Armas Fort.
On the passageway atop the outer wall, many Rilincross soldiers had gathered.
The archers were busily preparing their bows for long-range attacks.
The captain stood on the wall, looking down at the Bernada soldiers positioned outside the fortress.
「It appears that the Bernada army numbers around one thousand men, sir.」
Reported one of his subordinates.
「I see. Fewer than expected. They must have lost many while crossing the natural barriers to reach us.」
The captain replied, giving his thoughts.
And his guess was correct.
Most of the army led by Henry had been unable to make it this far to the fortress.
The captain continued speaking.
「It’s said that when attacking a well-defended fortress, the attackers need at least three times the defender’s numbers. But this time, we have five thousand men, while the enemy only has one thousand.」
「Meaning our side actually has several times their strength, doesn’t it, sir?」
「Exactly.」
The captain nodded and went on.
「King Henry and his direct subordinates may be skilled warriors, but even they can’t overturn such an overwhelming disadvantage.」
Bernada had defeated Galastone, whose forces were seven times their own.
It was a remarkable victory.
However, that had been a field battle.
This time was different.
There was no way a mere thousand soldiers could capture Armas Fort, known for being impregnable.
「How do you think they’ll attack us, sir?」
Asked another soldier.
The captain didn’t answer, but he already had an idea.
(Bernada will probably go after our provisions. The food that keeps our soldiers fed is the only real weakness of this fortress. If they destroy our stockpiles, even this impregnable fortress will eventually fall.)
Since the enemy had only a thousand troops, a frontal assault was unlikely.
They would likely try to slip inside and destroy the food stores.
That had to be Bernada’s true goal.
「No matter what kind of attack they try, our job is to protect the main gate. As long as we hold it, they won’t be able to get inside.」
The captain declared.
If the main gate didn’t fall, it would be difficult for the enemy to enter.
There were countless guards stationed throughout Armas Fort.
Getting past them and reaching the food storage would not be easy.
The granary, considered the heart of Armas Fort, was located deep inside the central keep.
At that moment, another soldier came to report.
「Sir, someone has stepped out from the Bernada camp.」
「Hmm…」
The captain focused his gaze in that direction.
A lone figure was walking toward the fortress.
From his appearance, the captain recognized him as King Henry of Bernada.
He had already been briefed about Henry’s appearance in advance.
Leave a Reply