"Serina, come with me to my office; there are matters we need to discuss," I said, turning from the training grounds. But before we could move, a flash and a resounding bang erupted from the distance the distress signal. Our regiment's call for reinforcements.
"Assemble the cavalry!" I shouted. Men sprang into action, including Cedric, who rushed to alert the night watch. I turned to John. "Ready the horses, and ensure they are ready in front of the barracks."
John nodded, hurrying to the stables as I stepped beyond the citadel gates, scanning the town streets for any sign of trouble. My thoughts were interrupted by Serina.
"My lord, may I come?" Her voice was resolute.
"Find a horse," I replied. "Ride with someone until we get you your own."
"Yes, my lord," she answered, disappearing into the mobilizing ranks.
Moments later, the pounding of hooves echoed through the street as men assembled in swift formation, a wave of steel and resolve. I spotted my own mount a large grey warhorse with dark, eyes. I climbed into the saddle, and soon, the entire regiment was mounted and prepared, moving swiftly down the empty streets toward the main gate. It opened slowly as we approached, and we surged forward without breaking stride, crossing the open fields that lay between us and the Timbering Forest.
A knight rode up beside me as we galloped toward the treeline. "My lord, what's our approach?"
"Our first priority is to secure the reconnaissance team," I replied. We entered the forest, where the flickering of steel and shadows revealed our men locked in fierce combat with towering Blood Wolves.
"Archers, clear a path for the reconnaissance retreat!" I commanded as we dismounted, forming ranks. After issuing the command the reconnaissance team fell back to the trees and guarded themselves for what was to come. The archers lined up, drawing their bows as they took aim. Thirteen wolves tried circling the reconnaissance team, massive creatures, each towering over a man. How they'd lasted this long was a miracle in itself.
"Aim!" I ordered, the bowstrings taut. "Fire!"
The first volley struck two wolves, their hulking forms falling instantly. "Next volley!" Archers stepped back to reload as the second line took their place. "Aim...fire!"
One more wolf fell. As Cedric took command of the archers, I drew my sword, charging forward. Blood Wolves lunged and snarled, their jaws snapping as I swung, striking them down in rapid succession. The battle raged fiercely, and after nearly half an hour of intense fighting, the last wolf lay lifeless on the ground.
"Is anyone seriously injured?" I asked, moving toward Thrope's position.
"Minor injuries, my lord, nothing more," he replied.
"So, we thought they'd be Fanged Wolves, but these... Blood Wolves are far worse," I muttered, exasperated.
"My lord, that should be impossible," James said, leaning against a tree, catching his breath. "The Vampire Monarch Envy controls Blood Wolves all the way in the Savrah Dessert, and we're closer to the domain of the Monarch of Lust. How could they have crossed into this territory?"
"I'm not certain, but whatever's happening on their side is starting to bleed into ours. It's a warning: we need to push forward with our defenses and upgrade our weaponry as soon as possible," I replied, scanning the field as the medics finished their reports.
The report arrived soon after. No fatalities, but eight men were gravely wounded. With that confirmed, I gave the order. "We're heading back to the castle."
The soldiers mounted their horses, and we rode swiftly back to the castle walls. As we approached, the guard confirmed our arrival, and the gates opened slowly, allowing us through. We made our way to the barracks and dismounted.
"All injured, report to the hospital. Thrope, James, Kalrick if you're unhurt, meet me in my office," I said as I turned and headed toward the citadel. The situation needed immediate attention, and I needed to understand why the Blood Wolves had ventured so far into our lands.
After settling into my office, I leaned against my desk, facing the four men who had joined me. "Fanged Wolves are one thing, but Blood Wolves… they're a different beast altogether," I began. "This fight has proven that our men's current equipment isn't enough to handle these threats without serious losses. If we'd had the funds, we could have upgraded the barracks and even created a new training ground for stronger archers."
John's voice broke the silence with steady resolve. "My lord, we make the most of what we have, and you lead us with that same resolve."
"Yes, John is right, my lord," James added. "Of course, we'd benefit greatly from upgrades and more resources. But until we have them, the men will simply need to adapt and be more resourceful in the field."
"Agreed. But we can't ignore that these creatures could be only the beginning," I replied, trying to balance my frustration with their unyielding pragmatism. As I spoke, Kalrick raised his hand slightly.
"My lord, if I may?" he asked. I nodded, granting him permission to continue. "Sir, once the walls are expanded, it would be possible to set up a siege workshop. With it, we could develop specialized weapons and fortifications to counter beasts like Blood Wolves."
"Yes, that's the plan," John replied, nodding in agreement.
Kalrick took a step forward. "Then, perhaps we should have the cavalry join in the construction efforts. It would speed things up, and we don't have the luxury of hiring additional laborers. Our men could be put to work on their own fortifications."
I considered his point. "It's a valid suggestion. If we move forward with this, it may be best to have the day guards handle the bulk of the construction while we're prepared for any nocturnal threats."
"Actually, my lord," Kalrick interjected, "the night watch could begin digging the foundation in the evenings. That way, we'd have both shifts progressing toward a completed wall sooner."
"Alright, I'll allow it," I said, nodding at Kalrick. "We'll move forward as you suggested. Let's see this through as swiftly as possible."
The men each nodded, a sense of renewed purpose in their eyes. "Thank you, my lord," John said, and they turned to leave, each heading off to clean up after the night's ordeal.
As they left, I, too, felt the weight of the night's battle hanging on me. I made my way to my quarters, washing away the blood and grime that clung to my skin. The cool water offered brief relief, but as the first rays of dawn approached, that familiar feeling crept in the subtle, gnawing unease that came with the sunlight.
With a final glance toward the faintly glowing horizon, I turned and descended into the underground catacombs, the fortress growing quiet and still as I retreated into darkness to rest.