Chapter 46: The Brewing Battle

Chapter 46: The Brewing Battle

“Check all wheels on all carts! It's rough terrain between here and the Citadel.”

“Stock up on feed for the buckrohks and make sure you guard the water tankards. We'll be appetizing targets for beasts and demonkin alike. They're not so different from us. Bandits and raiders on the roads.”

Captain Muindis watches as his lieutenants organize and prepare the company for the march on the Citadel. They're currently overnighting at Fort Twilight. Unlike Peony, which is physically closer, Twilight is much easier to navigate, and it can support a larger force than Peony.

And, with the discovery of the Grand Duchy's plan to send a splinter force, many of the generals and colonels looking to find a weakening in the Demon Army's defenses have been looking for their own chances to seek glory. When questioned, the splinter force, known as Wyrmglare, were told to give the answer that the Citadel is believed to house a weapon capable of defeating dragons, which is why the dragons have taken to guarding it. However, this weapon is meant for humans, or human-sized wielders, meaning they just need to sneak in and take it.

This makes the other leaders even more excited to become part of the attack, as a weapon that could defeat dragons would be even more desirable, as it could likely also be used to defeat any enemy.

And, as King Rikuto and the others of Mornistae have come to suspect, the strange phenomenon that washed over everyone seems at once all across the known world seems to have originated in the far west, following a flash of light that was visible from the mountains . The true source has still not been identified, but if it is a weapon, it's all the more reason to push westward and identify the weapon or spell and erase it. It poses too much risk to the world as a whole.

Of course, that is a problem for Rikuto and the other kingdoms and the Empire. Captain Muindis is tasked with leading this force to retrieve Daniel at all costs. The other companies and battalions marching with them will be serving their own desires when attacking the Citadel, and Muindis’s orders from the Grand Duchess herself protect him from the authority of those who might otherwise outrank him. When it’s time for Wyrmglare to fall back, it’s up to the other commandants to choose to retreat or continue the siege.

Muindis states to Lieutenant Elkash, who is nearby, “Lieutenant, make sure everyone gets good rest. We’ll be leaving before first light and first bell.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

“It’s a two week march to the Citadel at a fast pace.”

“Of course.”

Muindis heads up to the outer defensive wall of Fort Twilight. It’s much larger and more sturdy than that of the Flower Garden. But, Muindis knows it’ll do little to stop dragon fire. He has never seen dragons in battle, as few who do survive. It’s rumored that the only reason dragons don’t wage war more often is due to their small numbers. Every one of their fallen -even as difficult as that is- is extraordinarily costly to the dragons. Or, so the rumors go. The dragons themselves -what few have been encountered and survived- are said to be extremely proud and arrogant, and they would never divulge such information on their own. It does make sense, since dragons hold enough power to raze castles to the ground, that they would be too few in number to risk grand assaults on every battlefront with the risk that any one castle could prove lethal.

Something that rarely occurs to most people east of the mountains is how beautiful the west is. In many ways, it’s not very different. The climates are roughly the same, much of the terrain is similar. But, because the demons are less industrious than humans, dwarves, and gatonines, specifically, there are very few fortresses or large cities marking the landscape. Much of the land has a natural beauty to it.

Of course, this also means that there are very few roads, and the course to the Citadel is one such path. Much of the trek will be off road after leaving the former eastern lands on the west side of the mountains. And, even what roads used to exist have been overgrown and poorly maintained since the demons drove the allied nations back.

“Think we can win?” The voice that asks is Colonel Bryston, of the Kingdom of Brellum.

Muindis replies with a salute, “I don’t know for certain, Colonel. Dragons are not an enemy just anyone can face.”

“True. But, the Grand Duchess must have great faith in your abilities.”

“We’re not meant to defeat the dragons at the battle. We’re meant to find the weapon.”

“I see. Yes, there was mention of that. And, I suppose it is good fortune that we will be providing bait, hmm?”

Muindis turns to face the colonel. “We answered questions, Colonel. You made the choice to join our mission, against our advice. I cannot accept responsibility for your forces.”

“But, you must have some faith in your own ability to succeed.”

“Of course. And, the longer we have to search the Citadel, the better. That’s not something made easier by a large siege, but it won’t be harmed by the notion either. The Citadel is the largest castle on the continent, built for the dragons. I don’t know that a siege could even outlast it if the dragons choose not to fight. And, it’s doubtful that they won’t.”

“Hmm... Yes, I see. But, your plan was to draw them out with a siege, yes? Even with your paltry force.”

