Broken Dragon Fortress was built on the Northern Plains, the border between Constellation and Eckstedt. The main body of the fortress was located on a highland, only a few hundred meters away from the border between the two countries as stipulated in the 'Fortress Treaty'.
The Third Peninsular War more than three hundred years ago created the legend of Chara, Kaplan, and Midier, the 'Three Heroes' of the Western Humans. However, after the war ended, Eckstedt's hero, Chara, and Constellation's Oath Keeper, Midier, broke off their friendship and broke up their brotherhood, which caused countless historians and bards to lament. It also caused the alliance between the Great Dragon and Constellation to turn against each other.
Hence, Broken Dragon Fortress was built on the border between the two countries. This was a building that had both political and military purposes. Twelve years ago, the famous' Fortress Treaty 'between Constellation and Eckstedt was signed here.
The Northern Plains, which stretched for several miles, was the only place between the two countries that could bypass the snow and pine forests and send a large number of troops to the border. However, the defenders of Broken Dragon Fortress could clearly see any troop of more than ten people from Eckstedt's side on the plains. On Constellation's side, the Arunde Family's Cold Castle and the Zemunto Family's Overwatch City were in the southwest, while the Friess Family's Lonely Old Tower was in the east. All three parties could rush to the fortress' aid at any time. If any castle was in danger of being besieged, Broken Dragon Fortress could also send a timely warning.
Broken Dragon Fortress was not a lone fortress. It was formed by the largest and most sturdy main body of the star-shaped fortress on the highland, eight medium-sized fortresses that guarded the periphery and provided cover for each other, and twelve simple sentry posts further away. To take down Broken Dragon Fortress meant that they had to charge through countless trenches and barricades, remove the threat of crossbows in the eight medium-sized fortresses, and then follow the only three narrow slopes to reach the main body of the fortress. They had to brave the bombardment of the Mystic Guns on the star-shaped convex wall and launch a siege against the fortress walls that were more than ten meters tall with limited terrain.
If the army bypassed the fortress and went straight south to the important cities of Constellation, then this fortress that could accommodate ten thousand people, had sufficient supplies, and could be used by the garrison to attack at any time would instantly become a major threat, like a thorn in the back.
When Eckstedt's Archduke of Black Sand Region, the forty-one-year-old Chapman Lampard looked up at the giant that was easy to defend but difficult to attack from the north of the fortress under the moonlight, the sense of threat that Broken Dragon Fortress gave him was especially strong.
Since twelve years ago, when he had a fair duel with his older brother in front of his father and the entire family, and pierced his older brother's heart to win the right to inherit Black Sand Region, Chapman Lampard's ambition grew uncontrollably. For example, he wanted to bring the glory of the common-elected king into the Lampard Family's embrace, turn Eckstedt's capital into Black Sand City, and bring Constellation's Northern Territory under his jurisdiction so that the ancient Northland territories that were scattered between the two countries could be reunited.
The archduke himself wore a thick robe lined with heavy chain armor. He rode on a sturdy Northland horse, and the knights behind him held flags that were painted with the image of an iron fist that represented the Lampard Family. Not far behind them were densely packed military camps. From time to time, small groups of sentinel riders or infantry troops who received missions would leave the camps and cross the border without a care in the world.
A strong and heroic knight in gray helmet — Lord Tolja, one of Eckstedt's Five War Generals, galloped over from the front. He reined in his horse in front of Lampard and bowed respectfully.
Lampard nodded without any expression on his face.
"Regardless of whether it is the merchant groups, hunters, supplies, or the other party's patrols, we have already cleared all of them and placed our scouts there. If Cold Castle's Arunde and the other two families come to reinforce us, we will know immediately …" The knight in gray helmet, Tolja, said in a low voice, "Are we really going to attack?"
"Of course! We have more than thirteen thousand men. We have light cavalry scouts, heavy knights, elite light axemen, double-handed heavy swordsmen, and enough archers. We have also prepared Mystic Guns, catapults, and other siege weapons. "The person who answered him was a knight in plate armor behind Archduke Lampard. He was the archduke's supporter and the archduke's number one vassal, Count Levan." We have the advantage in terms of both quantity and quality. Defeating them will be a piece of cake! "
"That is a field battle. But as long as they are holed up in Broken Dragon Fortress, it will be difficult for us to win easily." Tolja shook his head. "Since the fall of the previous time, they have strengthened their fortifications. I suspect that they have equipped half of the Mystic Guns and city-guarding crossbows in the kingdom … Forcefully attacking the city will only bring about huge casualties."
