Chapter 313
Compared with other forces on the continent, the Aldo Kingdom has a unique geographical advantage. Lying to the north of the kingdom are thousands of kilometers of Rocky Mountains. This huge east-west mountain range blocks The orc forces on the grassland moved south on a large scale, and in the east of the kingdom, there was another Sunset Mountain Range (the name came from the other side. For people on the other side of the mountain range, Sunset Mountain is in the west) blocking the forces in the east. Coveting the territory of the Kingdom,
The Sunset Mountains generally run north-south. The trend of the mountain range turned a corner in the north and intersected with the Rocky Mountains further north, forming a The huge valley - the Great Nerodan Valley, this valley connects the northeastern territory of the Aldo Kingdom and the hinterland of the continent, so people prefer to call it the [Nerodan Corridor] or the [Northeast Corridor].
If the orcs on the northern prairie or the Gabela Empire in the east want to invade the northeastern territory of the kingdom, the Nairodan Valley is the only way to pass. This is a large-scale invasion, and only the Narodan Valley can provide sufficient transportation conditions for large-scale troop marches and logistical transportation. If there are only a small number of people and horses, there are still other ways to enter the Aldo Kingdom, but the people and horses that infiltrate in this way often do not make a difference.
Every winter, small groups of prairie orcs enter the northeastern territories of the kingdom by crossing mountains and ridges, attack villages and towns, rob winter supplies and human slaves, and then return to the grassland in the same way. If conditions support, the kingdom's army often enters the edge of the steppe through Nairodan to drive away the orc tribes.
Although the two sides have been in this state of "mutual killing" for many years, border trade has been carried out intermittently. The orcs need human iron, cloth, grain, and salt, and humans also have a huge demand for the livestock domesticated by the orcs - - Especially good horses for cavalry.
The successive rulers of the Aldo Kingdom have attached great importance to this place. The Nairodan Valley is under the direct jurisdiction of the royal government, and a powerful army is stationed here - the Watcher Legion, with a standing scale of 2 to 2 There are about 30,000 people, and the commander of the legion even has certain control over the lords in the northeast.
"I am here to confirm your views on our Watcher Legion."
Sir Duke, the deputy commander of the Legion, explained the purpose of his visit to the new Duke of the Northwest, Henry Ferdinand.
“Attitude?”
The three people present understood what Sir Duke meant. The northeastern territories have been harassed by orcs for a long time. The Watcher Legion is not limited to the areas near its garrison when collecting food supplies and recruiting troops. The northwest bay, especially the relatively wealthy Dukedom to the east, Manda is also an important place for supply procurement and recruitment of soldiers for the Watcher Legion.
His Majesty the King issued an edict to the northern lords, asking them to provide convenience for the Watcher Legion. After all, they are guarding the northeastern gate of the kingdom. Under the real threat of lips and teeth, most of the lords obeyed the king's edicts honestly. In the northern territories, the Watcher Corps can either purchase materials at low prices, or pass the checkpoints tax-free, or Have the power to recruit soldiers or call for labor.
However, these benefits or powers fluctuate with the will of the local lords, so it is particularly important to have a good relationship with the lords, especially those with high authority and vast territories, such as the Duke of the Northwest Ferdinand does this.
As a member of the Ferdinand family, Henry naturally knows these things. In the territory of the Ferdinand family, the Watcher Corps can purchase a certain amount of supplies at half price every year with a voucher issued by the Duke's Palace, and pass tax-free through checkpoints along the way.
“Well...”
Henry acted like a duke, twirling his mustache and pretending to think deeply.
Then he said slowly: "As you know, we just had a big war here recently. The trade routes were cut off, and it was not easy for the people to live! So..."
Sir Duke didn't react at all, but the face of the attendant next to him showed a nervous expression and a trace of dissatisfaction.
Henry changed the topic: "However, you are guarding the gate of the kingdom, and supporting you is also an order from His Majesty the King. Therefore... we must do our part no matter how difficult it is. So be it. , I will continue to use the strategy set by my brother when he was in power." Sir Duke secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Many lords were like this, first talking about how difficult it was for them, and then saying that they would still provide help, as if they had given. It's like a great blessing.
"Then I would like to thank the Duke for his generous help on behalf of all the brothers in the legion."
After talking about the official business, everyone talked about the situation inside and outside the Rodan Valley.
As a former member of the Watcher Legion, Schroeder naturally cared about his former comrades, "How is the pressure on the legion recently?"
Duke Duke sighed: " To be honest, the pressure is quite high. There was a white plague on the prairie last winter, and a large number of livestock died. The orcs have nothing to trade with, so they must be robbing them most violently when the weather is cold. Although it has been the case recently. I feel more at ease, but it’s still intermittent.”
Paul asked: “Isn’t it enough to just hold on to the Nairodan Corridor?”
Duke shook his head: "A small group of people can come across the Rocky Mountains, especially the large forests in the north provide them with good cover. Some orcs come from tribes that are good at fishing and hunting, and they live directly in the forest. We From time to time, we have to organize manpower to clean up, but their whereabouts are unpredictable, and they are still trying to find a needle in a haystack."
The attendant Arthur on the side said: "Last year, the kingdom dispatched a group of troops to go south because of the rebellion in the south. Our pressure has increased sharply. In fact, from my point of view, the orcs on the prairie are more of a threat than the greedy wolf princes, and the big shots in Jingyao are all short-sighted people."
Everyone in the room was embarrassed. The attendant Qing Qing spoke too openly. He was probably a child of a large family who was sent to the Watcher Legion for training, otherwise he would not have followed the deputy commander of the legion.
Sir Duke shouted: "Shut up Arthur, you can make arbitrary comments on military and state affairs."
Attendant Arthur shut up, although he still looked unconvinced.
Duke continued: "But what Arthur said makes some sense. In recent years, the White Wolf clan has risen rapidly and has become the number one force on the prairie. Chief Bloodhand can be regarded as a generation of heroes. Since he succeeded to the throne, he has used both soft and hard tactics to annex. "Various information shows that Bloodhand has the ambition to unify the prairie. If he really realizes this wish, the unified orcs will definitely become the enemy of all mankind. "
Duke's words made everyone present feel shocked. This is much more troublesome than troubles such as lord rebellion.
Sorry for not updating in time yesterday!
(End of this chapter)