Divine Beast Ascension

630 Prepare for War

Inside Prodson City, a supposed, drunken bum rummaged through the streets and alleyways.

With a half-empty bottle of wine in hand and most of that wine splashed onto his cloak, Lambier spent his time scoping out the city. They had to wait until nightfall anyway so Lambier used that time to learn if anything had changed in key parts of the city.

As for hiding, that wasn’t an issue.

No report had been made of Khas’s entrance into the city, all due to Khas’s position and his urgent report. The city was already on edge. With multiple invading forces and skewed media coverage, the citizens of Prodson were on the brink of feeling that the territory would fall, if not for the powerful Prodson Family acting as their saviors.

Of course, not everyone so the Prodson Family in such a light. But when that’s the only presentation offered, it becomes an image that’s hard to replace.

However, a report was documented and a rumor was slowly trickling through the ranks of Prodson guards about Captain Khas’s arrival at the palace. As well as how Khas has yet to exit the palace.

By the time the final sun was setting, the guards from the earlier shifts were drinking away their stresses with rumors and stories of what might be going on.

“I heard Captain Khas is still in the palace. Is he okay?”

“Do you really think Iron has a dragon on their side!?”

.....

“Are those demon apes actually five-krin tall?!”

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A few rumors and tall tales always floated to the top. But there was no way to confirm any suspicions, leaving the guards closer to the edge of disbelief by the day.

Soon, one thing was confirmed, however.

DONG! Dong-dong!

The bells at one of the city gates started ringing for the entire populace to see. On the wall above the crudely sealed gates, Prodson soldiers were lining up shoulder to shoulder. Each of them wanted to witness one of the city’s nightmares becoming their new reality.

Not even five hundred krin from the city wall, rows and rows of enemy troops were now stationed within striking distance of the city.

Over a hundred tents were already being set up. And tall torches were placed all around the Iron-Forell encampment. On top of that, the formation of the camp was easily discernable, instantly making Prodson rethink any actions of going on the offensive.

The tents furthest from the wall belonged to the Forell troops. The closest living quarters to the city were those of beasts, some in tents and some sleeping under the starry sky. And, erected on the camp’s frontline, atop the road exiting Prodson City, was an enormous command tent with the flaps open wide.

All the Prodson soldiers could see the enemy perennials gathered around a long command table. And those with a telescope were all the more ridden with fear. Especially when Hurman would occasionally stare back at the soldiers on the wall.

At the palace, messengers were quickly spreading to the few people of importance.

Rofar was quickly alerted about the Iron-Forell encampment. So Rofar refitted his default, neutral expression before making his way toward the throne room.

Of course, no one bothered to alert Faelia, as that was the protocol Leader Rokkal had set in place. And Rofar, though he disliked such a decision, was for once glad to see it in play.

KNOCK! KNOCK!!

“LEADER ROKKAL!! LEADER ROKKAL!!” a swarm of messengers cried out while pounding on the double doors of the throne room. Yet no one dared to enter uninvited, not when it left a chance for the messengers to face lethal consequences.

“Stop. Leave it to me,” Rofar stated while the door guards allowed the Prodson Family heir inside.

Leaning back into his throne, Rokkal was shifting in his slumber. But he was already rubbing his eyes after accidentally knocking over his empty, golden cup with a clang.

“Leader Rokkal, it seems that Captain Khas’s report was accurate,” Rofar quickly kneeled before his awakening father. “An enemy encampment has appeared outside our city walls.”

“H… Huh?!”

Rokkal hastily lifted his head and leered at his eldest son. “You dare poison me at a time like this?! I should have your head, Rofar!”

“It’s yours to take, Leader Rokkal. But please consider the situation beyond the city walls, also,” Rofar retorted while bowing his head. “There’s an of over six hundred troops outside the city. And nearly a third of that is made up of beasts. They’re also being led by half a dozen mid-perennials.”

Squinting, Rokkal questioned, “Half a dozen? Didn’t that captain report five mid-perennials?”

Rofar nodded. “That he did. However, we now have confirmation that Commander Oeleron Neilor has betrayed us to side with the beasts.”

“WHAT?!” Rokkal shouted, letting his essence-fueled yell violently reverberate throughout the throne room. “That no-good coward is worse than his father! At least Mayor Neilor stood his ground before losing his head!”

“Regardless of everything else,” Rofar pointed the conversation back to the topic at hand, “Commander Oeleron, along with his Archer & Spear Corps., are now our enemies. That’s likely how they rolled through General Ocker’s forces with such speed and minimal casualties.”

Irked but still aware of their situation, Rokkal leered at the ground while he stewed in thought. “That would explain it all… How far away is the camp?”

“Just over five hundred krin from the gate. And the enemy’s command tent is set on the front line. That’s how Commander Oeleron was spotted scheming with the enemy,” Rofar answered.

“Hmm… Just too far for us to threaten them without leaving the walls. Oeleron you bastard, giving away our intel…” Rokkal spat with venom in his voice. “Have the guard tripled at the gate and begin relocating all the city’s ballistae. We won’t let them push against the walls for free. And I assume our scout never returned, so we’ll have to make do with the information we have on hand.”

As Rokkal got up from his throne, Rofar scooted aside to give the territory leader a clear path to the door.

Rokkal aggressively threw the doors open with no warning, knocking back the guards and messenger on the other side.

At the same time, Rokkal shouted his order, which shook the walls of the hallway, “PREPARE FOR WAR!”