Chapter 224 Joint Force



A small group of messengers from the Ryntum detachment unit was swiftly dispatched to the southern gate of the city, carrying a crucial message about the defeat of the Blande forces and their intention to join forces with the Tetherswest.

As they neared the gate, they were met by a vigilant garrison, their spears gleaming in the sunlight. The guards raised their weapons and readied to attack them.

"Halt! State your business," A sudden voice was heard, demanding them to stop. That voice was laced with suspicion.

The messengers were startled. They started to look around, searching for the voice before one of them look up. "Over there." He said to his friends while pointing above.

"State your business," The guard, on top of the wall, repeat his question. Bows was readied to shoot at them.

"The Blande forces have been defeated!" said one of them. His voice tinged with excitement as he delivered the news. The messenger continues, "We seek to join forces with the Tetherswest to secure our victory."

The guards exchanged wary glances. Their eyes scanned the weary faces of the men in front of them.

They hesitated, contemplating the decision they should make. If what the group of men below said were true, it makes perfect sense why Blande stop bombarding the city wall.

Creak—

After a tense moment of deliberation, the gate slowly creaked open. "Enter," one of the guards grumbled, stepping aside to allow the messengers to walk in. "But be warned, we'll be keeping a close eye on you."

With a nod of gratitude, the messengers hurriedly made their way through the open gate. Their footsteps echoed against the stone walls.

As they ventured deeper into the city, they could sense the palpable tension that hung in the air—a mix of anticipation, weariness, and determination. Despite being besieged, the city seems to operate normally.

Shops were open, selling whatever wares they have left. The pedestrians moved about their daily routines, filling the streets. People greeted each other with smiles and exchanged friendly banter. Children played in the squares, their laughter a stark contrast to the recent turmoil.

The messengers walked briskly through the city streets toward the Tetherswest mansion, following the directions given to them. As they neared their destination, the imposing Tetherswest mansion came into view.

It stands tall and formidable amidst the urban landscape with grand architecture and well-manicured gardens that spoke of wealth and power.

The messengers couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation at the sight.

They approached the mansion's gates, the sturdy iron bars standing as a barrier. Guards in ornate uniforms stood watch, their eyes sharp and vigilant.

With a deep breath, the messengers tell the guards their purpose. The guards scrutinized them for a moment before acknowledging their presence and granting them entry.

Passing through the gates, the messengers entered a world of opulence and refinement.

They were welcomed in the mansion's large entryway, which featured polished marble floors and sophisticated chandeliers hanging above. The walls were covered with paintings that portrayed historical events and noble ancestry.

Their steps were muffled by plush carpets as they were taken through the opulent hallways. The subtle aroma of perfumes and the soft murmurs of distant conversations.

Finally, they arrived at the designated meeting room, a spacious chamber adorned with tapestries and maps displaying the territories of Tetherswest.

The room exuded an air of authority. 

Taking a moment to compose themselves, the messengers entered the room, where they found members of the Tetherswest leadership gathered around a large table. 

The tension in the room was palpable as eyes turned towards them. 

"I heard you guys are the messengers from Ryntum?" Theodore asked. His voice was commanding and filled with a hint of authority. 

The lead messenger stepped forward with unwavering confidence. "Yes, Your Grace," he replied. "We were sent to bring news of the Blande defeat in the south and our proposal for a united front against our common enemy."

The room buzzed with whispers of conversation. One route has been reopened after weeks of siege.

A smile formed on the duke's face as he heard about the news. It was a piece of good news that lessen the pressure on this shoulder. 

"Tell me more," Theodore urged, his voice filled with anticipation. "How did Ryntum achieve this victory? As far as I know, your main army is in the northeast."

The lead messenger stepped forward and start pouring out the detail of their battle from start to finish.

Theodore who is listening formed a frown on his face. He leaned back to his chair. "So, Wilmot has join your kingdom,huh? Why I'm not surprised by this development?"

Although the messenger didn't tell the duke about what happen in Wemeywesto, Theodore can roughly guess it. The rebellion case is not something new and fairly popular.

He ask again, "Your detachment army only amounts to one thousand or so. How do you propose we unite?"

"We propose that we combine our force and clean up the Blande's west unit first. With both of us working together, I think we stand a better chance of securing victory." explained the messenger.

The duke shook his head, "Unfortunately, we have dispatched our troops to engage with the enemy in the west."

As the messenger shared the news that Tetherswest had already gone to attack the west unit, disappointment filled the room.

The plan had taken an unexpected turn, but the messenger quickly proposed an alternative course of action.

"If Tetherswest has already engaged the west unit, Ryntum should swiftly move to join them," suggested the messenger with a voice brimming with urgency. "We can catch them off guard and create chaos within their ranks. by attacking them from behind."

Theodore's eyes gleamed with excitement as he listened to the messenger's proposal. He quickly realized that their presence might actually work in Tetherswest's favour. As such, he agree with them, "You know what, another helping hand is most welcomed."

"Send someone to the west," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of leadership. "Tell them about the incoming of our ally, Ryntum soldiers."

The messengers heave a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Your Grace."