"Great results can be achieved with small forces.”
-Sun Tzu
Under the vast expanse of the medieval sky, Mengus and his party embarked on a journey to Ors Hall.
Ors Hall is a town of the Kingdom Of Valdia. It is one of the few towns in the Valdian kingdom that was founded after the seizure of the land from the Empire. This valley was once an isolated holdout of Barranians, a lake in a volcanic caldera that was said to be the seat of a giant. The Barranian tribes were driven inland, and took their legends with them.
A group of soldiers patrolling the road passed by them. Clad in sturdy chainmail and with tabards bearing the insignia of their lord, they marched in precise formation. They carried a well-maintained weapon, ranging from swords and axes to spears. Their helmets obscured much of their faces, but the leader of the patrol had a slightly more ornate helmet and a distinctive cloak.
The realm was on the brink of war, tensions hung heavy in the air. Villages were warry and didn't let just anyone enter, and increased number of patrols conveyed a clear message, the war is just about to start. Looming shadows of impending battle painted the whole continent.
Amidst the mounting tension of impending war, Mengus and Saraphine found a quiet moment to share their thoughts.
Mengus, glancing at the horizon, broke the silence. "War is upon us. The signs are everywhere - the clash of arms, the rallying of banners. The realms holds its breath, awaiting the storm."
Saraphine, her eyes reflecting the uncertainty of the times, responded, "You are right. It is just matter of time before someone attacks."
Saraphine, observing the soldiers disappearing into the distance, turned to Mengus with a questioning look. "Are you considering joining the army?"
Mengus chuckled. "Nope, not a chance, armies and politics are not my game. My sights are set on a different battlefield - the arena. Right now, all I want is to ascend the ranks and become the number one champion, leaving my mark in the history for ever."
She nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "A singular focus, then. May the arena gods favor your quest, Mengus."
Mengus arrived at the village of Athelaim, seeking to replenish their supplies for the journey. However, the grim atmosphere was very evident. The looming war had taken its toll, leaving the village in a very weird place. The marketplace, usually bustling with activity, was eerily quiet. Shelves that once held provisions were empty, and the usual sounds of trade were replaced by hushed whispers of concern. The army's presence had disrupted the normal flow of life, leaving the village devoid of the usual resources.
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In search of respite, they made their way to the local tavern. The wooden door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior. The air was thick with tension as villagers huddled in quiet conversations, casting wary glances at the armored figures among them.
Mengus approached the tavern keeper, a weathered individual whose eyes reflected the weariness of the times. "Any recruits or supplies to spare?" Mengus inquired, but the tavern keeper shook his head.
"Sorry, traveler. The army has claimed what little we had. No recruits, no supplies. Best find what you seek elsewhere," he muttered, a tinge of regret in his voice.
Still, the night was approaching so they decided to rest here for the night. Mengus found Saraphine and some others in the corner table and he joined them. The army was slowly leaving the village, they were headed somewhere else.
After couple of hours, the tranquility was shattered by blood-curdling screams that echoed through the village. Without a moment's hesitation, they leaped to their feet, their instincts tuned to the impending danger.
As they stepped outside, the flickering light of flames danced high in the night sky. Several buildings were ablaze, and the unsettling glow cast shadows that danced on the streets. The village was under attack.
Mengus and Saraphine exchanged a determined glance and without a word, raced towards the nearest source of danger. Looming figures came into view – looters, taking advantage of the unrest to pillage and destroy.
The clash erupted on the streets of Athelaim. Heavily outnumbered, Mengus didn't really know what to do.
His mind raced, tactical options flashing before him. With a calm yet determined demeanor, Mengus issued swift commands to his party. "Form a tight defensive circle! Protect each other's backs, and stay close. Saraphine, hold the right flank. Archers, focus on thinning their numbers. We fight smart, not hard."
"All those "wasted" hours inside the video game don't look so wasted now mom, right?!" Mengus laughed a tiny bit. "Not the time for that, if I get out of here alive, I'll enjoy it."
The defenders, though heavily outnumbered, assumed a disciplined formation. Saraphine, her sword poised, took her position with unwavering resolve. Archers, arrows at the ready, aimed for the looters' vulnerable spots.
The clash erupted as the looters closed in, their sheer numbers testing the defenders' mettle. Swords met shields, arrows found their marks, and the battlefield became a chaotic dance of steel and shouts.
Mengus, relying on his tactical prowess, sought to exploit weaknesses in the looters' approach. "Footmen, brace yourselves! Hold the line," he shouted amidst the tumult.
They managed to hold the line for what seemed to be hours, then they heard horses approaching. It was more of his party members that came rushing to help.
Mengus remained vigilant, adapting his tactics on the fly. "Cavalry, prepare for a decisive charge on my mark. We'll break through their flank and create an opening. Ready... charge!"
The cavalry thundered into action, a surge of armored might crashing into the looters' side. The impact disrupted their formation, creating a temporary advantage for the defenders.
The looters began to waver. Mengus, seizing he moment, rallied his party for another push. They managed to repel the looters, driving them back into the shadows.
Breathing heavily, Mengus surveyed the battlefield. The defenders, though weary, stood victorious against the odds. Dead bodies on the floor, mostly from the looters, their blood painting a surprisingly pretty picture of victory. The night, once echoing with the chaos of battle, now settled into an uneasy calm.
"Well done, my companions," Mengus praised, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction in his voice. "Let this be a testament to the strength that can be found in unity and strategic prowess. We stand triumphant!"