“At least long enough to get in the door. As you know, the best we can do is plan.”

The colonel says nothing for a while. He looks over his shoulders and around them, seemingly verifying that they’re essentially alone -at least as far as immediate earshot-.

“I hear... another rumor.”

“I hear rumors as well, Colonel. I have no way of knowing which one you mean.”

“This one’s about a specific person. The... fiance to your Duchess of Stalvaltan.”

Muindis is quiet for a moment. He replies quietly, “I know of no such person.”

“I hear he’s a commoner.”

“From my men?”

“I told you. Just a rumor.”

“Wyrmglare is here to retrieve a weapon. You’re welcome to invade the Citadel if you think you can find whatever you want. If you jeopardize the Grand Duchy’s mission, you should expect to receive sanctions, Colonel. Please understand.”

Bryston stares at him for a fair amount of time, but he smiles. “I see. I suppose that is the nature of rumors; always threatening to stir a pot that doesn’t need stirred.” He looks out over the wilderness beyond the fortress for another moment. “We’ll stay out of your way. But, if we fell a dragon without your help, I trust you will report that accurately, hm?” He nods his head politely and makes his way back down from the wall.

Muindis watches him go for a moment. There’s a very slim chance that the Wyrmglare mission will succeed with 200 men or 20,000. Numbers aren’t the issue. A great deal of luck will determine whether this particular mission succeeds or fails.

With a sigh, Muindis returns to his own bed for the night. It’s a long march to the Citadel, and they’ll be even slower with this many troops.

***

Clang! Clang! Ping! Clang!

Metal clashes on metal as Daniel parries swords with several combat golems being overseen by Xyreko. He is surrounded, swinging a training sword with the skill level one might expect of a maintenance mechanic who has managed to survive in a fantasy world. He can make some fluid swings, but he overextends his posture and his momentum. Daniel makes a few solid parries, before the metal of training sword batters against his back, and he stumbles. He makes a few more parries, before another smack rings his bell, bouncing off of his helmet.

A female voice scoffs, and he looks. This time, it’s Gwenesphia. She teases softly, “Apologies, Daniel. I’ve never seen you fight, so I was wondering how a man who slays dragons fights.”

Daniel catches his breath for a moment, laughing softly. “And? Go on. You’re impressed, right?”

She snorts playfully. “If... I’m being honest, Daniel, I don’t think you did something right if that many people are around you.”

“Ha! You’re probably right. Though, I trust Xyreko enough to know this armor isn’t just for show. And, I probably would fight a little differently.”

“Oh? Would you demonstrate for me?” Gwenesphia smiles cutely, folding her ears down to make her eyes look bigger.

Daniel hesitates at first. He has what he needs on his belt, and Xyreko is using disposable golems, just in case. He looks at the golem Caretaker, and he asks, “Xyreko, do you mind?”

“Not at all, Daniel. These golems and their weapons are made of simple iron. Iron can be reforged. Not to mention, you are lord of the Citadel. You may do as you please.”

He sighs, though amusement is in his voice. As the golems start to move again, both of his hands move. He throws the training sword, which the targeted golem bats aside. However, he draws both his revolver and Nemaisol, the magic sword. Instantly, it begins to glow, and it cuts with ease through the iron blade of the closest sword to him as his other hand aims the revolver, blasting a golem in the chest and incapacitating it instantly. He moves in careful motions, while Xyreko protects Gwenesphia and herself with a barrier. Each shot is carefully placed to ensure it at least hits the mass of the golem he fires at.

With Daniel’s specialized weapons, he doesn’t even need perfect form. As long as he can deflect the blades of his enemies or shear them off, he keeps himself ‘alive’ by not being struck until he defeats all of the golems. He straightens his posture, looking at Gwenesphia. She is surprised, but smiles and claps.

Daniel takes his helmet off, approaching. Service golems arrive to clean up the training golems. He states, “If it’s up to me, I’ll have technological superiority in my fights. But, I figured it would help to know how to fight a little if I’m going to stay here.”

She smiles. “That makes sense. Though, couldn’t the goddess you just recently picked up give you more power?”

Daniel cocks his head. “Maybe. But, that’s not why Hekate and I went to retrieve her. In fact, it’s almost precisely why she was in trouble. They’re big on balance.”

She sighs. “The gods... Divine Realm... it’s... strange...”

“Maybe think of them more like archangels. According to Ryukana, worship isn’t necessary, and can actually become dangerous in some worlds.”

