Nicolai wasn't mad. No, just— Eh, whom is he kidding. Yes, he is actually pretty mad at his superiors and blames them for all this mess - or at the very least most of it.

Ever since the end of the war with the goblin 'empire' and changes that came with it, things were never the same.

New policies implemented by the royal family after crown prince Dominic took over the throne were making him pull his hair in frustration. He can understand a new monarch trying to strengthen his rule and diminish the influence of the east on their nation - but at what cost?

With the raising power of the western kingdoms and the Empire to the east they were always stuck between a rock and a hard place, there was no way for their small kingdom to not pick sides... But when the goblins came from the north everyone united - and despite the horrors of war, things seemed to turn for the better. All of the people cooperated to push back the savages.

And now?

Not asking for assistance, dismissing the raising threat to keep appearances of control and keeping the public oblivious...

Making his way across the camp towards the command tent, he nods back to the soldiers saluting their officer. It's fine, after all the risk of assassination is minimal considering our current enemies - yet it shows just how badly things deteriorated in the army after just a few short years since reorganization.

Getting rid of the old veterans that could keep an eye on fresh recruits is never a good idea.

-Damn politics.

Weakening our kingdom when those incompetent sycophants - that are only looking to further their own interest, got their hands on power. Straining relations with our allies when they are no longer needed, and for what? In the name of protecting our values and liberties - now that's a good joke. Nicolai is young, not stupid.

Is the west that much more appealing? They'd better stop this nonsense, no matter how much gold they are getting.

The camp is a hive of activity as people prepare for the battle to come; messengers are running to and fro carrying orders, sergeants are drilling their teams and checking equipment, while mages prepare their magic rituals; a bard is rising the soldiers morale with an inspiring melody that fills wary hearts with courage.

-This is going to be a big one. It took time to gather all those forces.

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Personally he would have preferred they retreated behind the walls, those were built for a reason - and he is not the only one, but that is not going to pass. -Orders are orders. Looking towards the city and the highway leading towards it, young lieutenant can see a stream of refugees kicking up clouds of dust; seeking shelter inside the fortifications as they are running in the wake of the incoming horde. Many of them barely managing to save their lives, escaping with naught but a shirt on their backs.

People are hungry, and there is so many of them... We simply cannot allow for a siege.

He hastens his step; there is an important report that needs to reach the general as fast as possible, and it was left to him to deliver it. Nicolai can't help but wonder if the old man, who somehow avoided the purge, already knew about what's contained inside.

If that is the case, how did he learn about it? -Yet it would explain a lot about the decisions made.

Nearing the tent he is happy to note, that the old rugged vets from general Alexander's personal guard know better than to salute to him out in the open. There is still some hope left for them all.

He can already hear the argument happening inside and his face sours. Nobles who bought their way into the high ranking position within the military, hoping for cozy and easy positions after the war was over, are now stuck here with the soldiers. And they try everything to make sure everyone around, is as miserable as them.

"—No, I can't agree with that. Meeting them in the open field is insane, we need to-"

"Watch your tone colonel, this was not a suggestion. That was an order." Deep voice of the general cuts of the protests from yet another fool.

Those proud pricks though that the army could become their playground. Now having to put themselves at risk - on the front lines where their own lives are at stake, they start to show true colors.

They kept arguing for the whole day.

The report he carries should shut them up for good. And damn, does it bring him satisfaction to be there and witness that. Barging inside he salutes their commander and presents the rolled up documents.

"General, the newest reports from our scouts just came in."

Two freshly minted, high ranking officers are red from indignation; when he showed up they glared sending daggers his way at the interruption. But he pays them no mind.

"At ease." Unfurling the parchment a smirk shows up on the gruff mans face. "Good news gentlemen-"

-Yes, those are the best news we could hope for in the current situation. According to his scout teams; ever since two days ago the dead were no longer raising freely.

The fallen weren't joining the ranks of the undead anymore and destroyed enemies stayed down, not reanimating once again even without a priests' intervention. The mages confirmed that the negative energies that accompanied the horde were also in decline.

Not just those marching their way. For weeks now the necromantic activity all over the kingdom was increasing. Priests and clerics were overburdened and rumors indicate that it's not just happening here in Kora.

Whatever changed, they had to take advantage of the situation, the sudden weakness. Meeting the main army of dead in the field as soon a possible and destroying it should be their main objective.

The advance of those cursed abominations will be stopped here, and they will then pursue all the smaller groups that went to ravage the countryside.

Before the next day is over, the fields in front of Edentown will be littered with bones.

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