Lansius
After supper, Servius entered the command tent with Sterling. The old Nicopolan acted as if nothing were amiss and quickly reported what he had learned about the province since his departure. Lansius listened as he outlined his findings, suggesting that, aside from several hungry groups, the region was practically empty for several days' journey on foot.
"Sir Arius from Three Hills and even the Umberland people previously reported a large group of Nicopolans. Where are they now?" Lansius inquired from his seat, his blue brigandine worn loosely.
"Without food and terrorized by the beastmen in Umberland, they're leaving the mountain pass and moving south, likely aiming to take their chances at Dawn Barony," Servius said with bitterness in his voice.
"How many are we talking about, and do you think Lord Avery could handle it?"
"Just some guesses, probably five thousand reinforcing a similar number of forces, if not more."
The large number bothered Lansius. "Are they all armed?"
Servius seemed to ponder before answering, "No. Just like what we've encountered in the bulwark, from this point on, there will be a lot more noncombatants in the mix."
Lansius unintentionally stared at the canvas wall, noticing the shadows from the lanterns moving as if alive. He had no prior intention to ask but decided to give it a thought. "Tell me, what parties are involved in the fighting in Nicopola?"
"Well," Servius paused, gathering his thoughts. "There are the locals like me and my men. There are also war refugees from West Centuria, and migrants from Sarmatia, each with their own agendas."
Lansius gave no reaction but listened intently.
Servius continued, "The sons of Nicopola have traveled north to raid Elandia. Some fools have tried to go south to confront Dawn's territory, but they were defeated decisively."
Despite his interest in how the Dawn could repel presumably large forces, Lansius kept his priorities, asking, "How fractured are the sons of Nicopola?"
"There's infighting, but hungry men will welcome anyone with food," Servius responded lightly. "The bigger issue, though, is how to stand against the Sarmatia migrants and the war refugees from West Centuria. They're all scrambling for control."
"If someone could unite the sons of Nicopola, couldn't they try to talk it out with the other parties?"
"They're out for blood. There's too much bad blood already," Servius replied bitterly.
Lansius mulled over this. "This sounds like it's going from bad to worse, Servius. I personally don't want to get entangled in it."
Servius stood silently, his gaze unfocused.
Assuming Servius had nothing else to report, Lansius praised him, "Good work on the report."
Servius bowed his head a little. "Then, My Lord, what is your answer to my request?" His words were heavy, laden with anticipation.
Lansius shifted a little in his seat and answered, "As I said, I don't want to get entangled."
Servius seemed about to interject, but Lansius stopped him with a raised palm. "I know you'll try to convince me, but hear me first. We need to find a compromise."
"A compromise?" the old man squinted.
Lansius used his most persuasive tone, "Let's put it this way: You and your men wish to return to Nicopola, while I and the Lowlandians are not prepared to embark on another campaign."
Servius found himself conceding the point, allowing Lansius to continue, "You're aware of how exhausted my men are. They need recuperation. More than that, my tenure in Korelia has been just two short years, and I'm content to hold my domain and maintain peace." He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "The reason I ventured into Korimor was because of the threat posed by Lord Omin. And the reason I forced myself to march to South Hill was the dire need for food faced by your people."
Servius' expression turned unreadable.
"Meanwhile, as you know, the campaign to Umberland is aimed at protecting Lowlandia and the Grand Alliance. But in doing so, my forces and personnel are stretched thin," Lansius said, leaning forward persuasively. "We need time to consolidate. My House, like trees, needs time for its roots to grow deeper into the land we've just acquired."
Servius looked at Lansius and, trying to convince him, said, "My Lord, I apologize for asking, but Nicopola is ripe for the taking by anyone bold enough."
Lansius smiled; he had expected this. "I'm not saying I'm against it."
Servius furrowed his brows. "Does that mean—"
"Don't jump to conclusions," Lansius cautioned him. "I merely said I'm not against it. That's why I proposed a compromise. A win-win solution."
