Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

Chapter 157  Rusra (I)

The march resumed with Henry at the forefront, Leier, Olaro, and the two mages following closely behind. The silhouettes of countless soldiers stretched along the road cutting through the forest. It was an intimidating scene, one that could evoke fear into anyone.

It didn't take long before the walls of Rusra came into view, surrounded by towering trees with needle-like leaves and conical shapes that seemed to reach for the sky, threatening to pierce a hole through it. Every life within this lands seemed to be rebelling against the heaven's way to survive, creating a desire for vengeance.

Henry briefly observed the walls before turning to the two mages- "Can you lift two of us up there?" - he asked, and both mages nodded in affirmation. - "Good. You two will wait until I give the signal. I don't wish to repeat myself, are we clear?!"

"Yes, my liege!" - They responded in unison. Henry then turned to his General. "We will wait for nightfall. But before that, I want to send a messenger to them."

"A messenger, my liege? Shouldn't we attack now, my king?" - Olaro asked, his eyes reflecting his confusion - - "I thought we were going to strike as soon as we arrived and take the enemy by surprise, using magic to surprise them."

Henry shook his head, patting his horse, which snorted and pawed at the snow, sending snow towards the soldiers behind him, ready for battle - "Do you see those soldiers on the walls?" - he asked, pointing to the archers' silhouette, some already with arrows nocked, their eyes cautiously watching over Stahl's army.

"Yes" - Olaro nodded, silently counting nearly a hundred archers atop the wall, doing nothing and only observing Stahl's force from their position. They held the power to attack them, but didn't do so.

"Isn't it strange that they've noticed us but aren't attacking? They seem to be waiting for something" - Henry observed calmly, gently rubbing his horse's head - "If it were me, and I knew an enemy was near, I wouldn't wait for them to set up an attack strategy. I'd fire everything I had at them. They are not good at war techniques, but even animals know to strike first." Olaro rubbed his bald head, contemplating the king's insight. He was impulsive, but being around Henry always taught him new strategies. "Choose one of our cavalry and have him march with my banner to their gates. If things go awry..." Henry's eyes glinted with a purple light. "We will raid the city tonight. I don't wish to participate in useless battles, but I won't run away from them."

Henry could feel the intense atmosphere emanating from the army guarding his back. They all wanted a piece of their enemies.

-x-

On top of Rusra's walls, two soldiers trembled at the sight of the seemingly endless army emerging from the forest and stretching across the horizon. The sheer number of troops was like an unending line of ants marching out of an anthill, a sight that sent chills down their spines.

"What-What are those?" - one of them asked, his voice shivering as he also caught sight of the giant red horses amongst those long lines of soldiers - "I-I've never seen those giant red horses before" -he added, gulping hard. "I-I've never seen them either" - the other soldier replied, his voice completely painted by fear - "Should we attack?" - he asked, glancing nervously at his companion, who responded by smacking the back of his head, nearly causing him to tumble off the wall. He saw his ancestors waving at him.

"Are you an idiot?" - the other hissed, keeping his voice low enough to be heard only by his friend. - "The Elder commanded us to immediately go and warn him if anyone approached the city…and those ones seem dangerous."

Rubbing his head in pain, the friend muttered - "But it's been more than a year since he gave that order. He's never left the castle since then. That old man has gone insane, saying that someone wants him dead and that if he steps outside, he'll be killed. He also declared that no one should pass through the North gate or go further North."

A heavy silence fell between the two soldiers. The old man was from the Rusra Family, an uncle that assumed the position of city's lord after the actual patriarch left to the war against Stahl. One day, Duke Latrel returned alone and wounded. He offered no explanation, but gave the news of Rusra patriarch's death. He departed to the capital right after receiving treatment, not giving them another news.

Since that day, the uncle had taken charge of Rusra until the selection of a new lord from his nephew's direct bloodline happened. However, he began to fear for his life, evading almost all contacts with the person. His final instruction, before going into his castle, had been clear: if an army appeared on the horizon, they were to notify him immediately.

"It's the orders… We have no choice" - the first soldier said - "I'll go down and warn the Elder. You wait here." - He quickly descended from the wall and sprinted towards the castle, which loomed imposingly over the wooden houses. He ran across the narrow streets, bumping into people along the way and not even apologizing.

He kept running and running, his mind devoid of any other thought but the message for the elder. He only wanted to get it done.

Soon, he stood breathless before the castle's gates, guarded by a few guards- "I-I have… news… for the Elder" - he said, gasping for air and with a dry throat -"T-There's an army… to the North!" - He pointed urgently - "We need to hurry!" The two guards exchanged strange glances before stepping aside to let the soldier through. Although it was their duty to inform the Elder of the situation, they hesitated. Working in the castle, they understood the depth of the old man's paranoia and fear. They didn't want to get in the way.

The soldier dashed through the castle's desolate hallways. Only a few maids were present, two to four at most, not enough to tend to the vast castle. And, fortunately, he didn't bump into any of them and continued until he reached a large wooden door. He knocked three times.

"Why are you here?!"- A bothered and elderly voice shouted from behind the doors - "You've already collected it today! Go away!" - The doors swung open, revealing a disheveled, naked figure with pale, flacid skin, long nails, and tangled white hair. The odor of urine came from behind him as the door opened. "Who are you?" - the old man asked, his voice filled with confusion and caution. His hands moved toward the door, where he grabbed a sword, ready to defend himself. He looked at the soldier with the will to fight anytime. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"E-Elder!" - the soldier called out, almost not recognizing the interim lord of the city - "There is an army at our gates!" - At those words, some clarity came to the lord's eyes.