'Also.
As long as those two people are still in Broken Dragon Fortress, even if the enemy is a motley crew, we still need to be extremely vigilant, 'Tolja thought to himself.
Dressed in plate armor, Count Levan's expression was firm. "We have mobilized so many troops, it is impossible for us to return empty-handed … If we can occupy Broken Dragon Fortress, I think we can accept some casualties.
"Our enemy is not only the fortress, but also the weather …"
The few of them turned their heads and saw Archduke Lampard's strategist and strategist, Viscount Kentvida, riding his horse towards them. "The Day before the Bitter Cold Winter will come earlier than usual. It is not a good time to advance. The delivery of supplies is not optimistic. Once the siege fails, the war will be at a stalemate … If we wait until spring, we will have a greater chance of taking down the fortress."
"It is precisely because we do not have enough supplies that we need to end the war quickly!" Count Levan still insisted. "Fighting in winter is our advantage! The Constellatiates are hit harder by winter. Twelve years ago, we attacked the fortress at this time.
"That winter was the warmest in decades!" Tolja shook his head solemnly. "Also, at that time, they could not even take care of themselves. There were no reinforcements in the Northern Territory, but at that time, we gathered the armies of seven archdukes.
"Moreover, we could only replenish our supplies on the spot after we have breached the fortress and moved south."
Archduke Lampard slowly raised a hand and stopped his three subordinates from arguing.
"What happened after that?" The archduke's voice was dull and hoarse. It had a power that could make people calm down without them realizing it.
"King Nuven's envoy has arrived. We cannot hold him back for too long. After all, we are mobilizing our troops in the name of avenging Prince Moriah." Viscount Kentvida bowed. "Moreover, I heard that the Prince of Constellation is on his way and will arrive soon."
Lampard pondered and asked, "Prestige Orchid Region's Olsius and Reformation Tower's Trentida Family have not replied? As archdukes of southern Eckstedt, they should have enough benefits to mobilize their troops. "
"They must have received news of the Prince of Constellation's envoy," Viscount Kentvida answered seriously. "Even though they have the benefits of taking over the Northern Territory, their hesitation and hesitation will not be any less than that of the other archdukes.
"We … I am afraid we have to rely on ourselves."
After a while.
Archduke Lampard exhaled and looked at the Broken Dragon Fortress opposite him. He sighed.
"Rely on ourselves?
"Sasere — that woman only has around eight hundred men, but there are at least three hundred elite veterans from the Starlight Brigade among them. They are experts at galloping on horseback and fierce soldiers at attacking and defending the city. All of you have fought against her, so you know better than anyone else.
"Murkh has just arrived with more than two thousand men. Although most of them are garrison soldiers who have never seen blood, that man is too terrifying. As long as there are five hundred loyal and unafraid of sacrificing swords and shields, he can cause great trouble on the battlefield.
"There are also thousands of vassal troops who have rushed over from the Northern Territory. Although they are at odds with the fortress because of Arunde's imprisonment, and most of them have already withdrawn, Arunde's only daughter is still in the fortress. According to the scouts' investigation, at least five hundred of them are still there.
"Without the other archdukes' military forces, it will be very difficult for us to take down the Broken Dragon Fortress."
Archduke Lampard's words made the three of them fall silent for a while.
"Three thousand people squeezed into one fortress." Count Levan frowned and said, "With the pitiful level of supplies in the Northern Territory, how long can they last?"
"That fortress was built according to the standard of ten thousand people. It has enough supplies to last until the Day Before the Bitter Cold Winter." Viscount Kentvida shook his head.
"With all due respect, as the party besieging the fortress, our supply pressure is much greater than theirs. Twelve years ago, all of Eckstedt was behind us, but now, because that damned prince is coming to apologize … We are isolated and helpless, just like the Northern Territory."
"In less than two weeks, the Day Before the Bitter Cold Winter will arrive." Tolja also nodded and agreed with the Wise General's words. "In a situation where we can't wait for a good opportunity, I don't recommend attacking forcefully.
"When that prince arrives, all the more we can't send out our troops!" Count Levan said indignantly, "In another ten years, Constellation will slowly recover from its weakened state, and the other countries will also be free from their own troubles. Also …"
He paused for a moment.
'If Nuven the Seventh can't live until then …
'Eckstedt might have to choose a king.'
"Are we going to give up on this opportunity?" Count Levan said hatefully.
The three of them did not speak.
"No." Chapman Lampard exhaled softly and stared at the fortress in front of him. "We are Northlanders."