Gwenesphia nods as she listens. “I’ve never been particularly religious. Just... strange to know that someone was always watching over us.” She smiles.

Daniel smiles and nods as well. “Trust me. It’s almost as strange as suddenly appearing in another world.”

She scoffs and laughs. “I suppose that’s true...”

Daniel reloads his revolver as Gwenesphia watches for a moment. She asks, “Daniel... Can I ask you a question?”

“Always.”

She fidgets, taking a breath. “So... You have a lot of... friends, now...”

Daniel looks at her when she trails off. He remarks cautiously, “True...”

“And, you and Hekate aren’t married...”

“Also true... Don’t say that to her.” He chuckles, and Gwenesphia blushes, fidgeting.

With a sigh, Daniel takes a seat on a bench nearby, asking, “Is this a question I’m going to get asked a lot?”

“I... Well, y-you and I got along pretty well at Fort P-Peony, didn’t we?”

“Better than most. Though, you were in a... uh... certain state for some of it.”

“Right...”

“Same reason I’ve been avoiding Treia today. We don’t have the medicine that the fort does.”

“Right...” Gwenesphia clears her throat, standing in front of him and asking confidently, “Would you consider a marriage... w-with me? I don’t have a lot of family wealth or anything, and... I could probably be considered a deserter, but... I deeply care about you. And, I’m grateful to you for many things.”

Daniel doesn’t sigh, though it is the question he feared it would be. He doesn’t express exasperation or disgust. Truth be told, Gwenesphia is very attractive. And, the war should be over very soon.

He smiles, replying softly, “You really do want Hekate to kill us both.”

“W-Well... I just... I don’t want to regret not asking. A-And... If you’re worried about my virtue...”

“I’m not.”

She squirms with a blush. “W-Well... even so, it’s still intact.”

Daniel takes a deep breath and exhales calmly. “Gwen... If you haven’t noticed, I don’t know my right from my left in... certain situations. Hekate became my partner in all of this because she’s a child, and because she had no one else at all. I... don’t know what I want... in a... romantic partner.”

“I see... Feline ears, perhaps? A modest chest?”

Daniel scoffs. “Don’t make me play the Hekate game on you.”

“Th-The ‘Hekate game’?”

***

Daniel slouches in a more comfortable reclining chair as he sips a drink. Hekate skips in happily, finding him and grinning as she jogs over and hops onto his lap. “Daniel! Fancy meeting you here all alone! Heeheehee!”

Daniel pets her head, which earns another gleeful giggle. “Hekate. It’s almost like you were looking for me.”

“Me?... Yep. You got me. I was lonely.” She hugs Daniel from his lap. She growls, “You smell like dragon...”

“Geira laid her egg this morning.”

“Mmm... Are you Geira?”

Daniel chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. “No. I’m not Geira.”

“Rrr... When can I have children? Huh?”

“Come on, Hekate... Not today.”

“Well, when? It’s not fair!” She shifts herself around to be facing him, and she grips his chest gently. “Geira, Reina, and Ryuo all have eggs now. I don’t even know if feldroks lay eggs!” She grips him more firmly, leaning closer, “And, I know those other three want children, too.”

“I’ve been avoiding Treia because she’s experiencing a forced biological desire, not a personal desire. Do you want me to avoid you, too?”

“Nnn... No...”

“Good. Then, let’s play the Hekate game...”

“GAH! No! Why did you have to name that stupid game after me!?” Hekate crosses her arms, looking away as she pouts. “Is it a crime to love you, Daniel?”

Daniel pulls her head close and kisses her forehead, causing her to twitch and her tail to sway from side to side. “Depends on who you ask.”

Hekate hums happily, but she suddenly grimaces. “Why does your face smell like Geira!?”

“Ugh... Hekate, I helped her lay her egg. Just like the others. Nothing else happened.”

“Mrrrr... She kissed you...”

“And, now I kissed you. Can Geira say that?”

“Heh heh heh... No....”

“Don’t rush to grow up, Hekate. You missed out on your childhood, and we’ve got all the time in the world now. Alright?”

She lays her head against his chest, hugging him. “The others don’t have to wait...”

“They already waited. They’re all grown up. You’re not. If you were, I’d have to treat you like a grownup. No more piggy back rides, no more princess carrying, and no more sitting on my lap when others are around.”

She looks up at him, surprised. “Y-... You’ll still do them for me, won’t you?”

Daniel smiles. “I don’t know. How quickly do you want to grow up?”

She stammers, deliberating on the idea.