"Then, let me hear it, My Lord," Servius urged with anticipation.
Lansius had come prepared with a plan. "You're a legion commander, aren't you? Tell me, can you form an effective mercenary group with the men available?"
Surprised, Servius thought hard, his eyes darting. Instead of answering directly, he asked, "Does this mean you're going to form a free company?"
"No, you will form it for me," Lansius clarified. "I'll be your patron. I'll arm and fund your legion accordingly, depending on task completion and the amount of villages or land you secure for me."
Servius began to see the seriousness of this proposal. "My Lord, if I manage to secure the land on my own—"
"Certainly," Lansius interjected before he could finish. Then, in a calculated move, he tempted him, "I too started from the bottom with little noble blood in me. I have no doubt you can do the same."
The old man gazed at Lansius sharply, seemingly trying to gauge his intention. Yet, Lansius remained calm, his anxieties hidden away. The times spent with his wife had fortunately made him impervious to even a half-beast's stares.
After a while, Servius muttered, "The law will not be on my side."
Lansius poured spiced wine from a silver pitcher into two golden goblets and offered one to Servius, who took it gratefully. Lansius sipped his wine before replying, "The Imperium is crumbling. If you value your House, then this is a golden opportunity. Whoever is left standing in the Capital will likely seek your cooperation."
Hearing that, Servius drank from his goblet, yet the wine seemed unable to affect his courage.
"As long as you're not too greedy, hoarding land you cannot manage or hold, you should grow a powerful House," Lansius said, observing Servius' indecision. "As for my reason, it's all about managing risk."
"Manage risk...?"
"Indeed. I want to protect myself from potential losses. You'd do well to follow my example. Try to lessen your risk if you can. As for me, if I directly lead a campaign to Nicopola and face defeat, I could potentially lose all my standing in Lowlandia and even face mutiny within my ranks. Thus, I prefer to use a proxy."
"A free legion to do the dirty work," Servius mulled.
"I don't see why mapping the region and saving people from famine is considered dirty," Lansius hinted at the task he had in mind. "But I agree that waging war on someone's behalf is far from clean. As for me, whether you win or lose, I'll keep my forces intact."
Servius put the goblet down, his concern evident. "But, My Lord, a free legion is expensive."
"The benefits outweigh the costs. It's better than risking my entire domain in Lowlandia," Lansius responded without hesitation, his tone suggesting this was all a matter of cold calculation.
Servius' eyes wandered, lost in thought. After a moment, Lansius continued, "So, what do you say? I'll provide some funds for recruitment since eventually, you'll confront large groups. That, and also enough food to sustain three hundred through winter."
The Nicopolan looked to the side and inhaled deeply. "Why offer me this opportunity, My Lord?"
"What else?" Lansius declared as if the answer was obvious. "I need allies, and frankly, I see no better candidate than you in Nicopola."
"My Lord," Servius began, his tone now carrying a mix of respect and resignation, "I am humbled by your grand offer, but I must decline. Such an offer is beyond me, and would certainly be wasted on me."
Lansius smiled, not disappointed by the answer. "Then how about if you select or promote someone else for the role?"
"There's nobody who could fill such a role."
Taking another sip of his wine, Lansius posed another question, "Then what will you do if I march back to Korelia?"
"I'll follow your commands," Servius said, but his words rang hollow.
Lansius stared at him intently and asked what was on his mind, "I'm worried about your men's reception to this."
Servius exhaled deeply, straightened his back, and answered, "I'll keep them in order. Today's embarrassment shall be no more."
"Are you sure you and your lieutenants can handle them?" Lansius asked, worry lingering in his voice.
"Some are stubborn, but they're not without ears," the old man quipped.
Ironically, the old condottiere's loyalty forced Lansius to abandon his plan. With no other options available, he was left to wait passively, preparing as much as he dared without arousing the Nicopolans' suspicion. Yet, this situation also brought hope, allowing him to finally shift his focus and plan his return home to Korelia.