Lampard thought of his elder brother.
He thought of his elder brother's gaze as he gripped his sword with his blood-stained hands and laughed boldly as he died.
"Northlanders never wait for opportunities, nor do they give up on opportunities."
Archduke Lampard turned his head. His unsmiling face revealed a coldness that was colder than the weather.
"We create opportunities."
The moon had already set in the west.
Broken Dragon Fortress was in front of them. Its magnificent star-shaped outline could already be vaguely seen under the moonlight.
Thales looked at Sonia and Aida, who were watching vigilantly from afar. He then turned towards Katerina, who was surrounded by the elite warriors of Broken Dragon Fortress, and the two Blood Clan warriors who were only found after the battle behind her.
"Are you sure you want to leave now?" Thales furrowed his brows as he looked at Katerina. "Perhaps the Blood Mystic is waiting on the way back."
Katerina still had that indifferent expression on her face as she shook her head. "Now is the best time to leave. At least the Blood Mystic will not dare to stay too close."
"It's too risky," Thales said seriously. "You know, the Blood Mystic came for the black coffin …"
"Believe me, since the Blood Mystic has already appeared and brought such great trouble, there will be people who will take care of her whereabouts and goals … such as your Secret Intelligence Department," Katerina said coldly. "Although Mystics are terrifying, there are still powers in the world that can restrain them."
"You are talking about the legendary anti-mystic equipment?" Thales pondered and said, "But after all, they are rare and there are only a few of them …"
"You are still young, there are still many secrets that you do not know." Katerina's words made Thales scratch his head. "You only need to know that every time a Mystic appears in public, it is a risk. After that, there will be a long period of silence and hiding. What threatens them is not only the legendary anti-mystic equipment."
The two of them stared at each other for a second.
"Alright, since you insist." Thales sighed. "You must know that the supreme class beside you has died in battle. Serena may still be hiding in the dark, eyeing you covetously. Besides, you are escorting the legendary anti-mystic equipment after all … "
Thinking of Hestad and Simon, Katerina's gaze dimmed. But she immediately raised her head.
"I long for Serena to appear." The Night Queen revealed a hateful gaze. "As for the Dark Night Black Coffin, perhaps many forces hope to obtain a legendary anti-mystic equipment. But rest assured, among those who understand its value and origin, no one would have the guts to covet the Dark Night Black Coffin, except for the terrifying Mystics."
'No.'
Katerina secretly said in her heart, 'Perhaps those relatives in Grand Banquet Hill are the exceptions.
After all, guarding the Dark Night Black Coffin can be said to be the oath of all Blood Clansmen. '
Thales rolled his eyes. 'Another secret that I do not know?'
He nodded.
"Even though our misfortune today can be considered to be due to each other, including the debt of blood, hatred, and favors, I still hope that we do not become enemies. Of course, it is best that we do not meet again in the future."
Katerina stared at him fixedly for a few seconds.
It was so long that Thales raised his eyebrows.
"Do you know," Katerina said quietly, "perhaps we can really become allies."
Thales widened his eyes.
"I heard Serena's words," the Night Queen said flatly. "The structure of the continent has changed. You are in contact with the Mane's Night Dynasty, and Eckstedt is on good terms with Hanbol. Since Constellation is destined to be enemies with Hanbol, then we have a common enemy."
Thales furrowed his brows.
'I almost forgot.
This is a queen. '
"After we form an alliance, we will rope in the Mist Islands' merfolk leader. That way, it is not impossible to chase away Hanbol and the Trade Federation's whaling ships and turn the Southern Sea of Eradication into our inland sea.
"Think about the Eternal Oil that Hanbol and the Trade Federation have embezzled together —"
"Please, because of your dear sister." Thales exhaled and shook his head with lingering fear. "Right now, I really have a deep fear of the word 'ally'.
"For your own good, and for my own good, can we talk about this when I grow up a little?"
Katerina, who was inexplicably interrupted, was stunned for a moment. She could not close her parted lips in time.
When he saw those lips, for some reason, Thales remembered how they tasted.
'Ahem.'
Thales patted his head and chased the messy thoughts out of his mind.
He had enough troubles, and he could not even take care of himself.
The Night Queen, who had always been unsmiling, suddenly curled up the corners of her lips slightly.
Thales was a little surprised. It was the first time he saw the unsmiling Katerina reveal a smile.
"I am sorry."
Thales raised his brows. "What did you say?"
Katerina could be heard saying slowly, "When you stretched your neck over … My original plan was to suck all of your blood dry."
