At the capital, Riz sat in his office, contemplating the limited time available to recapture the lands that rightfully belonged to Barlia. His minister of war and defence, William Geoffrey, stood by his side.
"How long does it take for ships to reach Thyrate?" Riz asked.
William quickly calculated the estimated duration. "Approximately four to five days, Your Majesty," he replied.
Riz's brow furrowed, his mind racing with the impending deadline. "So, we probably have around a week or two before the treaty possibly reaches a consensus. Depends whether their prince wants to meet with our representative or not," he muttered.
He continues, "There's not much time left, and we must act swiftly before it's too late," he declared firmly.
Turning to his minister, Riz asked, "What about the prisoners of war? Do we get something from them?"
"Aside from Victor and Sarika, the rest of them cooperate with us to a certain degree. However, we believe there is still more to extract," William reported.
"Hmm, we can't wait for them any longer." He then issued a direct order. "William, send word to our army in Mezorin. Instruct them to launch an immediate attack on Dalfos. We will whatever information we have. We must seize back our lands with decisive force."
William nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will send the orders without delay," he affirmed, his voice reflecting the sense of urgency that permeated the king's office.
....
In the heart of Mezorin, Levi Owen stood in his war tent. His brow furrowed with a mix of curiosity and concern. The news he had just received from the messenger had taken him by surprise.
"So, the king urges us to take Dalfos?" Levi asked, his tone laced with a combination of determination and uncertainty. His expression mirrored his conflicting emotions, displaying a mix of anticipation and weariness.
The messenger, having rushed to Mezorin without rest, nodded wearily. Fatigue marked his face and his breathing ragged, evidence of the urgency and importance of his mission. "Yes, you heard it right," he confirmed, his voice laden with exhaustion. "The king wants the army to reclaim Dalfos as swiftly as possible and prepare to breach Eikadir."
Levi's mind raced as he flipped the paper that comes with the messenger. It entailed all the information they possessed which was really helpful.
He had anticipated waiting for Bain's return before making their move, but the urgency from the capital now demanded immediate action. "That's faster than I expected," he murmured.
The messenger inquired, "Is there a problem, Commander?"
Levi shook his head. "No, not at all," he replied firmly. "I will move immediately. The soldiers have rested enough. It's time to fulfil our duty to the king and our homeland."
With resolve etched on his face, Levi issued the orders, signalling the army to prepare for the march towards Dalfos. And shortly thereafter, the soldiers marched in disciplined formation with their sights set on the city of Dalfos.
As they reached the intersection of the road, Levi halted the main force and called forth a portion of the soldiers. His voice carried authority as he issued his orders. "A detachment will move to the right and establish a camp there. We must block this path to ensure no remnants of the Barlian army can pass through and attack us from behind while we are engaged in capturing Dalfos."
The selected soldiers nodded, their expressions reflecting a deep understanding of the significance of their task. They knew that their mission held the key to the success of the overall campaign. Moreover, it was said that Cerdeauxia had aligned itself with Barlia in this war.
With a sense of purpose, they swiftly organized themselves and set off towards the designated location.
The soldiers braced themselves, aware that they might encounter skirmishes with Cerdeauxian forces on several occasions.
Meanwhile, Levi continued leading the main force towards Dalfos.
After a relentless march, they finally arrived at the outskirts of the city, where Levi halted his troops. He stood atop a small rise, his gaze fixed upon the silent and seemingly deserted city.
The city of Dalfos lay before them and was eerily quiet. There was no sign of movement or life within its walls, leaving Levi perplexed.
"Did they abandon this city?" he pondered aloud, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Turning to the soldiers behind him, Levi sought answers. "Is there anyone among you who are willing to volunteer to get closer and check the city?" he asked, his gaze scanning the faces of his men.
Amidst the silence, a soldier stepped forward, his hand raised in determination. "I'll go," he declared, his voice filled with conviction.