***
Night came and engulfed the camp in an eerie silence. The wind in the mountain pass blew hard, dry to the skin and chilling to the bone. The horses were restless, making small noises and snorts that indicated their displeasure at being there. Bred at the Great Lowlandia Plains, they disliked the taste of the mountain air and its sparse grass.
They were not the only ones restless. Lansius sighed loudly. While guards stood watch outside, nobody else was awake inside the tent. Audrey had fallen asleep, and Sterling, as a precaution, had joined the night watch. Meanwhile, Carla spent the night in her fellow's tent, closer to the Nicopolan tents.
Lansius sat alone, holding report scrolls in his hand. He noted that out of the 300 Dragoons he had, about 100 were likely compromised. They were of Nicopolan origin, capable riders, equipped like men-at-arms with crossbows, and thus considered a formidable fighting force.
Currently, he still had the advantage of numbers since he had only brought his cavalry, and his main army was camped separately further away. However, by tomorrow, his main army would arrive, and that would turn the tables against him.
The main army under Sir Harold was almost exclusively Nicopolan. At least 1,200 men, moreover, Servius also had separate command of another 300 attached to the main army.
"Just shy of 1,500 Nicopolans," Lansius muttered to himself uncomfortably. And that was not counting the camp followers who were still following and those who had stayed in the three villages.
Despite Servius' assurances, Lansius didn't readily accept them. The risk was far too great to feel comfortable so easily. He realized that human nature was driven not only by logic and honor but also by fear, mistrust, and greed.
If a spark occurred and became an uncontrollable fire, it could easily trigger a bloody conflict—one that his House might not recover from, whether in political standing or militarily, for a long time.
Lansius couldn't help but stare at the carpet and sigh. His eyes wandered, looking for fresh ideas. However, as expected, none materialized.
Wearily, he returned to what he had, taking a scroll from the table that read:
30 Nomadic horse archers and scouts, led by one of Batu's sworn brothers.
50 Mounted Crossbowmen, led by Dietrich.
He could also count on Sir Harold's:
10 South Hill Knights,
40 Cavalry, and
50 South Hill men-at-arms.
"Even with the 200 loyal Dragoons, it's not even 400... against 1,500 in a tight mountain pass," he groaned softly at the futility of it. He looked at the scroll for the last time and grew sick of it, tossing it onto the table and then shifting in his seat. He glanced at his sword and crossbow to the side and just let the time pass.
Once calmed, he couldn't resist thinking about his bed in South Hill. Of all the places, that one was the most comfortable.
Royal Road
Log In
Horizon of War [Kingdom Building | No LIT | No Harem] by Hanne
Chapter 138 : Clear Clouds, Lurking Shadows
A note from Hanne
image
Glimpse of Eternity
[A Reincarnation Isekai Fantasy]
Tired of cookie-cutter isekai protags whom you care nothing about?
Well, have I got news for you!
Glimpse of Eternity is a character-driven [Reincarnation Isekai] story where I — the author — aim to have you care about the main character!
Feel happy when good things happen to him! Become saddened by the tragedies he experiences...
Laugh along with him as he laughs and cry when he cries!
What are you waiting for? Give it a shot!
Disclaimer: The LitRPG is light. Kinda like Jackal Among Snakes? Numbers don't go up often😥...
Advertisement
Banner ad: Dans Otherworldly Dungeon Dungeon Creationexploration User Ad
Chapter 138
Clear Clouds, Lurking Shadows
Umberland Mountain Pass
After an hour of riding along a rather expansive mountain path, Lansius found himself greeted by a peak where Dietrich paused, turning to the Lord and Lady with a proposal. "My Lord, Lady, would you care to take a moment for a view from above?" he asked.
It was a minor detour from their intended route, yet Lansius, recognizing the strategic value of a bird's eye view, agreed without hesitation.
