Chapter 107 War (2)
Earl Matthew Nott of the Principality of Nott asked loudly: "What arrangements will you make in terms of the order of the army's attack."
When these words came out, everyone held their breath and concentrated. This was also what the nobles and lords in the camp wanted to ask most.
After all, under the customary enfeoffment system in the North, the army in their hands is their foundation. No one is selfless enough to want to use up their own strength to win. Many nobles even participated in this war under semi-coercion. Of course, the Luckman family also gave up irresistible benefits.
Robert pressed down his white-gloved hands slightly and said calmly:
"Everyone, please be patient, I will not let your army die in vain."
"This time, the Duke has recruited a total of 10,000 civilians to form the 'Legion of Honor'. These brave people will be dispatched as the advance team. They will test the strength of these evil dragon minions for us."
The hanging hearts of all the nobles finally subsided, and no one raised any more questions - it turned out that there was cannon fodder opening the way.
However, Andre frowned on the side and asked again: "How can we let some civilians be cannon fodder? This is not in line with the spirit of heroic and compassionate chivalry."
"Hahahahaha!"
Everyone burst into laughter again, and the atmosphere was quite relaxed.
This fledgling "little lion" is really naive. They are the nobles of the North. Who would take these guys called "grey animals" seriously?
However, seeing Andre's serious expression, Robert still suppressed his smile and explained:
"Well, they are all warriors who voluntarily went to war. If they die heroically in the battle, the duchy will compensate their families with a generous compassionate payment."
"It's just hard to say whether they have family members and whether the compassionate compensation can be paid to them." He added secretly in his heart.
Before the war, the "Legion of Honor" might have been farmers in the fields and had not experienced any systematic military training.
Except for inferior weapons, there is almost no armor and equipment. In other words, their main job is not to fight, but to feed the army and horses, transport baggage, and serve as cannon fodder before the elite troops are dispatched.
They were often tenants and serfs under the gentry and landlords. They were poor people without personal freedom. They were not even qualified to own trophies. The military exploits and trophies they obtained were often recorded in the names of their masters.
It's just such a group of guys.
He was looked down upon by the nobles of the North.
Andre felt the slightly mocking eyes around him, lowered his head and remained silent.
Robert pointed to the map and continued to make tactical arrangements.
The "Eagle Claws", an army directly under the Luckman family, with more than 8,000 people, were stationed in the middle army and attacked head-on after the civilians detected the situation.
The three thousand "Lionheart Legion" sent by the Bosque family and the five thousand reinforcements from the Nott family were arranged on the left and right wings to guard the flanks of the coalition forces after entering the storm slope.
The private armies of the noble and lords, totaling more than 4,000 people, were mingled among the coalition forces and obeyed the general's command, but Robert did not expect him to be able to command them. The main reason for keeping them staggered and separated was that they were afraid of starting a fight before they started.
The three hundred North Wind Eagle Guards were hovering in the air, observing the situation from a bird's eye view, and waiting for opportunities to strike the enemy from the air at key points. But for some unknown reason, the 6th North Wind Eagle Guards Regiment sent out to reconnoiter the situation has not returned. It must be that they have encountered some troubles, which gives Robert a headache.
A baron from the Principality of Luckman asked in a low voice: "Sir, what should we do about that giant dragon?"
"I heard it was a terrifying existence."
His fiefdom is not far from the Storm Slope, and rumors of the terrifying "Flying Flame Dragon" often come from the north.
In those poems, the red dragon is described as Tiamat's beloved, the incarnation of the Infernal Balrog, the master of endless flames, the destined destroyer of the North Kingdom, the being capable of burning all things.
Robert sneered.
"Oh, the so-called 'Flying Flame Dragon'?" "Don't be deceived by the stupid poems of those bards. Whether it is the information from the North Wind Eagle Guard or my prophecy spell, it can be confirmed that it is just a line. Young red dragons with a slightly more special breath are even smaller than those in the youth stage.”
The mage "Grey Eagle" was actually in the camp, he said hoarsely.
"This is Mr. Schroeder, the chief mage of the principality. His magical attainments, I believe no one here can match."
Robert continued: "Yes, those so-called poems are probably just deliberate propaganda by this vain and conceited red dragon."
"Everyone, please come with me."
As if his words were not convincing enough, Robert strode out of the tent, followed closely by the nobles.
They came to the open space where the baggage was piled.
Everyone's eyes were immediately attracted to a huge object. The object was covered with thick cloth and could not be seen in shape. It was as tall as two people. Just this one required twelve horses and hundreds of people to transport it. There are three shelves on display here.
They had noticed it for a long time and were extremely curious about it.
"Everyone, please take a look——"
Robert winked, and the guards on the left and right stepped forward and took off the thick cloth covering it.
It was a large, bulky mechanical weapon made of dark, rough wood and dark gray metal. The boring machine is tall and thick, and the lower iron frame is extremely strong. It is equipped with several metal iron wheels to help it move slowly.
The top is a conical crossbow quiver, which is wrapped with iron sheets covered with rivets, and the curved and slender crossbow arms are fixed on both sides.
A giant arrow as thick as an arm and more than two meters long lay quietly on the boring machine. The sharp iron arrow flashed with cold light, and there seemed to be mottled blood stains on it.
This is an amazingly powerful giant crossbow!
"Ouch——"
Everyone immediately exclaimed, marveling at this terrifying battlefield weapon.
Duke Robert seemed very satisfied with everyone's expressions, and explained in a proud tone: "This is a dragon-killing crossbow. Its arrows are soaked in dragon blood and can easily penetrate the dragon's scales.
"One hundred and forty years ago, General Turner Luckman used it to kill Glacier Wing, the old white dragon that was ravaging the North."
He stretched out a finger and shook it deliberately.
"With one arrow, he pierced the heart of the evil dragon with just one arrow."
"At that time, the great General Turner only had a dragon-killing crossbow."
"Now, we in the Principality of Lachman have spent tens of thousands of gold coins to find these three dragon-killing crossbows, and have spent hundreds of horses and thousands of manpower to transport them here. I believe you can understand how much effort we have put in, And how much confidence I have.”
"As long as that giant dragon dares to show its face, these three dragon-killing crossbows will shoot it down."
Robert's tone sounded determined to win.
"Dragon of Flying Flame?"
"Oh, I want it to become the fallen dragon."
(End of chapter)