Leon stood before a massive war map, his fingers tracing the advancing lines of House Varian's forces. Reports indicated that a force of nearly 10,000 soldiers was marching toward Blackwood Valley, determined to reclaim it.
Darius let out a low whistle. "That's a damn army."
Elara, standing beside him, frowned. "Varian won't stop at retaking Blackwood. If they break through, they'll burn everything you've built."
Leon's golden eyes gleamed. "Then we make sure they never get the chance."
---
Assessing the Enemy
House Varian's army was vast, but not invincible. Their forces were made up of:
Elite Knights – Heavy cavalry that could crush lines in open battle.
Well-Trained Infantry – Disciplined soldiers used to prolonged warfare.
Mage Corps – Battle mages specializing in fire and lightning magic.
Supply Wagons – The key to sustaining their campaign.
Leon smirked. "Every army has weaknesses. We don't need to fight them head-on. We just need to make sure they bleed before they ever reach us."
Elara's eyes sharpened. "A war of attrition?"
Leon nodded. "Exactly. We turn their strength into their greatest weakness."
---
The Plan: Bleeding the Beast
1. Sabotage the Supply Lines – Without food and mana potions, their mages and knights would be weakened.
2. Guerilla Warfare – Small, fast-moving strike teams would harass their flanks, forcing them to slow down.
3. Ambush the Cavalry – Heavy knights were dangerous in open battle, but vulnerable in rough terrain.
4. Divide and Conquer – House Varian's army was disciplined, but if forced into multiple battles at once, they would crumble.
Darius grinned. "I like it. Death by a thousand cuts."
Leon's smirk darkened. "Exactly."
---
The First Strike
Under the cover of night, Leon's elite strike team infiltrated Varian's supply lines. They moved like shadows, setting fire to grain stores and slashing through supply wagons.
By dawn, chaos erupted in the enemy camp. Soldiers awoke to burning supplies and poisoned water barrels. The army's march slowed, as their commanders struggled to reorganize.
But Leon wasn't done.
The moment Varian's forces tried to move again, Darius led a cavalry raid—swooping in and cutting down their vanguard before vanishing back into the forests.
Frustrated, the enemy commander ordered their knights forward.
That's when they fell into Leon's trap.
---
The Ambush of the Iron Pass
Leon had chosen the perfect battleground—a narrow mountain pass where cavalry couldn't maneuver.
As the knights charged, hidden archers rained fire arrows down on them, forcing them into disarray. Then, boulders and spiked barricades were unleashed, blocking their retreat.
Leon himself led the final charge, his blade cutting through disoriented knights as his soldiers swarmed the trapped enemy.
By nightfall, half of Varian's cavalry lay dead.
And the rest were fleeing.
---
The Aftermath
Elara arrived at Leon's war camp, her face alight with excitement. "It worked. Their entire army is stalled. Scouts report they're considering retreat."
Leon smirked. "Not yet. We're not finished bleeding them."
As he spoke, another scout ran in.
"My lord! House Varian has sent envoys—They want to negotiate!"
Leon's smirk widened.
"Then let's show them what mercy looks like… when you hold the sword."
---
The Price of Surrender
Leon stood in the grand war tent, his golden eyes locked on the envoys from House Varian. The two men before him wore fine armor, but the dust and exhaustion on their faces told the real story—they were desperate.
One of them, a stern-looking knight with silver hair, took a deep breath. "Lord Leon, we come under orders from Lord Varian himself. He wishes to negotiate terms of peace."
Leon smirked. "Peace? After you marched an army of ten thousand to crush me?"
The knight flinched but held his ground. "House Varian acknowledges your strategic brilliance. However, continued conflict would lead to unnecessary bloodshed. Surely, you would prefer a diplomatic resolution?"
Leon leaned back in his chair. This was it—the moment where he dictated the terms of their surrender.
"I might consider peace," Leon said, his voice cold. "But it will cost you."
---
The Terms of Surrender
Leon slowly rose, pacing around the envoys.
"First, House Varian will cede control of Blackwood Valley to me permanently. Any attempt to retake it will be seen as an act of war."
The knight clenched his jaw but nodded. "Understood."
"Second," Leon continued, "I want half of your remaining cavalry and siege weapons. You will deliver them to me personally within the week."
The second envoy's eyes widened. "That's—"
"Non-negotiable," Leon cut in.
Silence fell over the tent.
The first envoy hesitated, then sighed. "And the third demand?"
Leon smirked. "House Varian will publicly acknowledge me as the rightful ruler of Blackwood. You will send a declaration to the other noble houses, stating that Leon is not an enemy—but a ruler worthy of respect."
The second envoy scowled. "You ask too much!"
Leon's smile vanished. He stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming with dangerous intent. "Then we'll continue this war. And when I march on Varian's lands, I won't be so merciful."
The knight exhaled sharply. They had no choice.
"We… accept."
Leon sat back down, satisfied. "Then sign the agreement. And tell Lord Varian that if he betrays me, he'll regret it."
---
Securing the Victory
The envoys left that evening, and by dawn, Leon's army was already receiving the spoils of war. Fifty warhorses, siege ballistae, and carts of supplies arrived under House Varian's banner.
Darius chuckled, watching the deliveries roll in. "You didn't just win, Leon. You humiliated them."
Leon smirked. "War isn't just about swords. It's about control. And now, I control House Varian."
Elara crossed her arms. "With Varian under your thumb, the other noble houses will take notice. Some may seek alliances… but others will see you as an even greater threat."
Leon's eyes burned with ambition.
"Then let them come. I'm just getting started."
---
A New Challenger Rises
As Leon secured his new territory, a messenger arrived from the capital.
He knelt before Leon, his voice shaking. "My lord… The Emperor has taken notice of you. He has summoned you to the royal court."
Silence filled the war tent.
Elara stiffened. "The Emperor? This could be dangerous, Leon."
Darius smirked. "Or an opportunity."
Leon's expression remained unreadable.
"Then let's see what the Emperor wants."
---
End of Chapter 9.