The Lord and Lady, along with a small entourage, veered off the main path. Due to the boulders, they dismounted and proceeded on foot. The guards went ahead to secure the area, while Audrey initiated a conversation, "You sure treat those men well. A house and land."
"Well, somebody needs to grow crops. And according to the records, they're the best we've got," Lansius explained, holding her hands firmly since the rocky path could be slippery with moss.
"Is that why the scribes have been so busy?"
"Yes, they've been poring over the records, compiling a list."
She reflected, "Five hundred names is quite the list."
"Indeed. And there are several hundred more for the other two villages."
"How are they selected?" she asked as a strong wind buffeted them.
"It's based on their farming knowledge, their work in South Hill, and whether they have families following as camp followers."
Audrey nodded. "And for the rest of the men? What will you offer them?"
Lansius smiled. "What do you think?"
"Money?" she ventured.
"That or a bit of land, though not in Umberland, as it's not mine to give."
They descended steps into an opening that provided a clear view of the land below.
Ahead, Dietrich's pace quickened until he reached a prime vantage point. "We're fortunate," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. "This morning, clouds obscured the view, but now, the skies have graced us with clarity."
Before them, the landscape unfolded like a vast tapestry. To the east was Elandia, its lands a vibrant mix of lush green and dark olives.
"It looks serene and beautiful," Audrey remarked, her hazelnut eyes shining with radiance.
"No conflict, no hunger, no wars," Lansius added.
One Umberland man drew their attention by pointing his hand toward the west and declared, "My Lord and Lady, Nicopola."
The horizon to the west was a complex mosaic of squares—patches of farmland, clusters of villages, and the distant silhouette of towns and, perhaps, cities. There were rivers that sparkled against the sunlight. The cold mountain wind breezing past them completed the picture.
Lansius, with a strategic eye, surveyed the expanse, noting the key positions, the lay of the land, and how it could potentially influence military decisions.
"It's even more beautiful," Audrey observed from beside him.
"Have you ever visited there?" Lansius asked.
"Unfortunately, no. My master and I frequented Elandia, but never Nicopola."
Lansius took a moment to appreciate the sheer majesty of the surroundings. From this height, there were no markings of troubled years and chaos.
As the moment passed, he turned back, signaling it was time to continue their march.
...
They returned to the mountain path. Carla, insisting on joining, was ready with Audrey's ringmail. As agreed, she would wear it instead of the plate armor that was deemed too constrictive. Meanwhile, the ringmail was easily adjusted for comfort.
The entourage's return was unexpectedly greeted by Servius and a crowd of men, the Dragoons from Nicopola, who had unintentionally blocked the way.
Seeing this, the men from Lowlandia under Dietrich quickly formed a human barricade, anticipating trouble. However, the crowd greeted them, "My Lord, My Lady," and then knelt to show they meant no harm.
Servius, with one knee on the rocky ground, pleaded passionately, "My Lord, you've seen Nicopola, my birthplace, the cradle of my ancestors. Won't you guide the province and save its people?"
"Servius, this issue again?" Lansius sighed. He wanted to rebuke the man but noticed even Audrey gave him a look.
"So, you also subscribe to this idea?" he muttered, hinting at his disappointment.
"Lans, call me a naive squire, but I know this is bigger than mere greed," she argued.
"Does nobody here feel that we're becoming reckless?" Lansius raised his voice, posing the question to his men and entourage. "We just united Lowlandia, and now we're going to risk it all for some adventurous ideas."
Audrey didn't respond, prompting Servius to voice his concern, "My Lord, if we remain idle, more people will die. Yet, you have the power to turn the situation around."
"Servius, you're aware of my limitations. I cannot take on two provinces and expect to govern both. My staff is stretched thin, lacking adequate provisions and talent."
"We could ration until the next harvest," pleaded one of the Nicopolans.
Another stepped forward. "We have good talents in Nicopola, My Lord. You need only to save them."
"They'll be loyal, My Lord," a third one spoke up, followed by a chorus of agreement.
