After the battle with the Green Forest Brotherhood, we continued westward. The engagement had been devastating, with our casualties exceeding one-third of our forces. I needed to recruit more soldiers as quickly as possible to replenish our ranks. Moreover, I aimed to diversify our troop composition by adding cavalry to flank the enemy and disrupt their formations. Since we were currently in Swadian territory, I decided to recruit Swadian cavalry for the time being. Ideally, I would have preferred Khuzaits' horse archers, as a combination of archers and mounted archers would have been the most effective.
In both Swadia and Battania, I managed to recruit enough soldiers to expand our forces to sixty men, with cavalry making up about 20% of the total. I avoided recruiting pure infantry for now, as our battles were still small-scale, and too many troop types might hinder combat effectiveness rather than improve it.
After several days of recruitment, we decided to rest in Lageta, a city in the Western Empire, and sell some of our loot. The atmosphere in Lageta was tense—rumors spread that a large Swadian army was preparing to attack. The soldiers on the walls were on high alert, and additional guards had been stationed at the gates. The Western Empire had just declared war on Swadia, and Lageta, being a strategic stronghold at the intersection of the Western Empire, Battania, and Swadia, was a prime target. Whoever controlled it would effectively hold the key to their own kingdom's defenses.
We didn't stay in Lageta for long. With war looming, I needed to find a Swadian lord and offer my services as a mercenary. We pressed deeper into Swadian territory, following fresh tracks of hooves and wagon wheels. In the distance, a cloud of dust rose—clear signs of a large army on the move, likely the main Swadian force. We quickened our pace and caught up, where a guard led us to the army's commander.
The commander introduced himself:
*"I am Bergil, of the House of dey Fortes—one of the most illustrious families in Vlandian history and the lord of Ox Hall. What brings you here?"*
I mimicked his formal tone:
*"Greetings, my lord. I am Gattar, also a Vlandian, of the Datang clan. As the guard has already informed you, I wish to pledge my service to King Derthert."*
Bergil asked, *"And how do you intend to serve?"*
I replied, *"As a mercenary, for now. My forces are still small, and my family name carries little weight—I doubt you would accept any other form of service from me."*
*"Hmm, fair enough. Your clan is indeed obscure, unlike the traditional houses of our kingdom. Fortunately, we are currently hiring mercenaries. I will pay you to fight, but don't expect to idle in the countryside with my coin. For every enemy you defeat, or similar deeds, you'll earn eighty denars. The more you crush, the more you earn."*
*"Agreed,"* I said.
Bergil nodded. *"Excellent. My men will draft a simple contract in the name of the Vlandian Kingdom. Welcome aboard. May you remain victorious against our enemies."*
I responded eagerly, *"Thank you, my lord. You can trust me. From now on, your enemies are mine, and your honor is my honor."*
Bergil dismissed me with a wave. *"Then we are done here. My army has pressing matters. You may follow us if you wish to join the campaign, or seek out enemies on your own. The goal is simple: find them, and crush them."*
*"Understood, my lord. I prefer to operate independently and will not slow your march."*
With that, Bergil led his massive army away. Watching them go, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy—when would I ever command such a force? At least I had secured my place as a mercenary.
One of my men spoke up: *"Master, now that we serve Swadia, we should patrol near Lageta. With war imminent, many Western Empire lords will be scouting the area. We can pick off smaller parties."*
I was still considering our next move when his suggestion struck me as sound. I immediately ordered:
*"Good thinking. We'll patrol within fifty miles of Lageta but keep our distance from the city itself. Our numbers are still too low—stay alert for large enemy forces. We can fight, but never recklessly. If a major army appears, we retreat swiftly into Battania or Swadian territory."*
For two days, we scouted the border between the Western Empire and Battania but found no enemy lords. Just as I debated pushing closer to Lageta or deeper into imperial lands, a scout rushed in:
*"Report! A Western Empire detachment has been spotted near a village—about fifty to sixty men, mostly infantry. They seem to be recruiting."*
*"Perfect. Charge and eliminate them!"*
We swiftly closed in. The enemy scouts spotted us and immediately alerted their lord, who panicked and fled. We gave chase relentlessly. Though most of their troops were footmen, they ran surprisingly fast. I couldn't afford to send my few cavalry ahead alone, so the pursuit dragged on for two days—resting when they rested, then resuming.
Before I knew it, we had entered Western Empire territory. In the distance, a castle came into view—they were trying to take refuge inside. Just as I feared they would escape, they suddenly halted. I paused, confused, but kept advancing.
Then I saw why: reinforcements had arrived behind them. Realizing the danger, I immediately ordered my troops to retreat toward a nearby forest. As we neared the trees, the enemy closed in. I commanded my archers to loose a volley. The arrows landed just ahead of their cavalry, forcing them to rein in their horses, which reared with startled whinnies. Both sides came to a standstill.
From the enemy ranks, an armored figure on a brown steed rode forward and called out:
*"Who leads this band? Step forward—I would know whose head I take today."*
I urged my horse to the midpoint between our forces. The opposing lord did the same.
*"I am Gattar. And you? Since we've met, perhaps we can be friends. Name your terms, and I shall fulfill them upon my return."*
My words were a thinly veiled attempt to buy mercy—though I held little hope. The enemy outnumbered us three to one; a direct fight would be suicide. As I stalled, I studied the terrain, searching for a way out.