Chapter 696 Draconia's First Battle (2)
After Archer's threat, the Novgorod riders returned to their army while he did the same, followed by the excited Sera and Hemera, who kept looking around, wondering how he would win.
Once they arrived at the platform, Archer collapsed into his chair as the others sat down to get comfortable; he pulled out some chocolate and started eating as the enemy marched forward.
But he decided he wanted a better view of the battle. With a charming smile, he turned to the girls and remarked, "I'll return shortly."
Talila quickly answered, ''Where are you going, Arch?''
''I want to take command of my soldiers,'' Archer answered.
With those words, he took flight toward the First Legion, which was stationed atop a small hill with a view of the grassy plain below. Archer surveyed the distant landscape, noting the cluster of towns and cities.
He guessed it was the stronghold from which the Novgorod army originated. However, he waited to deal with it until after the battle and turned his gaze to the wave of magic attacks approaching the center of his army.
The Guardians swiftly stepped forward, forming a shield that enveloped the soldiers and effectively blocked the incoming spells. Archer smiled when he saw this but started speaking to the soldiers, ''My soldiers! This is our first test against a real army! Listen to your commanders and watch your fellow soldier's backs.''
As the soldiers gathered stood in formation, anticipation crackling in the air like a charged storm. Archer descended in front of them, his face a mixture of determination. He cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over his soldier's faces, their eyes reflecting a blend of uncertainty and resolve.
"Alright, everyone," Archer began. "I'm not the best at these speech things, but hear me out." He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "We're up against the Novgorodians. They're big, they're dangerous, but you know what? You've trained for this. You've bled together, and by the spirits, we will win!"
The soldiers began to nod, some exchanging glances, others gripping their weapons tighter. Archer's resolve solidified as he continued, his voice growing stronger with each word. "So, when those Novgorodians come at us with all they've got, remember why you're here. Remember who you're fighting forâyour families, for the kingdom, and each other!"
With a rallying cry, the soldiers erupted into cheers, their spirits lifted by Archer's heartfelt words. He had ignited a fire within them, a bright flame against the darkness of uncertainty. As they prepared to face the Novgorodian army, their hearts beat as one, united in their shared purpose and unshakeable belief in victory.
Just after he spoke, they heard the enemy's war horns. Then they witnessed some enemy cavalry appear from the right flank and charge toward the Dragonblood Knights on the left, but Marshall Lucian instantly reacted and started to charge to intercept them.
The clash was inevitable, Lucian's heart pounding as the two forces collided, the sound of metal clashing and battle cries filling the air. His sword flashed as he fought alongside his knights, each blow striking with deadly accuracy.
Amidst the chaos, Archer scanned the scene with keen eyes. His brow furrowed as he noticed the main force of the Novgorodians charging straight for their center, a tide of enemy soldiers threatening to overwhelm them.
The girls nodded, but Aurelia commented, ''But they are one of the strongest empires on Thrylos. How could your newly established army defeat them?''
Archer laughed but answered honestly, ''My soldiers have been constantly training for years. I have three full Legions to call upon, but I choose to use the First Legion as the other two are building infrastructure throughout the kingdom.''
After speaking, Elara approached before kneeling and said, ''Your Majesty. The Healers are overwhelmed. Do any of the queens know healing magic?''
Ella, Hemera, Aurelia, Leira, and Llyniel jumped up and followed Elara to help the soldiers while the others waited.
Maeve asked with a hint of suspicion, ''What do you plan to do with these armies of yours?''
Archer remained silent but opened a portal to the domain, calling for the Tressyms with a soft murmur. The flying cats materialized with gentle meows. Approaching him, the leader received a tender caress as Archer instructed.
"Return to the Novgorod Empire," he commanded his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of mischief, "Gather intelligence, steal anything valuable, and sow seeds of chaos. You are in charge and free to return to the domain whenever you have information to share with me."
The Tressyms nodded in agreement and gathered around Archer, seeking affectionate pets before disappearing into the night sky. As they disappeared, he shifted his attention to Maeve, his expression serious.
"Maeve, chaos is on the horizon," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "I intend to prepare for it. You're welcome to stand by my side, but should things take a turn for the worse, I urge you to bring your family here for safety."
She nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and determination. "Thank you, Archer. I'll keep that in mind. We'll stand with you, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
Archer smiled before Elara approached him and knelt alongside Lucian. When seeing this, he spoke, ''How many did we lose?''
Elara quickly answered, ''Just over a hundred soldiers, Your Majesty.''
He nodded before retrieving a pouch brimming with gold coins from his Item Box and tossed it to Elara, who caught it with a mixture of surprise and confusion evident on her face, "What is this for?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she examined the weighty pouch in her hands.
"Give two gold to each fallen soldier's family and tell them it's from me," he answered solemnly, his gaze unwavering as he issued his instructions. "Now, conquer this island for me. Once you do that, I'll have some of the Second Legion come over and guard the land."
With a determined nod, Elara accepted the task, understanding the weight of the responsibility placed upon her shoulders.
[Please let me know if you spot any mistakes, and I will edit them. Thank you]