"If My Lord is still troubled by the lack of an ally, then allow me to ride now. I'll go west and won't return until I can secure an alliance with the Lord of Dawn," Servius suggested.
"Are you out of your mind? We have yet to see if the bulwark truly surrenders, and nobody knows the latest situation in Nicopola," he tried to talk sense but looked around and saw the people remained hopeful. Everyone seemed to support this movement. Not even the Lowlandians were against it.
Aghast at the reaction, Lansius asked Servius, "What makes you think I'm capable of saving Nicopola?"
"Your capability is beyond doubt, My Lord. Korimor, South Hill, and we're even now learning about how you thwarted a coup in Three Hills. Your acumen alone is proof enough and your generosity is well known."
"I gave the houses and farms so they could provide food for the bulwark. My intent was only to seal the mountain pass, not to venture beyond that," Lansius clarified. "If I venture there, then many more will die, and there's no guarantee I'll be able to help."
Servius' response was to open his arms wide, saying, "Most of my men have lost so much. What difference do more deaths among us make? What bothers us is losing our birthplace forever."
Hearing him, the men eagerly nodded.
"You can always return in better times," Lansius calmly argued.
"But by then, different warlords will occupy the land. Another Sergio or even worse could emerge. Now is the time, My Lord. Conquer it. Take part of the province, and we'll be loyal to you."
At that notion, the men cried in unison, begging the Lord to consent to their wishes and demands. So much so that Lansius was overwhelmed. He never expected to witness such unwavering commitment from his men.
While he knew it was fueled by material reasons, he understood there were other motives, something beyond glory or gold.
Land is more than just a place to live; it's also the heart of a culture and a way of life. He recalled, realizing that for these men, the land was worth more than he could possibly imagine.
Audrey came into view, her expression serious. "I pity them, but I'll obey your decision." Her hand rested on her hilt. "We're on the march, and time is fleeting. Say the word, and I'll bring them to order."
Dietrich's men moved forward, attempting to disperse the crowd, but the Nicopolans unexpectedly drew their swords.
Tension hung thick in the air as Dietrich's men also reached for their blades in response.
"Everyone, hold! Calm down!" Servius warned.
"Enough!" Lansius echoed. The standoff paused, all eyes on him as he walked past Dietrich and his men toward Servius. "Brothers against brothers," he openly rebuked them before pulling Servius to his feet.
"My Lord," Servius rose with anxiety and regret, knowing they had almost clashed.
"Servius, let's make our decision after we secure the mountain pass. We also need the latest information on Nicopola. I refuse to commit to anything blindly."
Lansius spoke with conviction, yet internally, he was in turmoil. He had unwittingly walked into a possible mutiny without any prior suspicion. This failure made him question his judgment. He realized he had significantly miscalculated and even probably misplaced his trust.
As he stood there, supervising his men to return to their marches, Lansius continued to grapple with an internal crisis. He saw that the motivations of the Nicopolans had shifted. Initially content with food and surviving the winter, they now, in Lansius' eyes, appeared greedy, desiring to retake a portion of their home province.
Lansius had thought he could trust them, especially the men under Servius, whom he had better armed as a precaution against the more numerous Nicopolans from other factions. But now, they were the ones pushing to return.
He just couldn't believe it. Instead of valuing the safety in Lowlandia, these people were willing to risk everything to return to Nicopola. This was certainly a serious issue since the sheer number of Nicopolans in his army could overpower his loyal Lowlandians. Even a portion of his Dragoons were of Nicopolan origin.
Only now was Lansius acutely aware of the precariousness of his position. In the event of a mutiny, they could take him or Audrey hostage, demanding their support along with the baggage train and supplies for their return to Nicopola. It would be a disaster for his House and a blow to his Grand Alliance.
For now, there was nothing he could do but try to find a solution and maintain control. However, he wasn't infallible.
The way Servius and his men conducted themselves had made Lansius lose his trust. Distrust began to gnaw at his heart and cloud his judgment.
