Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

153  Captain Zahra

As the sun set and the moon's gentle glow shone across the land, casting shadows all over, Henry's voice cut through the air - "Spread the word" - he commanded, his eyes fixed on the horizon - "We make camp here tonight. Tomorrow, we march to Mirante for supplies."

In a few minutes, the ten thousand-strong army came to seamless coordinated halt, without disturbing the orderly lines. Soon, tents were raised and the comforting glow of bonfires illuminated the faces of weary soldiers, warding off the chill of the night and offering a chance for a hot meal.

Around one such fire, a small group of soldiers sat huddled, their bowls of steaming food cradled in their hands. A mix of anxiety and anticipation covered their faces - "Dig in" - a long dark-haired woman said - "We won't have such comforts once the real battle begins."

At her words, the soldiers exchanged worried glances - "Captain Zahra," one called respectfully, his grip tightening on his bowl - "What do you think we'll face on the battlefield?"

Zahra took a sip from her bow and met their gaze - "Is this your first battle?" - She asked, only to seem them nod their heads with a mixture of fear and shame, unable to look directly at her. The General left her with a few greenhorns. Well, she couldn't ask much, since this was her first official mission as a leader. Zahra's expression softened. A leader must be patient and able to inspire calm into subordinates' hearts, the king always repeated these words during the commanders' training.

"My first battle was under his majesty's command himself" - she said, the soldiers leaning in eagerly to listen. Any story would have sufficed to lift their spirits, but one involving the king was even better. They wanted to listen about the great feats created by the legendary king.

"It was one, maybe two years ago" - Zahra continued, gazing into the fire's glow, like a lost soul trying to find a desolate memory. Soon, a mischievous smile covered her lips, the memory of those terrified faces etched in her mind.

"The king gathered a hundred of us against Luak's army of thousands" - She recounted, her hand gesturing as if rapidly slashing a sword in the air, fighting against invisible arrows and blades - "He led us through the forest to hunt hundreds of them down."

"I can still see that beautiful sword cutting through the enemies, creating a river of blood beneath the king's feet. No one could lay a finger on him. He just dashed into the enemies' ranks and slashed his sword, beheading half a dozen in a single attack." - Zahra continued, her voice filled with reverence, her words able to paint a vivid picture of the chaos of the battle, the clang of steel and the painful cries of the fallen etched in her mind - "They had no time to evade or fight back, falling to the king's sword without the time to scream. It was like seeing a Sanguinary Wolf hunting down Snow Rabbits. We followed right behind, but could only get the king's leftovers. He was like an appex predator."7

As Zahra's story unfolded, the soldiers leaned even closer, captivated by the narrative. Nearby, other soldiers paused in their tasks, their ears perking up as they listened attentively. They could almost see the king's tall figure, stained with blood, amidst the sounds of clashing steel and agonized cries. It gave them chills, even the smell of blood seemed to invade their nostrils. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"We were only a hundred against thousands, but we didn't lose a single soul. Not until we marched up that mountain…" - Zahra's voice trailed off, her gaze dropping to the bowl in her hands, before taking a big gulp - "Anyway, finish your food and get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day" - She said, refusing to utter another word, leaving all listeners wishing to hear more about it.

The soldiers exchanged glances, respecting and sensing the weight behind Zahra's silence, before obediently turning their attention to their meals. After finishing their soup, they settled down by the comforting glow of the bonfire, drifting into sleep. But Zahra remained awake, her mind going back towards the happening of that day. She could still see Grok's bloody figure holding the enemy's ankle, allowing her to kill him. And, if not for his sacrifice, hundreds of others should have died.

"I have been training nonstop for the last years"- Zahra muttered to herself, her fingers tracing the contours of the longbow resting on her lap - "I am sure that I can hit even a flying bird in the sky. I won't miss this time." she vowed, her eyes settling on her sleeping subordinates - "I am your captain, I won't let you die."

-x-

The fire crackled, creating four long shadows on the snowy ground, Henry sat with his back against a tree, absentmindedly tending to the flames and allowing the warm glow to reach him and the other three figures.

"My liege, wouldn't it be wiser to confront them directly, with our full force?" - Luther inquired, unable to fully comprehend the plan.

"It's the best course of action" - Henry replied, his tone firm as he traced lines in the snow with a twig - "Once we reach Mirante, our forces will split. I'll lead four thousand soldiers to Aritreia, aiming to seize control swiftly. Olaro will accompany me in this mission. Meanwhile, Luther, your task will be to create small skirmishes on their northern borders, but avoid large-scale battles. It will force them to move their forces North, leaving the other borders without protection."

"Then, after capturing Aritreia, we'll strike Luak from the weakened left flank"- Henry continued, outlining the strategy.

"I understand the plan" - Luther acknowledged, his years of military experience allowing him to easily understand the plan - "But wouldn't a direct assault with our full strength be more effective?"

"A frontal assault might lead to unnecessary casualties and play into Luak's hands. Our strategy aims to outmaneuver and weaken him before delivering a decisive blow. It's a calculated risk, but one I believe will give us the upper hand in the long run." - Henry said - "Furthermore, I can't underestimate them. Another mage might appear."