Perhaps sensing Lollister's sincerity, Freya accepted his invitation after some thought, "Lord Norton, I can temporarily serve you, but only in the war against Count Corbili. I want to avenge my adoptive mother's death. However, I hope you can promise me that you won't stop me and my family from leaving after the war ends. "
Lollister smiled, "Of course. Even if you don't agree to my request, you and your family will still be free to go wherever you want. I promise this in the name of the Norton Family. "
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Norton," Freya bowed his head to Lollister.
Lollister shook his hand, "Call me Locke. That's what all my friends call me."
Since he had already agreed to temporarily serve Lollister, Freya was very straightforward, "Lord Locke, you mentioned that you don't have enough manpower. Can you tell me the situation with your troops?"
Therefore, Laurist introduced how many people he had led to ambush and occupy Gerdos City, as well as the garrison platoon made of two slave soldiers. "That's the situation. Right now, we can still suppress the internal situation, but I'm worried that once Earl Corbili learns that Gerdos City has been occupied, he will immediately return and launch a counterattack. Since Gerdos City was so large, as long as Earl Corby gathered a platoon of Lancers and a battalion of Garrison, and asked his illegitimate children of the Gold rank to lead the charge, they would be able to take back Gerdos City with just one charge. After all, the two slave soldiers that were built in a hurry can only put on airs to scare the servants. They don't have much combat power at all. "
Freya understood what Lollister was trying to say. He turned to look at the entire camp, "Lord Locke, are you saying that you want them to move?"
Lollister smiled, "I heard from Charle that the people here are all veterans and garrison soldiers who have awakened impetus. That's why I want to rely on them to form a few temporary troops. I don't need them to be the main force against Count Corbili. I just need them to hold off the first few waves of attacks when Count Corbili returns, until my family's armed forces arrive. "
"I understand, Lord Locke. Don't worry. I've been in this camp for so long that I know what they're thinking. If it wasn't for their hatred for Count Corbili, they wouldn't have been imprisoned here. Even for those who had already left, they had only agreed to serve Earl Corbili against their will so that their loved ones would no longer suffer. They did not really want to risk their lives for him. Now they would be glad to know that Count Corbili was almost done for. They would be only too glad to add fuel to the fire. Believe me, I'll get them together. That guy said, where are you? Give me the key. Lord Locke, please wait for a while. There will be good news soon. " Freya snatched a bunch of keys from Tagger's hand. He was going to personally release the prisoners in the labor camp.
Tagger was a little unwilling to have the key taken away from him. He stood there muttering something.
Laurist looked at him. "Do you have something to say? Speak up if you must, Tuggle. "
Tagger looked at Laurist and hesitated. Finally, he said loudly, "Actually, we don't need these people to defend Gerdos. My Lord, if these laborers don't obey your orders, they will only add to your troubles … "
"Oh, Tagger. Tell me, what good idea do you have?" Laurist was very curious.
"My Lord, more than half of the garrison and lancer platoons that followed Count Corbili are new recruits. They have only served Count Corbili for less than two months. Their names are in the newly built Archduke's Mansion. You only need to control their families according to the names. If Count Corbili attacks Gerdos, you only need to place these families at the top of the city wall. I guarantee that Count Corbili's troops will be in chaos. They might even rebel on the spot. That way, my Lord, you can achieve victory without any effort … "Tagger said.
"Ugh …" Laurist did not expect the fierce-looking man in front of him to have such an effective idea. "Who else is in your family, Tagger? Tell me about your experience. "
Laurist's interest in this fierce-looking man was piqued.
"My Lord, there are only four people in my family. My mother, my silly wife, and my son. I also have a brother. He is a blacksmith. His family also lives in the city, and he is responsible for making weapons for the Count. My family has been the Count's tenant farmers since my grandfather's time. We were only free when my father became a garrison soldier. Later, my father died in the battle with the old Count to eliminate the mountain bandits. I took his place. After Count Corbili returned from the Imperial Capital, he vigorously expanded the military power in his territory. Then, I realized that something was wrong, so I spent a lot of money to get a position as a prison warden. Then, I worked until now, and became the warden of the hard labor camp. "Tagger honestly explained his family background.
"Do you know anything about Gerdos City?" Laurist asked.
"Of course, my Lord. To tell you the truth, there are few aspects of Gerdos City that I don't know." Tagger began to brag.
Of course, Laurist didn't believe him, so he began to interrogate Tagger. It turned out that Tagger knew every aspect of Gerdos City like the back of his hand. His saliva was flying everywhere, and he could even give a rough estimate of the amount of materials stored in some warehouses.
