"Good, let's move out." As soon as Braun said that, the army began to march 150 kilometres to the west on a winding path. Except for a trail road made from human walking to and from, there's no proper road constructed between Tethereswest and Harlington. As such, the army movement is a bit slow and arduous.
The slow movement allowed for more conversation to form. While marching, they chatted amongst themselves about their village, their families and their dreams. The topic eventually lead to the land reward promised by the government.
"I hope the promised were true." said one of them. He, like others, joins the war because of the reward. To them, obtaining land is a way to turn their lives around. It's an opportunity to build a better future for their family and descendant.
Many of the soldiers came from a family of landless peasants, bound to work on the land owned by others. Despite their country being called the "United Republic", the scent of feudalism remain strong in society.
Another soldier replies with scepticism, "Don't put your hope too high. We never know when the government would go back against their words." He said with his finger pointing at the land around them. "Take a good look at the land around you. It's ideal for agriculture and raising livestock, which could yield an enormous profit. Do you really think those families would allow us to have it? They'll never tolerate anyone who challenges their position. At best, we'll be left with only scraps they don't want."
Hearing his reminder was like a slap that brought them back to the harsh reality. For peasants like them, it appeared impossible to even imagine opposing their dominance.
Those who joke about being the eighth great family immediately shut their mouth and chatter slowly died down. A sense of resignation hung in the air as they trudged on the worn-out path in front of them.
Their discouragement didn't last long however as four days later, they arrived at their destination.
Braun gazed at the fortified city in front of him with awe. The city was surrounded by towering walls in an octagon shape that stretch up to ten meters high. At the top of the wall, sharp spikes protruded outwards like the teeth of a beast, making it impossible for anyone to climb over them.
In addition to that, the general could see the walls were fortified in multiple layers, with towers at every corner and battlements dotting their surface. The tower was round and sturdy, complete with archer slits that allowed arrows to be fired at those who dare to approach.
As for the gates, two massive wooden doors were reinforced with iron bands. They were flanked by two towers that soared higher than the wall. The chance for any siege engine to approach the gate close enough is near zero, let alone to breach it. Talking about getting close, he would first need to find a way to cross the wide water-filled trench that encircled the walls.
"Oh boy, this would be harder than I thought." He murmured to himself. "I wonder how long I would spend to capture this impregnable city." Blande had failed in their attempt to conquer it 187 years ago. But Braun was determined to capture the city and etch his name in the annals of Blande's history.
Braun's eyes catch a figure standing on top of the wall, staring down at him with arms crossed over his chest. The figure had a weather-beaten face with a pair of piercing eyes that bore into his soul. Near his eyes, there's a prominent scar, adding to the fierceness of his gaze. The general couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. "So, that's Theodore Tetherswest, the Iron Wall of Bagyarosia, huh? I thought he was in Bideford with his son-in-law, leaving his only son behind."
"Perhaps he rushed over here when he catch the news of our invasion." speculate his second-in-command, Lieutenant General Kurt Ernest.
"I can't help but feel regretful that we arrived here late. It'll be much easier to face his inexperienced son than him." His voice was laced with a hint of disappointment. After taking a deep breath, Braun issued an order, "Begin the siege!!"
The 25,000 soldiers were separated into three groups. The first group of ten thousand soldiers stayed in the northeast, the direction they came from. Another seven thousand would set up a camp in the western part of the city while the remaining eight thousand would block the south. With this, all roads leading to Tetherswest would be blocked and their supply lines were cut off.
The general was keenly aware that the city had likely stockpiled food and water beforehand. Even though he wasn't sure how long their supplies would last, he expect it to be more than three months. In fact, it would be a miracle if they're able to hold that long. He hadn't received any report of mass migration, which suggested that this city's population was still at twenty thousand people.
In order to cause damage to the city wall, Braun ordered a specialized group of craftsmen which consist of carpenters, blacksmiths and stonemasons to start constructing trebuchets, mantlets and battering rams.
He turns his attention to a group of spies. Braun gathered them for specific tasks which was to gather information about the city's defenders. They were to provide information on their numbers, their strength, any flaws in defence and other pertinent details that would help in breaching the city.
"Gather as much information as you can, especially regarding the location of Tetherswest's supplies. This was a crucial mission. We need to deprive them of their resources. and shorten the duration of the siege." Braun said with a tone of importance.
The leader of the spies nods, "Understood, General. We'll do our best."
Braun put his hand on the spy's shoulder, knowing well the risk they'll face. "I wish you the best, soldiers."
The spy leader gave a small smile before dispersing.
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