Chapter 119

Muli Mariani (Marius' Mule)

Korelia

Undisturbed by the distant march of war, the Korelians celebrated the marriage of Calub and Cecile with joy and festivity, marking the culmination of the city's celebrations since the harvest's arrival.

The first celebration was the harvest festival itself. Despite the recent Battle of Korelia disrupting planting seasons, this year's festivities shone brighter than usual. This was due to the stable food prices that allowed everyone to partake in the celebration. This stability was achieved through a trade agreement with the merchants of eastern Lowlandia and grain surpluses from White Lake.

Next came the celebration in honor of Lord Lansius' official recognition as the Baron of Korelia. Upon hearing the news, the people threw a spontaneous city-wide celebration to honor the Imperium's decree. This celebration was prolonged after news arrived that the Lord had secured another great victory over South Hill, creating a euphoria never seen before.

The marriage between two well-loved figures brought the season's festivities to a close.

Calub, the alchemist, was an honorable treasurer whose diligence ensured that wages and payments were disbursed on time and without any mischief. His work ethic and integrity endeared him to many. Similarly, Cecile, the late Sir Callahan's daughter, was cherished by the Korelians. Her House's contributions and gallant sacrifice were still fondly remembered.

The townsfolk enthusiastically organized a banquet for the newlyweds, with Sir Justin, serving as the Marshal, officiating the marriage in Lord Lansius' absence.

The year 4425 would be long remembered in Korelia as a season full of celebration and joy.

As autumn deepened, life in Korelia resumed its tranquil pace. Shepherds led their flocks to graze on the harvested fields, preparing the land for the next season. The sound of shearing signaled the start of wool work, which would continue through the winter. The breeding season brought a promise of renewal and growth, particularly important for sheep, ducks, donkeys, and most notably, horses.

With Korelia's growing importance, an increasing number of breeders established trade posts in the city, leading to the emergence of a bustling market. The volume of horse trade, which included horses for farm work, burden beasts, leisure, and warhorses, increased dramatically. With every transaction, the city levied modest taxes to attract more businesses.

Sir Justin was at the forefront, ensuring horse breeders felt comfortable and encouraging collaboration with the nomads. He believed that sharing knowledge between the two parties would work wonders.

As efforts to further improve Korelia City continued, the community was busy in the barns, gathering and storing hay. This task was crucial to ensuring there would be ample feed for the horses and livestock throughout the harsh steppe winter.

Amidst the work and preparation for the cold months, a wave of excitement washed over Korelia, sparked by the newly operational bathhouse. Word of this oasis of relaxation quickly spread beyond the city's boundaries, drawing curious visitors from the surrounding villages. They came in droves, eager to immerse themselves in the soothing waters that promised respite from their daily labors.

Behind the scenes, four individuals elevated the bathhouse to new heights. Initially, it was Lady Felicity's presence that drew the women's populace to the bathhouse. They were eager for their daughters to bathe in the same waters as her, believing it would bring good luck, or at least, offer something to boast about to friends and relatives.

Now, with Lady Felicity having returned to Midlandia, the bathhouse continued to be graced by more beauties. The newly married Cecile often visited with Claire, her sister. Frequently joining them were Lady Astrid, the daughter of the Lion of Lowlandia, and Eleanor, the Marshal's daughter, who was now her lady-in-waiting.

The four were busy preparing a branch of the school for commoners and landless gentry, finding a weekly respite in the bathhouse's newly built warm water section.

Their influence helped turn the bathhouse into the city's top attraction. This influx of visitors injected new life into Korelia's economy. Around the bathhouse, a vibrant community of inns, taverns, and food stalls sprang up, catering to the needs and desires of the guests. Each new establishment added to the city's allure, transforming the area into a bustling hub of commerce and social gathering, further driving its economic impact.

The operational and profitable bathhouse also elevated the city's prestige in the eyes of the Midlandian guilds, eager to expand their influence and business. More guilds sent their laborers to offer projects to the city council or to sell their services directly to the masses.

The first newcomers were a cobbler family from Midlandia, who set up their shop near the bathhouse. They were soon followed by a textile workshop and a tailor. Then, a bakery opened, enticed by the prospect of securing firewood at favorable prices due to the bathhouse's demands.

Following this trend, a wealthy merchant from last year's salt trade constructed a temporary kiln. Using rejected firewood from other sources, he began to supply basic pottery, bricks, and even clay roofing to the locals—items that had been previously imported and were prohibitively expensive for most Korelians.

The leftover materials from the kiln, including the ashes, aided in the construction of mud houses for the thousands of captured laborers. Previously, the Marshal had allowed them to enjoy some form of harvest festivities in their camps. Now, refreshed and well-rested, he directed their efforts toward completing the mud housing and winter-proofing other facilities.

He aimed for them to withstand the harsh winter of Korelia without falling ill and risking delays in the various projects, especially the construction of the city wall and the new eastern keep.

The fair and humane treatment left the laborers mostly at peace. Being Lowlandians, they had expected worse treatment. Moreover, since they were either from Korimor or South Hill natives, they were reassured knowing that their families were aware of their situation and waiting for them at home.