"Tagger, to be honest, you gave me a surprise. In fact, the way you just said to defend the city is indeed a good way. But there are some things that you can do that I can't. If I win according to your way, then I will tarnish the honor of a noble and lose the dignity of a knight. No noble is willing to win by threatening the families of the enemy's soldiers. That will be the shame of his family. So, I am very happy that you can come up with a good suggestion. Thank you very much. " Laurist said.
"My Lord, I didn't think it through. You know, I am just a rough man. I didn't think of defending the honor of a noble. It's my fault." Tagger said in fear.
"How about this. You will stay with me from now on. Of course, I will continue to the north after the things here are finished. At that time, you will also take your family with you and go with us. Hmm, your brother's family is also going north, "Laurist said.
"This, my Lord, can I say no?" Tagger's face was full of bitterness. He didn't think that his showing off would attract Laurist's attention and be chosen.
"Of course, but I won't agree," Laurist said with a smile.
At this time, the camp was filled with fire. The crowd was bustling like they were going to a market, and they gradually gathered at the small square in front of them. Rough laughter and cheers could be heard from time to time …
Laurist brought Tagger to the small square and saw Jost leading a large group of people.
Jost's face was flushed with excitement. He pulled Laurist and hurriedly introduced them, "My Lord, this is the garrison captain of Baron Umador's territory, this is the family's knight Linde, and these are the guards Hawke, Merris, Ayt, and Saybot … I thought they were all dead. I didn't expect them to be imprisoned here for more than half a year …"
Laurist couldn't help but nod and greet them. At this moment, Freya squeezed in, "My Lord, I've already explained the situation to them. They are all happy to serve you. Right, there are still many slaves in the slave camp outside that are their old subordinates. As long as they are given weapons and equipment, a large group of people can be formed immediately. "
"Thank you for your hard work, Freya. How about this, form a lancer platoon first, and then three garrison platoons. You will be the commander of these four platoons, and Jost will be your deputy. Arrange the candidates for each platoon first, and the garrison platoon will be selected from the slave camp outside. I need to form a fighting force as soon as possible. After the formation is complete, leave one garrison platoon to guard the camp. After all, everyone's family is temporarily staying here, and safety needs to be considered. The other three platoons will be stationed in the barracks in the city for recovery training. Do you think this will work? "Laurist made his decision.
Freya and Jost stood upright and placed their hands on their chests in a salute, "As you wish, my Lord."
"I'll have the weapons and equipment sent over quickly. Freya, Jost, I'll be troubling you here. If there's anything you need, send someone to report to me. "
"Yes, my Lord."
… …
Laurist brought Tagger back to the duke's mansion. Redi and Padt were very curious about Laurist's new bodyguard. Tagger, on the other hand, was a complete mess of vomiting. He was ordered to clean up the side hall, but he vomited as soon as he saw the scene of the massacre. Not only him, but a dozen slaves who received the same order also vomited everything they had just eaten.
"Damn, how are people supposed to eat like this?!" Laurist was very dissatisfied. He was just about to eat some porridge and roast some ribs to fill his stomach when he saw the group of people vomiting heavily outside.
"Redi, close the doors and windows." Laurist decided to ignore them, "Tell them to hurry up and clean up after they're done."
… …
After a busy night, Gerdos City was still the same as before. The flag with Count Corbili's bull head emblem was flying in the sky. To the residents of the city, apart from the many unfamiliar guards on the streets, there was also a ban on leaving the city. In addition, the slaves had also stopped their daily labor. It was said that they were going to catch spies and assassins who had infiltrated the city. Other than that, there was nothing out of the ordinary. No one knew that Gerdos City had changed hands overnight.
Everything was peaceful during the day …
It was another night. The main hall of the duke's mansion was brightly lit.
Laurist, Josk, Freia, Terman, Aire, Yuri, Tim, and a few other platoon jarls who were in charge of the newly formed unit were sitting around a round table with a map of animal skin on it. They were listening to the pale-faced Tagger talk about some of the Cobili Family's secrets.
