Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World - Chapter 255

Capítulo 255: Peace is forged

Henry gathered a handpicked team of twenty soldiers to march south with him. At the same time, he sent messages to his generals and trusted officers, a clear order: Prepare for war. We move south. The time had come to expand beyond Stahl’s borders and finally let his people set foot on real land, not only ice all year round.

On the West, Iosif was developing the naval technology, but Henry had chosen the land route first. If the reports from Leier and the intelligence gained from Eleanor proved true, the southern front could be opened swiftly. Still, he would have to tread carefully. Mages, and other unknown forces might be lurking in the shadows.

The team had already crossed the Obex Forest and set their foot on Askiv’s lands, Stahl’s southern neighbor. It was already night and they set up a makeshift camp.

“Everyone, gather around” – Henry called, motioning the soldiers to the fire. He held a twig loosely in one hand. Even the perimeter guards drifted closer, forming a circle in the flickering light.

“According to our spies, Askiv is split between two rivals. I need everyone to understand about our situation and be able to respond accordingly.”- When everyone gathered, he began – “So, the First Prince, Emerik, holds the capital. The Second Prince, Halvar, commands the rest.”

The twig moved across the wet dirt, tracing strong lines. Slowly, an improvised map took shape, crude, but recognizable. Henry drew from memory, recalling the parchment Eleanor had shown him weeks before. The outline resembled a boot, Obex Forest pressing down from the north like a shadow.

“This is the capital of Askiv.” He carved a square at the center of the map. “Emerik’s seat of power. It is also where the king lies, unconscious, though whether he lives or is already dead remains uncertain.”

The twig scratched further, etching borders around the square – “At present, the capital is the only place Emerik has full control. His brother, Halvar, has already claimed nearly all the surrounding lands.”

Agusa, seated at Henry’s side, idly spun a dagger between his fingers. His bow remained slung across his back, never set aside, not even for sleep. He frowned – “Strange. If Halvar holds that much land, the capital should have fallen long ago.”

Henry nodded. “You’re right. According to our sources, some nobles still cling to respect for the king. As long as there’s a chance he lives, storming the capital would be blasphemy.”

Agusa’s gaze sharpened. “But you don’t believe that, do you, Your Majesty?”

“Not for a moment,” Henry replied, a thin smile curling at his lips. “Greedy men don’t stay their hands out of reverence. No, something else might be keeping them back. I just don’t know what or whom…or if it even exists.”

“Maybe someone stronger,” a voice offered. It was Sarun, a slender soldier from the perimeter guard. The words seemed to escape him before he could stop them. When Henry’s eyes fixed on him, his own wavered, trembling under the weight of that gaze

Henry tapped the square marking the capital. “I’ve thought the same. There must be a force inside, something both princes fear. Whoever or whatever it is, it keeps them from striking. Our spies couldn’t uncover it, so we must tread carefully.”

The men glanced at one another, the firelight flickering across their tense faces. Heads dipped in silent agreement.

Henry swept a circle around the capital on the map. “Our first stop will be the capital. Some of our troops are already inside the city, waiting. Once we regroup, we’ll decide our next move. We’ve also sent word to Emerik’s side, offering help to enter the capital without bloodshed.”

Agusa raised his eyes – “Would it not be wiser to wait while hidden, your Majesty? As you taught us in the Commanders Training Center, a good strategist surveys the whole battlefield before moving. By showing ourselves now, we give eyes to an enemy who was once blind.”

Henry gave a soft laugh, clapping his forearm in approval – “You’re right, Agusa. But we’ll only give them one eye, an image we choose for them to see. They’ll know we’ve set foot in their land, but not who we are, nor what we want. For all they know, we could be commoners seeking freedom, or nobles switching sides. Let them guess. Shadows can be more powerful than truth.”

Agusa nodded, thoughtful.

From the edge of the circle, Sarun spoke again, hesitantly – “And if they refuse our help… will we gain anything?” – His face reddened as all eyes turned to him. He lowered his head, regretting the words the instant they left his mouth.

“Raise your head, soldier,” Henry said, striking the twig against the ground to draw his attention. “That’s a fair question. And yes, we gain much, even in refusal.” He glanced around at the group. “Does anyone know what?”

Silence. The soldiers shook their heads.

Henry lifted one finger. “If they refuse, it could mean they already have a plan to take the castle. That would ease our worries.” He raised a second finger. “Or, it could prove our theory true…something inside those walls terrifies them, something so strong they won’t speak of it. And if that is true…” His eyes narrowed on the dirt map. “…then we must tread with even more caution.”

The fire cracked, sending sparks swirling into the dark sky. Around the circle, the soldiers’ faces tightened with unease.

“You don’t need to be afraid…rejoice”- Henry said, his boots pressing firmly into the earth, making wide gestures, hugging the air – “Look at this land. Rich, green, fertile. Once we deal with what stands in our way, it will all belong to the Crown. And you will all enjoy it.”

The soldiers looked around, their fear easing as their king’s voice was carried over by the wind. They looked around, greed in their eyes.

“Picture it” – Henry continued, his eyes scanning each man – “Your children running free in the fields. A house, a farm of your own. Food and sun all year round, no more endless winters biting your bones.”

Faint smiles spread across the camp.

Henry’s lips curved – “But I wish you all to remember…none of it comes freely. You want those farms? You want your sons and daughters to live under the sun? Then you will carve that future with your blades and your blood. Peace is not won by dreams alone, it is forged in fire and in the screams of others.”

Silence fell again, but this time it was different. The fear had shifted into resolve, the kind that soldiers carried into battle.