Thales quivered. "What?"
"After all, we have already formed a grudge in the previous battle." Katerina returned to her ice-cold expression and continued to speak.
Thales felt a chill run down his spine as he watched the queen narrate how she wanted to suck him dry. "As long as I get rid of Serena, then go back and annihilate the rest of your subordinates and clean up the traces, no one will know the reason for the Prince of Constellation's death except for Covendier."
Thales revealed a look of disbelief.
'Is this … The Farmer and the Snake …'
"But your life is very tenacious. You did not die of blood loss like I expected."
Katerina said coldly, "So, my attempt to kill you failed. I think you have the right to know about this."
Thales' expression changed several times. He sensed the weakness in his body and touched the two holes on his neck that had already closed. Then, he raised his head and stared at Katerina with a surprised and furious expression.
"You …" Thales furrowed his brows and said furiously, "And Serena … Both of you are truly a pair of good sisters!"
However, Katerina only stared at him quietly. Her gaze was complicated.
"No, please take my honesty as the sincerity of an alliance. I did not hide anything from you, and I do not intend to hide anything from you. This is something that Serena, who has been acting all her life, could never do."
The queen nodded slightly. "If this can dispel your wariness … and build a foundation of trust for our possible alliance in the future …"
Thales was momentarily stunned. For a moment, he did not know how to reply.
He furrowed his brows and said, "You told me that you once wanted to kill me, and then said that this is your sincerity, and that you hope that I will trust you?"
"Don't you think that something is not quite right?" Thales said mockingly.
"I believe that you are mature enough to be able to tell whether I am being insincere or sincere," Katerina said plainly, "You must know that I have never treated you as a child."
Thales was speechless for a moment.
However, he could not help but feel angry when he recalled his experience of almost being sucked dry.
Thales snorted and said in a vengeful tone, "Oh, speaking of this, was that your first kiss?"
Katerina's pupils suddenly contracted.
Her expression instantly turned cold and she said in a chilly voice, "What did you say?"
Her purple eyes stared straight at Thales.
Under the queen's murderous gaze, Thales immediately felt his scalp go numb.
It was only when he saw the soldiers and the two supreme class elites around him that he felt slightly at ease.
"I mean, some readers want to know, ahem, no, many people from the Eastern Peninsula seem to be very concerned about this, so …" Thales scratched his head awkwardly. "I want to know if I have offended you in any way so that I can apologize …"
"No, of course not," Katerina said coldly, "Do you think I am some teenage girl who has just experienced her first awakening of love?
"First kiss? Childish!
The years I have lived are longer than all of your ancestors combined! "
'These words sound a little familiar.'
Thales shrugged and scratched his head in slight embarrassment.
'Oh, an ice queen like you would also have a first love?'
He looked at Katerina's cold, ice-cold face and stuck out his tongue.
'Your first love, haih, I can only say … that person is really pitiful.'
"Alright." Thales sighed. He immediately raised his head and said solemnly, "I wish everything goes well."
'Never see her again.' He added in his heart.
Katerina stared at him in silence. Suddenly, she extended her hand towards him and passed him a bracelet with two fangs strung on it.
The fangs looked fierce and unadorned. There were fine blood-colored patterns on them.
They looked like a souvenir from a previous life.
Thales widened his eyes and looked at her in puzzlement.
"This is the Corleone Family's keepsake, the Blood Fangs …" Her Majesty Katerina said with a stern expression, "If you come around one day … bring it to me.
However, it is not a good reputation among the humans to form an alliance with a long-lived race … Before you make up your mind, please keep this a secret from the others. I suggest that you personally keep this keepsake. "
Thales furrowed his brows. In the end, he still sighed and casually grabbed the fangs bracelet.
'I'll throw it away when I get back.'
Thales thought to himself.
"Be careful on your way back," he said in his heart.
"Take care, little Prince Thales." Katerina nodded expressionlessly. She turned around and walked towards her subordinates and the black coffin.
"Do not forget that this is the inland sea that belongs to us."
Thales rolled his eyes behind her back.
In the next moment, the Night Queen and her subordinates disappeared from his sight along with the black coffin.
Thales sighed emotionally for a second before he turned around and left.
At this moment, the Blood Clan's unique secret voice transmission faintly flew into his ears.
"But that was indeed my first kiss with a member of the opposite sex."
Thales shuddered and staggered!
'Didn't we agree that this is not the world of the Little White Literature?'
He sighed and looked into the darkness where Katerina left.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
