Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

152  March and resolution

Henry finally leaves to war, planning on conquering the both nations. They will be going to Aritreia first and then go to Luak. They will divide in two fronts, with Luther going headwards and Henry and Olaro going by the side.

The South Avenue was an ocean of people, packed tightly together in chaotic lines that snaked from the castle to the southern gate of the capital. The soft murmurs of the people filled the whole place, like whispers of a restless wind. In contrast, the rest of the city seemed eerily quiet, like an abandoned community. The empty stalls and deserted streets were proof of the importance of this procession. Every pair of eye was fixed on the closed gates of the castle, wishing to be the first ones to witness this moment. Those of shorter stature strained on their toes and stretched their necks, trying to see through the numerous heads and tall bodies blocking their view.

Amidst the chaotic yet strangely orderly crowd, a female voice cut through - "Can you get down from his shoulders? I can't see a thing!" - This was a common occurrence at the moment. It seemed that even in this world, people climbing on each other's shoulders was a common occurrence, like it happened on those music festivals back on Earth. Thanks, it didn't spiraled into a fight.

Suddenly, the entire city trembled, causing snow from rooftops and castle towers to fall down like a white waterfall. Amidst the rumbling, the metallic grind reverberated through the avenue.

"They're coming out!" - exclaimed a young woman, shaking her friend by the shoulders, her eyes fixed on the opening gates - "The king hasn't allowed any soldier to leave the castle for the last month. A friend of mine who works as a maid in the castle said that the king threw a big party for the soldiers last night" - her friend added, equally excited as she watched the gates. "You mean that blabbermouth June told you too, huh? She can't shut up ever since she managed to get a spot as a maid." - The woman said, almost cursing that round girl - "Well, I think it was a way to relieve the stress of the soldiers. They've been forbidden from leaving the castle walls for the last month and have been training hard all year. An- There, the king!" - She stopped mid-sentence as soon as she spotted a figure leaving the gates. The first figure to emerge was a man dressed entirely in black, mounted atop a giant dark red Snowfire Horse. Its hue resembled the color of human blood taken directly from an artery as if the blood of all soldiers it trampled upon had painted its hair. It emanated an oppressive and unbending will.

Moments later, three other figures appeared behind him, also on horseback. Their mounts bore hues slightly lighter than the king's horse. They positioned themselves a few steps behind the king, yet maintaining their presence at his side. Luther, Olaro and Leier followed the king, ready to accomplish their tasks.

Then, a mighty army of ten thousand soldiers emerged from the castle's gates. It was like a behemoth spitting out soldier after soldier, their footsteps echoing in unison. One leg after the other, they marched. The banner of Stahl's Royal Family soared high above them, carried by the soldiers and by the wind of a summer day, fluttering proudly as it seemed to cover the whole avenue with its shadow. The picture of an owl grasping a dragon's carcass drawn on it, its claws piercing through the legendary creature. The symbol of Stahl Royal Family, the owl would accompany them this time.

As the army marched in unison, the ground seemed to pulse beneath their feet, echoing like the heartbeat of a awakening giant. The sound of a thousand and five hundred Snowfire Horses' hooves intensified the tremors, creating a symphony of power and desire for destruction.

This was one of the largest forces ever gathered in the annals of Stahl's history, only Garret managed to assemble so many soldiers. Henry managed to take control and train almost eleven thousand soldiers, with one thousand and five hundred cavalrymen and nine thousand infantry. It was enough to rival the population of entire villages. All under the command of a single man, the king.

"May the ancestors guide them!" - Family members and lovers prayed for their loved ones, strong and courageous people that were going to follow the king into this glorious mission.

They also bowed deeply, offering their respect and best wishes to the king- "May glory accompany your majesty!" - they cried out, their voices resounding with unwavering loyalty. Silence permeated the avenue for a few minutes.

And, soon, the people raised their voice in king - "All hail the king! All hail the sacred army" - It was a chorus that seemed to overflow and inundate all marching soldiers. It was like a contagious virus, infiltrating their hearts and minds, making them desire to fight and kill the enemies as soon as possible. They wanted to prove these people right and bring back victory.

Henry guided his horse with a steady hand, nodding at the people, but his gaze always returning to the opened gates ahead of him. The gates that would lead him to victory and to new horizons. Memories of the flames engulfing the walls and the anguished cries of his soldiers were still fresh in his mind, their echoes still vividly reverberating. The image of Iosif burned body and without his legs lingered, reminding him why he was fighting.

Henry was determined to conquer those lands and deliver punishment on those audacious invaders who dared encroach upon his territory. He acknowledged that he had been overconfident in the previous battles. Perhaps he should have launched an assault the moment those messengers appeared before his throne, or sought alliances with Luak or Aritreia to take one out.

"These are in the past" - Henry thought, his eyes glinting in a purple glow. He had decided.- "I will eliminate all of them as swift as possible. The plan will work."

Henry expected that challenges and unplanned things could happen, impacting on his overall plan. However, he was resolute. He would take all of them down. There was no room for overconfidence. He couldn't always expect to always be there and control the army. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om