"… Count Corbili had a total of 67 illegitimate children. Under the Count's careful training, 17 of them reached the Gold rank, and 38 of them reached the Silver rank. This happened ten years ago. Later, the Count took more than 30 illegitimate children to serve the eldest prince. Six of them were Gold rank and thirteen of them were Silver rank. But after he came back, one more Gold rank and five more Silver rank illegitimate children were promoted to the Gold rank in the past two years. But the Count didn't make it public. "
"Since the Count started the war against the nobles in his territory more than a year ago, two Gold rank and five Silver rank illegitimate children were killed. Including the two assassins that Knight Jost sneaked into Gerdos City to assassinate. Before the Count sent the troops to the western mountain area, he still had ten Gold rank and twenty-four Silver rank illegitimate children. In addition, there were nine illegitimate children whose combat energy had not reached the Silver rank or awakened. They all served as stewards in Gerdos City. "
"This time, the commanders of the troops that the Count sent to the western mountain area were his three Gold rank and eight Silver rank illegitimate children. But the Count said that the troops under their command had already wiped out the enemies. Then, the reinforcements of the Lancer Squadron that Count Corbili sent were led by two illegitimate children of the Silver rank. They were also finished. Then the Count sent troops to Bodock Manor Castle, and the Gold rank illegitimate child who was guarding the castle was also killed. "
"The Count led the army to battle, but he was held back by the Count's tricks at Mount Moz. According to the captive lancers who delivered the message, when they first attacked the camp, a Gold Ranker and a Silver Ranker's illegitimate son were killed. Then the Count attacked and occupied Gerdos City, and killed the Gold rank and two Silver rank illegitimate children who were guarding the city in the side hall. Seven of the other nine illegitimate children whose combat energy had not reached the Silver rank or awakened were also killed by the Count in the side hall. Now, there are only two left with the Count. "
"Apart from one Gold-ranked and two Silver-ranked illegitimate children in William Mills Castle, the Count only has three Gold-ranked and nine Silver-ranked illegitimate children by his side. Including the Count himself, there are only four Gold rank illegitimate children. The Count has already prepared the defense of the city. There is no need to worry that the Count can take down Gerdos City with the strength of the Gold rank and Silver rank illegitimate children. " Tagger finally finished analyzing Count Corbili's current strength, which reassured everybody in the room.
Laurist smiled. "I'm not worried about Count Corbili's army. I believe that even if Count Corbili leads his army back to Gerdos City, his army will be in a panic and low morale because of the lack of food and the pursuing family army. Right now, I'm thinking if I should take down William Mills Castle again before the news gets out. "
Laurist pointed at the location on the map, which was William Mills Castle.
Laurist's plan was very simple. He would sneak in with a squadron in the name of assisting in the defense. As long as he killed the three Gold rank illegitimate children, he would be able to incorporate the garrison squadron defending William Mills Castle. After all, the families of the garrison soldiers were all in Gerdos City. As long as he told the garrison soldiers that Gerdos City was also under his control, he believed that they would not encounter any stubborn resistance.
Ell objected. He believed that there was not enough time. William Mills Castle was one day away from Gerdos City on horseback, and a round trip would take two days. The next two days would be the most critical moment. It was very likely that Count Corbili would return with his army. If Laurist was still in William Mills Castle and could not make it back in time, the situation would be very serious.
Laurist shook his head. He believed that if William Mills Castle was left alone, Count Corbili would probably make a feint outside Gerdos City and turn around to go to William Mills Castle. In that case, he would have a place to stay and would be entangled with us for a while. Therefore, it was best to cut off his retreat route so that he had nowhere to retreat to. Then, we could finish the battle in one fell swoop. Now was the time when the defense of William Mills Castle was at its weakest. If not now, when should we wait for a sneak attack?
Laurist ordered Yuri to lead a squad of light cavalry, Terman to lead a squad of knights, and Josk to lead two newly formed lancer squads. Everyone was to be equipped with lancer equipment. Each man had two horses, and they would set off overnight in an hour. Laurist would bring Tagger with him. As for the defense of Gerdos City, it was left to Freya, Ell, and Tim.
Freya was a little hesitant. He believed that it was better for Josk to stay behind. He was willing to accompany Laurist to William Mills Castle.
Laurist laughed, "You can't, Freya. Most of Count Corbili's illegitimate children know you and know that you won't work for the count so easily. They will be suspicious the moment you appear. So, it's better for Joe to go. I asked you to stay behind because I don't use people I suspect. Since I've used you, I naturally trust you. Ell, Tim, Freya will be in charge of the defense of Gerdos City. You two will assist him, understand?
"Yes, my lord," Ell said.
"Rest assured, my lord. Tim will not make a mistake." Tim bowed.
Laurist patted Freya's shoulder, "After I leave, I'll leave these two days in your hands. Once we take down William Mills Castle, we will rush back as soon as possible. "
Freya stood straight and placed a hand on his chest, "My lord, as long as I'm alive, my lord. Please rest assured."
… …
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