His comrades exchanged glances, acknowledging his bravery and the risks involved.
Levi nodded appreciatively, grateful for the soldier's willingness to take on the task. "Be cautious, comrade," he cautioned, his voice tinged with concern. "We don't know what awaits us within those walls. Gather as much information as you can and report back."
With a firm nod, the soldier equipped himself with the necessary gear and set off towards Dalfos.
However, after a few hours passed, the sky transitioned from blue to a fiery orange.
Levi gazed towards the city of Dalfos with a worried expression etched on his face. The passing hours had heightened his concern, for the soldier who had ventured into the city had not yet returned.
"Did he get killed?" Levi questioned aloud, his voice filled with a mix of worry and uncertainty. The fate of the soldier weighed heavily on his mind.
Levi contemplated sending more soldiers to investigate, ready to mobilize more of his forces to ensure the safety of their comrades and subsequently scout the city.
Before he could give the order, a figure emerged from afar, cutting through the fading light of the day.
As the figure drew closer, details became discernible. It was the soldier, walking steadily but with a weariness evident in his posture. A thin layer of dust clung to his clothes, evidence of his journey through the city.
Relief flooded Levi's features as he recognized their comrade returning unharmed. "I thought you were dead," Levi exclaimed, his voice a mix of relief and concern. "What took you so long?"
The soldier, still catching his breath, quickly explained the situation. "Apologies for the delay, Commander," he began, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "The city was truly abandoned. There was no sign of life within its walls."
Levi's eyebrows furrowed with intrigue as he listened intently. "Empty? Like a ghost town?" he probed, seeking further clarification.
The soldier nodded, his weariness evident in his features. "Exactly, Commander," he confirmed. "I went around, checking every corner, but it was as if the city had been deserted. The streets were devoid of any activity, the buildings stood silent and lifeless."
Levi's mind painted a vivid picture of the abandoned city, the echo of emptiness haunting his thoughts. "A ghost town," he murmured.
As the soldier continued his account, he described the remnants of crates scattered throughout the city, adorned with the unmistakable Barlian insignia. They stood as the only remnants of Barlia's presence in the deserted landscape.
ƥandasnovel.com "Hmm," Levi's gaze sharpened, "Perhaps Barlia saw Dalfos as a temporary jumping stage," he mused aloud. "A strategic position to launch attacks on Mezorin before shifting the centre of their military operations to newly captured Mezorin." he deduced.
The soldier nod, reflecting his agreement. "Considering the vast weaponry that the surrendered Barlia soldiers give up when we took over the city, it seems plausible."
Levi's lips curved into a brief smile, relieved by the realization. "Indeed," he acknowledged. "Nevertheless, this fact does make our job easier and the plan progress faster."
With the soldiers' attention fixed upon him, Levi began issuing his orders. "Soldiers! Apparently, we don't have to build a camp. The city has been abandoned. We will enter it and spend the night in Dalfos. Prepare to move in!"
The troops responded with a resounding "Yes, sir!"
To minimize any potential risks, Levi split the army into three groups, each tasked with entering Dalfos through different gates simultaneously.
This move aimed to ensure a controlled and efficient occupation of the city, reducing the chances of unexpected confrontations.
As they moved through the deserted streets, the soldiers stares at the empty buildings and streets. Levi's words lingered in the air, "The city was indeed empty," he murmured to himself, his gaze sweeping over the abandoned landscape.
With no immediate threats in sight, Levi allowed the soldiers to choose any house as their own sleeping spot, as long as they remained within a reasonable distance from the city centre.
Throughout the night, the soldiers found their own spots within the city, seeking shelter in abandoned homes, public buildings, and open squares.
The silence was only interrupted by the occasional rustle of bedding being arranged and the murmurs of quiet conversation as the troops settled into their chosen spaces.
On the same night, a letter was sent from Dalfos to Haugdak, informing the commanding officer there about their eventual arrival.
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