Daniel pinches her cheek gently, and she puffs her cheeks in irritation. “By the way, I’ll run it by you since you’re here, and you’ll make accusations...”

“Who makes accusations!? I would never! Is... Is it Ryuo? You’re going to sleep with Ryuo!”

Daniel frowns at her with amusement. “May I?”

She blushes, laying her head on his chest. “I-I meant... ‘I’m listening’.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I did! I-I mean, I was! No! I am! I’m listening!” She hugs him tighter. “I’ll listen. Please tell me.”

“I’m going to escort Treia and Gwen back to Fort Peony, where we met, so they can gather their personal belongings and let our Commander know that they’re alright. You’re welcome to come with us. I plan to also travel with Ryuo and Reina.”

“Y-You might as well take the whole harem!”

“Ugh... Yes. And, who will keep them from doing unspeakable things to me while I sleep?”

As she continues to hug him, she grips his shirt at the back, murmuring, “M-Me. I won’t let anyone steal you away.”

“Mm-hmm. I’m counting on it.”

She grins, clinging to him. He holds her so he can stand up, and she refuses to let go, so he walks with her. Her grip only shifts to loop her arms over his shoulders while he walks. She murmurs with her chin on his shoulder, “This is what you’re talking about, huh?”

“About growing up?”

“Yeah...”

“It’s a factor.”

“Mmm...” Hekate ponders it for a moment, but she doesn’t let go. She murmurs, “I’ll... hold off for now... B-But! I’m still your betrothed! No one else is allowed to marry you before me!”

“Alright, Hekate. Whatever you say.”

The two of them gather Treia, Gwenesphia, Ryuogriar, and Reignleif. Xyreko will be sending golems as guards as well, stealthily of course. When it’s discovered by Aoloan and Geirahoel, the succubus simply insists that she’s joining them to travel together.

Geirahoel pulls Daniel aside as the others are getting travel kits ready using magic bags.

“D-Daniel! I can’t believe you!”

“What is it, Geira? I got interrogated by Hekate thanks to you.” Daniel is joking, since no harm was done.

“H-How is that my fault!” The youngest of the three dragons that decided to remain with Daniel indefinitely huffs, hugging her egg close.

Daniel asks a little dryly, “What did you want, Geira?”

She pouts, looking at him. “I... I heard from Ryuo and Reina that you’re going somewhere.”

“That’s right. Fort Peony, where I met Gwenesphia and Treia.”

Geirahoel fidgets, asking sheepishly, “And Ryuo and Reina are going with you?”

With a nod, Daniel replies simply, “Yep.”

There’s an awkward pause as Geirahoel pets her egg and asks softly, “W-Were you going to invite me?”

“I figured you wouldn’t want to go.”

“W-Well! I... Don’t I at least deserve the chance to refuse?”

“You just laid your egg. I figured you’d...”

“I’ll bring her with me.” Geira hugs her egg to her cheek.

“Wait, you will? So you’re going?”

Geirahoel pouts. “Am I not allowed to go?”

“Why would you even want to? It could be dangerous.”

She narrows her eyes at him, and it really amplifies the vibrant green color of her eyes. “I didn’t know you hate me...”

“What? No. If anything, I’m worried for your safety and for your egg.”

She blushes. “W-Well, I’m a dragon. I don’t need your protection.”

Daniel sighs. “I’ll compromise. If you want to go with us, the egg stays with Xyreko so she can keep it safe with Ryuo’s and Reina’s. We’ll be flying, so we won’t even be gone a day.”

Geirahoel pouts, looking at her egg. She asks softly, “Is... that an order?”

“No. But, I don’t want any of the eggs in any danger. You might be nearly invincible, but I don’t want to find out how fragile eggs are. Alright? If you want to stay with your egg, I totally understand, and the others will, too.”

She hugs her egg to her chest, looking away from him. “I... I’ll leave my egg with Xyreko. B-But, we have to come back tonight!”

“That’s the plan.”

“A-And, it’s not because I want to go with YOU! Just so we’re clear!” She whirls, pointing at him sassily, and Daniel smirks. “Right. Of course.”

“I mean it!”

“I wonder if I could order you to express your true feelings.”

She gasps, turning bright shades of pink as she hugs her egg. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh, I’d dare...”

She quickly jogs away, yelling, “You humans are all the same! Savage and wicked!” She trots a few more steps away, calling back as she turns to face Daniel again, “Don’t leave without me! I’ll never forgive you!”

Daniel salutes sarcastically, and he continues towards the control area, where they’ll be leaving from.

***