Chapter 235: Reckless Attack
TL: Etude
Fort Bidou, situated between the territories of Portry and Adra, was a formidable castle owned by Baron Blake Shaun, a vassal of the Kent family. Following the outbreak of conflict between the two major factions in the Northwest Bay, Count Morley Malkan and Viscount Dylan Johnston quickly joined forces to besiege Fort Bidou.
Baron Shaun had prepared well in advance, storing large amounts of food within the castle and refurbishing defensive weaponry, while recruiting and training a sizable army. With these preparations, he commanded the garrison to steadfastly defend the castle, thwarting the allied forces assaults time and again.
Unable to breach the castle, Count Malkan and Viscount Johnston sought assistance from other lords in the alliance, leading to the letter from Price Parker to the various lords.
Naturally, the people inside Fort Bidou were not sitting ducks. They sent pigeons to the Count of Kent, requesting his aid in gathering allies to relieve the siege.
Military forces from both sides began to converge in the area.
In a village near Fort Bidou, members of the Anti-Kent Alliance chose it as their temporary headquarters.
We should send a challenge to the enemy right now and arrange a fair fight tomorrow! a young man pounded the table impatiently in the largest house in the village.
Take it easy! Lets wait and see what the enemy does first. We should react to their moves, advised Count Malkan, inwardly complaining about Winifred Hellers son, who was too belligerent and nothing like his non-violent father. Reportedly, Count Heller had initially wanted to wait and see, but it was this young mans active lobbying that convinced the Heller family to get involved.Thi/s chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.co/m
Now, this young man was leading the troops, and Malkan wondered if he had overshadowed his father.
Count Malkan also wanted to quickly end the conflict at his doorstep and remove the thorn that was Fort Bidou. But with enemy reinforcements approaching, he had to proceed with caution.
The others in the room echoed Count Malkans sentiment.
Hmph! Derrick Heller expressed his dissatisfaction. In his view, these old men were far too conservative and rusty in their thinking.
I must remind everyone that spring plowing will begin soon. If we dont let our soldiers return home to farm, we wont have a harvest in autumn! Price Parker, seated at the head of the table, stated, Derrick, my nephew, we understand what youre saying. Thats why Ive gathered everyone here, hoping to defeat the Kent family in one decisive battle and avoid a prolonged war. To win decisively, we need to gather as much strength as possible.
What more do we need? Weve already assembled over 6,000 troops. What are you waiting for? Derrick asked.
Were waiting for the Grayman and Ganard families. They have over a thousand troops yet to arrive. With them, our chances of victory increase, Parker replied.
The count frowned at him, Whats the hurry? What happened?
Viscount Derrick Heller hes led his troops to attack the enemy!
What?
Count Parker and others in the hall were shocked and angry. The count had the soldier repeat the news to confirm he heard right.
That boy! How could he be so rash!
They had thought he had calmed down yesterday, but it was all an act!
The reporting soldier added, Apparently, a fire broke out in the enemys camp, causing chaos. The viscount thought it was an opportunity not to be missed and led an attack!
Oh?
Count Parker immediately led everyone out of the house to look eastward. The soldier was right; several plumes of smoke were rising in the east, clearly from a fire.
He slapped his palm, Ah! Didnt he think it could be a trap? Maybe theyve set an ambush in their camp!
There was no time to waste. Whether it was a trap or not, something had to be done.
He looked around at everyone and made a decision, Gentlemen, gather our soldiers in the formation we discussed and trained for, and approach the enemy camp to support Viscount Derrick Heller.
Yes!
The others responded and quickly dispersed to assemble their respective troops.
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