re too busy dealing with the after-effects of the Ost Republic skirmishes.
I shook my head in disbelief but immediately sent out a message. “Elaya, Celeste, Shao... I need you all to go report to my allies. We’re under attack from Dioshin. Elaya, go to Prince Edward and tell him about the impending attack and ask for aid. Celeste, you must go to Deeksville and see if we can’t get any assistance there. Shao, consult the southwestern lords under us and gather men. Terr-”
I stopped as I realized I ran out of girls to depend on. Terra was gone. So was Lydia, Raissa, Carmine, and Salicia. Sapphire was more suited for blacksmithing and her time was best used under Gabbro, while Siti was merely a Blue Mage. Not only was our country being attacked, but half of the people that I trusted still hadn’t returned to me.
“Xin, mobilize the army.” I turned to Xin and ordered.
“I have already put in the orders, but there hasn’t been nearly enough time. The animalkin have been fighting amongst each other for generations. They possessed many traits far more powerful than a standard human. Although half of our army are volunteer animalkin and former slaves, they still only have a few months of training. Even with the full support of Aberis, this battle will be brutal. We’re going to need to depend on more than just that.”
“The Osterians...” I spoke up.
“You’ve already spoken to your son?” I asked cautiously.
“I have not.” Elaya declared, but before I could ask more, she continued. “I had meant to tell you about this earlier, but you came home in such a state. I felt that I needed to report this before I left.”
“Report what?”
“The dungeon on the west side of the wilderness, the one subservient to you, they sent out a distress call two days ago begging for help.”
“What? Matty?”
“We sent Astria to resolve the issue, but she hasn’t returned. I had hoped she was just a bit delayed and would arrive last night, but now there is no denying it. There is trouble.”
“What trouble...”
“Based on what you’ve just explained, I’m afraid the Dioshin army has already reached the wilderness.”