They were also content, knowing their families were in good hands. Despite initial skepticism, the news from travelers from Korimor and South Hill was uniformly promising. They began to view the Lord of Korelia not just as capable but as fit to rule, and perhaps even as the leader the Lowlandians needed to end the region's long history of bloodshed.

Despite Lord Lansius' obscure background, there emerged a general willingness to submit, not born out of fear or helplessness but out of admiration and acceptance. This sentiment persisted even in his absence, as Korelia, and everyone within it, whether free or not, continued to forge new paths independently.

Such progress was only possible because Lord Lansius had laid a solid foundation. He did more than construct buildings; he assembled a team of capable and trustworthy personnel to oversee and manage the various aspects of the city, ensuring its continued growth and well-being.

More importantly, the staff members, armed with his vision, did not shy away from investing in and engaging in mutually beneficial business relations. They also extended fair treatment to captured laborers, understanding they were not enemies but another part of Lowlandia to be embraced. With these elements in place, the city and its people thrived.

***

House Arte

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Far from Lowlandia, in Brunna village near Midlandia, a concentration of troops was building up. Three hundred Arvenians were in training, supported by two hundred Midlandians.

After returning from their visit to the Capital, Sir Archie, or Lord Arte in disguise, had been steadily growing his power base in Brunna. The small but wealthy estate had previously been owned by a baronet involved in slave ownership in Sabina Rustica.

The punishment for this crime was death. Furthermore, the late baronet's seditious act against Lord Arte constituted another high crime, warranting a more serious capital punishment.

In desperation to avoid execution, the late baronet struck a deal to adopt Sir Archie into his House in exchange for his silence. The baronet thought he had outwitted death, but Sir Archie made certain the man lived only until the document and patent were signed and the necessary ceremonies concluded.

Officially, the baronet passed away due to old age. Unofficially, it was a lethal combination of a high dose of aphrodisiac and a surprise visit from a courtesan that led to severe heart problems for the old, yet lustful, man.

As the baronet had no direct heir, only several bastards with little claim to the estate, Sir Archie inherited the entire Brunna estate and village. This inheritance provided him with a manor, a source of income, and land to build his forces—a stroke of luck, especially since no Midlandian nobles would have willingly granted him land that offered such independence.

Many had hoped to turn him into their henchman. Arte knew he was fortunate to have Lansius, whose remarkable performance significantly boosted Arte's standing among his Midlandian peers. Furthermore, Lansius' success opened the door for Arte to gain support from Sir Stan and Seneschal Bengrieve, two of the most influential figures in Midlandia.

Their influence shielded Arte from other nobles across the vast Midlandian territories who might have sought to entangle him in their ongoing succession crisis.

In military matters, learning from Thomas’s insights about Lansius' strategy against Lord Robert, Lord Arte invested heavily in crossbows. Instead of building expensive cavalry units, he doubled down on creating a force of competent men-at-arms, augmented by crossbowmen.

In Brunna, they trained hard until Thomas, felt confident they could replicate Lansius' success against the Lion of Lowlandia. Due to his competence, the bearded axe man was subsequently appointed Captain.

His superior, Sir Peter, an able diplomat, became Lord Arte's trusted right-hand man, while Sir Anci was named Cavalry Captain.

Leda, the freed Rhomelian slave from Sabina Rustica, quickly proved her worth by meticulously maintaining the records and ensuring the finances were balanced. This allowed the burgeoning force to remain independent and not indebted to other Midlandian nobles who might use them as their private army.

Thilde, a female Arvenian squire who had been captured and tortured in Sabina Rustica, became another rising star in House Arte. Despite her injuries, she learned to walk again and trained harder than anyone, earning immense respect from her comrades and becoming the embodiment of Arvenian courage and stubbornness.

While Brunna was focused on military preparations, it was also gearing up for another significant event: a noble wedding. The anticipated day arrived with Lady Felicity returning from Lowlandia in a procession befitting a high noble, flanked by armed guards and cavalry.

With Imperium officers in attendance, the couple tied the knot. It was a merry affair with a sense of grandeur, despite their nature in disguise. Although subdued, the week long party and celebration quickly became the subject of widespread discussion among the neighboring villages and towns.

The revelation that a mere knight, now an adopted baronet, had accumulated such vast wealth, manpower, and influence left everyone in awe.

Contrary to expectations of a tranquil fall and winter, the newlyweds, just a week after their honeymoon, donned their armor and fur clothes. Without hesitation, they led their army out of Brunna. A fierce determination shone in the eyes of the Arvenians as they marched, united in their resolve. They were intent on exacting vengeance upon Lord Karius and Lord Gottfried.

***

Lansius

The army and their camp followers marched under fair weather and covered a good distance each day. Their preplanned route and knowledge of where to camp greatly aided their travel.

By midday on their fourth day from South Hill, they took a rest, using tents atop the carts as makeshift shades. It was then that the scouts reported the arrival of dozens of allied horse-drawn carts from Three Hills.

Just as Lansius had been informed by his budding network of spies and long range scouts, the goods he had been awaiting had arrived.