***
Ancient Bulwark
While the situation with his own troops was still tense, beyond everyone's wildest expectations, the Nicopolans in the bulwark surrendered without a fight. They saw hundreds of mounted cavalry and the blue and bronze banner, which they had learned to fear from survivors of the battle of Korimor, and lost their resolve.
Some even recognized Servius as a free legion commander, thus there was more trust between the two sides, who had never actually met in battle.
Unfortunately, this situation did not bode well for Lansius, who needed time to devise a solution. He understood that in the absence of a mutual enemy, the differing stances between him and Servius' men could lead to an internal conflict.
Lansius did not wish for a purge and intended to solve the crisis before it escalated. However, he had yet to formulate a plan regarding their request. Worse, neither Sir Harold nor Sir Justin was here to give him counsel.
While he was deliberating, the troop's physician went to the bulwark. After some time, he returned to report, "These men suffer from an excess of black bile, manifesting in foul, sometimes bloody, bodily waste. There are also those whose bodies are overrun with cold and damp humors, experiencing violent expulsions and the wasting away of the body's heat."
Lansius, who knew next to nothing about the four humors and medieval medicine, asked, "Maester, can you confirm that this is a common malady and not something different?"
"Yes, My Lord. It's a common and known malady, treatable by keeping them warm, consuming hot food, pepper, and if they're strong enough, warm wine."
"No bloodletting?" Lansius needed to make sure.
"Only when there's a high fever, My Lord."
Lansius nodded. "Then I entrust them to you."
Soon, he received word that the negotiation, handled mostly by Servius, proceeded smoothly in favor of the Blue and Bronze. The two hundred surrendering Nicopolans traded the bulwark for half rations and safety. Furthermore, they were directed to work as seasonal laborers in the three villages in western Umberland.
Putting his conflicted trust aside, Lansius provided the newly surrendered people with tents and instructed them to sleep outside, as the bulwark was deemed unsanitary. He ordered them to drink and cook using only boiled water and not to pollute the creek with waste. He also instructed them to wash and clean a good distance away from any water source, using buckets.
As promised, Lansius assured them that he had agreements with the beastmen, who, in reality, were half-breeds.
Regarding the bulwark, Lansius barred his men, except for a group he had hastily trained, from entering. This was easy to enforce, as the foul stench was overwhelming. They began their work of cleaning the site slowly but surely.
Based on new verbal reports, he also planned to recruit twenty Nicopolans who seemingly had recovered from the plague as helpers in the bulwark. In exchange for their service, he would give them full rations.
As sundown reached the mountain pass, the Lord returned to his tent, which was pitched some distance away. As a precaution, he had forbidden his troops from drinking raw water and from making contact with the plague-ridden party.
Once inside, Sterling brought in a messenger who informed him that the main army, along with the rear guard, was camped not too far from them. Sir Harold had even formed a contingent that continued to march, and they would join the Lord's camp before midnight.
What Sir Harold did, without knowing their condition, had put Lansius into a corner. He had to decide soon before Servius and his men became suspicious or reacted poorly. However, he had no idea where to begin.
As Sterling escorted the messenger out, he glanced at the open entrance of the tent, which framed the bulwark against the setting sun in the distance. He grabbed a chair, went outside near the tent entrance, and just sat there, staring at the imposing bulwark.
The noise from the camp, busying themselves for supper, provided a comforting background that helped calm him. Soon, glowing orange lights from lanterns beneath the battlements illuminated the narrow windows, making a section of the wall seem to come alive. It was then that Audrey returned and found Lansius sitting outside.
She briefly questioned the guards, but they only shook their heads.
Lansius paid no mind. Audrey finally walked up to his side to see what had captured his attention.
"Life is funny," he mused, craving something strong to drink. "I thought I was going to spill the blood of hundreds just to secure Umberland and that wall. But as it turns out, I almost got it for free."
"Then you should be happy," she remarked plainly while looking ready to accept a rebuttal.
