One week, that’s all we have for now. If we are to thrift it, we could probably last for two but we’ll have to retreat after. Governor Janus should arrive by then, but the chances of us actually making it that long is slim.
As the Commander of all Lorrainean forces in the City, I called an emergency meeting between my staff as well as those of Rhapsody’s. Their General, Lord Forebuy, was a decorated sailor back in the day, so I’m not certain of how good he is in terms of sieges. Still, I have to put my absolute faith in everyone if we want to win this battle.
“We only have to hold it for the week,” Lord Forebuy said. “After then, we can escape just as initially planned.”
He’s right, just because Governor Caelum bailed on us doesn’t mean the plan is a failure. Still, something doesn’t sit right in me with regards to that plan. There hasn’t been any update since Lord Caelum left, so I’m not certain how far away his army is at the moment.
“No, we should hold for as long as possible!” That chime was from Valent. The boy could be quite bold at times, though not necessarily in a good way. “Kyther is expecting no resistance at all! That means they would have come here unprepared.”
Lord Forebuy was less than amused. “Know your place, boy! You’re a mere Captain. That your Lord has seen fit to invite you should be honor enough, so don’t sully the discussion with your senseless thoughts!”
I’d have to agree with the Lord on this one, not because Valent’s speaking out of turn but that his current input was senseless. It’s not like there’s no logic behind his thinking, but I’m certain the enemy will be prepared for a long siege regardless of whether or not Kyther expects resistance.
However, there is something I agree with him on. “He’s right, we should hold on to Figaro.”
Lord Forebuy furrowed his brow on my comment. “Have you lost your mind, boy? This city is impossible to hold! The only thing we can hope for is to inflict heavy casualties on Kyther and retreat.”
“No…” I gave it a second thought, but then I decided to double down. “You’re right, it’s impossible to hold this city as is. However, I do believe that we have something up our sleeve. “Lord Forebuy, can you tell me all about the forests surrounding us?”
The Terras woods is an extensive forest that surrounds Figaro and the region as a whole. It’s been called an impenetrable fortress on its own, but the roads established to travel makes it trivial in this day and age. However, there’s still plenty you can do within.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
***
Alexia
The rhythmic beating of drums filled the air as our soldiers marched through the Terras forrest. If the data is to be believed, we should arrive at Figaro City any time now. Well, all the data and predictions have been accurate so far. I guess there’s a reason they call that guy a genius, after all.
Eitherway, the mission is simple - capture the city as fast as possible and hold it until reinforcements arrive. At some point, Prince Eostar will surely sue for peace once he realizes that it’s hopeless. Still, allying with Lorraine and the United Kingdoms? That’s a pretty big deal if he can get Leonid to move away from his throne.
As was predicted by the Lord of War, the Lorraineans have retreated from Figaro as soon as they heard of the invasion of their own home. In fact, even those in Bohemia have disappeared as well. Sure, they could be headed here, but it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to change the outcome of the battle with a mere 10,000 soldiers. Not when I brought enough to conquer a city of 20,000.
Soon enough, one of the 5 Balloon Scouts deployed sent the signal that we’re fast approaching the city. That meant that the battle is almost upon us, and so I ordered my soldiers to begin spreading out into the forests. If we want to take Figaro, we’ll have to settle in a siege. To do that, we have to surround the city.
My army of 50,000 soldiers spread out as far as the eye can see. With this many, we’re certain to be able to envelop whatever city comes our way. There’s just no way they’d be able to withstand this siege.
“We’re under attack!” shouted someone.
I quickly looked over to where it came from. From where I stand, it looks like there’s a small commotion at my right flank. It didn’t seem like a major battle, so my lieutenant over there should be able to calm it quickly.
“We’re under attack!”
Another cry, this time from the left.
“What the hell…?” I muttered out loud. “Are they insane?”
Two small commotions appeared in two different parts of my army… no, I can hear more. More shouting. A dozen? Maybe more…
Little skirmishes appeared all over my army, then disappeared just as quickly, leaving one or two dead. Their fast movements meant we didn’t have time to react, and soldiers that gave chase were quickly killed.
I looked up at the balloon scouts to confirm their positions, but the canopies made it impossible to locate them once they fled.
“HALT!” I shouted. It’s the only order I can give at the moment… I don’t know where the enemy is, and I don’t know how many there are, but they surely can’t be more than what I have at the moment. “TURN! COVER ALL BASE!”
The soldiers turned around facing outside. It doesn’t matter where the enemies come from now when we can meet them from all directions.