Everyone was eager to see what the dozens of carts contained. It turned out that almost all were filled with bags of various models and materials, though they were roughly the same size.

At the Lord's command, his staff quickly distributed the bags, with the Lord himself taking one.

Sir Harold, Servius, and Farkas, who had just returned from forward scouting, were amused by the double-strapped backpacks. Although they had seen them before, they had never considered them to be more useful than the simple bags carried on the shoulder or pouches on their belts.

They quickly noticed that with these backpacks, instead of relying on various smaller bags or pouches, each man could carry more goods. They were akin to saddlebags but for humans.

"With these, we can reach Three Hills in under three days," the Lord declared confidently as he inspected the bags.

His words were met with chuckles from his staff and others within earshot. The fact was, they were still four to five days away from Three Hills. Even if they could march that fast, the burdened beasts in the supply and baggage train would collapse from exhaustion.

"My Lord, it isn't wise to risk our supply line," Servius advised.

"This is to help with the supply line. With these bags, we can pack as many goods as possible to lessen the beasts' burden," the Lord explained. Before anyone could complain, he had loaded his bag with various goods and carried it comfortably on his back.

"This is manageable," he remarked after some tries. "Let's march this way."

"You wish to march on foot?" Sterling asked, puzzled.

"Yes, why not? After all the festivities, we need some training. Otherwise, we might face a nasty surprise in Umberland," the Lord replied without hesitation.

The staff exchanged looks before Lady Audrey stepped forward, addressing the command staff. "Tell the men to pack all personal belongings in their bags, along with goods they can carry. Let the carts carry less. Let's aim to cover as much ground as we can today."

The Lord looked at his wife and started, "You don't have to walk—"

Ignoring the interruption, Audrey continued, "My Lord, I believe it's best to explain the reasoning behind this. I doubt these bags are merely for training."

"Of course," Lansius reassured her and then addressed the rest of his men. "These bags are greater than you might think. Two of the most crucial factors in the military are speed and freedom of movement across terrain. And with the help of these bags, we can achieve it."

Everyone listened, not expecting a humble backpack to carry such significance.

"In Umberland, we'll be fighting in dense forests and mountainous terrain. Relying on horses, donkeys, or oxen for our supplies will limit our speed, choice of routes, and more importantly, our ability to conceal movements. It also exposes our vital grain supplies to the enemy," Lansius explained.

The idea that someone might try to take their hard-earned grain away incensed the Nicopolans. The trauma from their hunger under Sergio's rule would take years to heal.

"Now, imagine if everyone carried their own supplies," he ventured. "It would free us to move wherever we want, climb steep hills, or traverse forests without concern for our supply line. Yes, it's tiresome, but it's doable. It's nothing compared to the backbreaking work of tending to crops."

Nods of agreement came from the circular formation around him.

With everyone's attention, Lansius continued, "Each person should carry spare clothes, a blanket, warm attire, foot wraps, and flour. Depending on their group, they're also to share tent gear, along with a cauldron, cooking utensils, medicine, and other mending tools."

The men were surprised at the volume of items they were expected to carry, items usually loaded onto the group's dedicated donkey or mule.

Noticing the men's reluctance, the Lord added, "This practice is well-known in my birthplace. A trained man will carry a bag twice this size, filled to the brim with food, water, and equipment, allowing him to march independently of any supply line for weeks."

Now, it was the command staff's turn to nod their heads. They were the ones who truly understood how such mobility and freedom of movement could impact warfare.

By not being tethered to a slow-moving supply line, a group could more easily set up ambushes, move faster to secure advantageous positions, impede the enemy's movement, or flank them unexpectedly. Along with the mobile dragoon forces, this agility and freedom would prove invaluable when utilized correctly and with synergy.

"This setup also enables you to cook and survive on your own if you get lost, or if need be, when we are defeated and you find yourselves in a rout," the Lord added, ever so casually.

The notion of facing defeat spurred protests from the men. After the initial shock, expressions of warm support poured in.

"We're with you, My Lord. There won't be a rout with you in the lead," one shouted.

"We might not be Korelians, but the Nicopolans will prove their worth in battle," another man beside Servius voiced his determination.

Lord Lansius offered a stiff smile. As he chose not to intervene, Sir Harold stepped forward and, with a single loud clearing of his throat, managed to silence the men. He then gazed upon the Lord politely.

"Gratitude, Sir," Lord Lansius expressed his thanks to his knight. Then, addressing his men, he continued, "Gentlemen, there's no harm in discussing defeat. Just like fear, we must embrace and understand it. Do you know that defeat and retreat are the greatest strategies of them all?"

The Lord's unexpected question caused everyone to ponder. To them, talking about defeat and retreat was such a taboo that nobody dared utter it. The noblemen were especially sensitive to these words, fearing they would destroy morale or lessen the men's bravery.

Yet, ever unorthodox, Lord Lansius broached the subject of defeat and retreat with a straight face and calm demeanor. Expectation and anticipation ran high; many believed the Lord aimed to impart something valuable for the upcoming campaign.

***