"On the contrary, I'm not feeling happy." Lansius snorted. "It's odd—I've secured the mountain pass, the very objective I set out to achieve. But why do I feel... undone?"
"It must be because of the Nicopolans," Audrey said without hesitation. There was no doubt in her voice.
Lansius looked at her, admiring her courage and admitting, "I feel stupid."
The wave of subdued chuckles and chatter from the troops beginning their supper quickly masked what he had said. Only Audrey was privy to it and she replied, "You're not at fault. They must've been carried away by the situation and changed their minds."
"Speaking of which, have you changed yours?"
She sighed, then clarified, "I support their cause but not like this. It feels like they're trying to force-"
"They could take us hostage, trading us for the baggage train and supplies... I trusted the wrong people. I should've known; they even betrayed Sergio," he lamented. A strong mountain wind swept through their encampment, causing the blue and bronze banner to flutter, its pole shivering.
"Lans, we're not staying idle. Your men and I have devised suitable countermeasures."
"Why? Has the situation worsened?" he asked without concealing urgency.
"There's distrust between the Lowlandians and Nicopolans. They saw what happened and were displeased." She gently grasped his arm, adding, "The Korelians are fiercely loyal. The mere thought of Nicopolans drawing swords against you is unforgivable to them."
Lansius returned his gaze to the bulwark, feeling his plan and his army slowly unraveling. "One misstep could plunge us into a massive purge," he cautioned her in a weary tone.
"The responsibility ultimately lies with them," said Audrey firmly.
"But what about the aftermath? We depend on these Nicopolans for many tasks and roles. Do you think they'll just stand by if we purge their comrades?"
"We could establish a court and solely punish the instigator," she proposed.
Lansius took a deep breath. "Is there no other way out?"
She met his gaze. "But you said you don't trust them anymore."
Lansius saw the frightening determination in her. This is her world. She understands it better. Perhaps punishing the ringleader is the right course of action.
Looking at his troubled expression, she asserted, "Yet, you must know that Servius tried to stop them."
"I know. Not all is his fault. The problem lies with the group he commanded. I armed and equipped them better, I even trusted them as a safeguard, but they..." He felt betrayed by their changing goal.
"Then how will you react?"
"I don't know," he revealed. "I know I don't want to entertain their idea of going into Nicopola, but I also don't want it to end in a bloody internal conflict."
Audrey then leaned toward him. "We've prepared for the worst, but I think there's still a chance to reconcile."
Her shift from a firm stance advocating countermeasures to reconciliation struck him as odd before he realized it. Did she just play the devil's advocate...?
"Are you testing my resolve? Where are your words trying to lead me?"
Audrey offered a stiff smile and reassured him, "I am on your side. I've prepared a countermeasure and suitable men to carry it out if you need it. However, I'm also advocating for talks; perhaps we can view their reaction as just a spur of the moment."
Lansius nodded. His judgment had been clouded by distrust, and his lack of experience made it difficult to think clearly. But now he could start to see what options he had. "Perhaps, we could..."
"I'll rein in the Lowlandians if you can regain full control of the Nicopolans," she suggested. "The problem is whether you can trust them or not."
Lansius struggled to contain his dislike, but he finally agreed, "I had better meet with Servius."
"You have to, otherwise many innocents will suffer," Audrey responded. "But remember, when you need it, do not hesitate. It's better to lose a hand than the whole arm."
With the conversation ended, Lansius closed his eyes and let his mind drift to Korelia, away from the chronic mess he faced in Umberland. He recalled his plans to transform the city. The waterwheel should be completed by now, and the possibilities for improvement were staggering.
A thin smile formed on his lips as he reminded himself that he had completed his task in Umberland by securing the bulwark and the mountain pass. Objectively, there was nothing left to do but to return home.
***
Advertisement
Banner ad: Voyage Of The Mindbender User Ad
A note from Hanne
Chapter Note:
- Book I - Horizon of War is available in Kindle and Audible and don't forget to give ratings.