Middenstag, nestled in the southeastern part of Middenland near Hochland and the Talabec River, was a large town surrounded by hills. Throughout history, it had endured countless invasions, with each reconstruction building upon the ruins of its predecessor. This haphazard layering created a chaotic mix of architectural styles, often mocked by outsiders. Yet, Middenlanders took pride in this "tradition," considering it a badge of honor rather than an eyesore.
Now, in the great hall of Middenstag's count's castle, preparations for the decisive battle were underway.
As the commander-in-chief of the human coalition, Ryan naturally assumed leadership. While some Middenland leaders murmured their discontent, none openly opposed the decision. High Priest Emil Wagel of the White Wolf faith declared, "Ulric's sons don't like taking orders from outsiders, but you're not just any outsider, Ryan. You once served as a White Wolf Knight and knelt before the Sacred Flame of Ulric. Middenland has decided to grant you the right to lead this army—treasure it well!"
"No one needs your 'granting,'" Morgiana retorted sharply, stepping up to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ryan. The Grail Priestess, her tone biting, continued, "Ryan is the Lady's chosen champion and the King of Bretonnia. Stop dredging up old ties; Ryan's only connection to you is through that old man Norman."
"Enough, Morgiana. We're here to plan strategy, not to squabble," Boris Todbringer growled, his lone eye narrowing. The White Wolf Elector pointed to Ryan. "Middenland has entrusted command to Ryan. Let him present his plan."
Morgiana opened her mouth to retort, her anger visible in the twitch of her brow, but Ryan gently placed a calming hand on her waist. The touch sent a shiver through her, dissipating her fury in an instant. She fell silent but made it clear with a glare that she wasn't happy.
Behind Ryan, Aurora and Veronica were present as well, both observing the exchange. Aurora, ever the opportunist, saw her chance to intervene and gain favor.
"I believe—" she began, stepping forward.
"We are in a war council! Magic consultants should remain silent unless called upon!" Boris cut her off brusquely. "Aurora, unless Ryan specifically asks for your opinion, do not speak!"
Aurora's face turned pale, then red with anger, but she had no choice but to step back. Veronica and Morgiana exchanged amused glances, stifling their laughter at Aurora's humiliation.
"Quiet, everyone," Ryan said, clapping his hands for order. He scanned the room, noting the assembly of military minds.
The Bretonnian side included King Ryan, Grail Priestess Morgiana, Regent Duke Louen, Red Dragon Duke Bohemond, Duke Hagen, Old Guard Marshal Bertrand, Davout, Veronica, Aurora, and Teresa.
On the Imperial side were Elector Boris Todbringer, High Priest Emil Wagel, Grandmaster Axel of the White Wolf Knights, Teutonic Guard Commander von Tuggenheim, and Heinrich, Boris' legitimate but unofficially recognized son.
The gathering of military leaders was impressive.
Ryan began by unfurling a map. "We'll make our stand here at Middenstag, where we'll face the combined beastmen and greenskin armies. First, let's establish what we know.
"To our southwest lies the greenskin horde. To our southeast, the beastmen. Their troops are inferior to ours in quality but have a significant numerical advantage."
Pointing to the map, Ryan addressed the group: "Middenstag is a key crossroads. To the north lies Middenheim, to the south Carroburg, and to the east Herzig. If you were the beastmen, what would you do?"
Boris responded first. "They'd try to ambush us or encircle us. Beastmen take pleasure in tormenting us, luring us into traps, and then springing ambushes. But given that we hold the high ground here at Middenstag, they'll likely focus on surrounding us instead."
"Exactly. The high ground gives us a defensive advantage, allowing us to position our artillery here," Ryan confirmed. "But, as I mentioned, their numerical superiority poses a challenge. With nearly 80,000 troops, we can expect them to attempt cutting off our supply lines. What would you do in their place?"
"They'll try to sever our access to Middenheim and Herzig," White Wolf Grandmaster Axel concluded. "Let them try! Ulric's sons will make them bleed!"
"Correct. But this time, we won't fight as they expect," Ryan said with a smile. He traced a finger along the roads leading north and east. "Instead, we'll feign retreat, allowing the beastmen to take these routes."
"Retreat?!" Red Dragon Duke Bohemond exclaimed. "Sire, you can't be serious! Leaving the supply lines exposes the entire army to encirclement!"
"No, Bohemond. That's precisely what the beastmen want—forcing us to split our forces to defend the roads. That's how they leverage their numbers." Ryan's tone turned serious. "Instead, we'll feign abandoning the roads, drawing them in to overextend themselves. They'll split their forces, thinking they've won. Meanwhile, we'll concentrate our strength and strike at their divided forces."
"Brilliant!" Boris nodded in agreement. "But what about the greenskins? They're numerous, and the Black Pit spiders have ravaged the surrounding forests before."
"Simple," Ryan said, pointing southwest. "The Middenland forces will feign an advance against the greenskins. Send a portion of your elite troops—White Wolf Knights, Teutonic Guards, and the Sword of Ulric. March within 300 to 500 meters of the greenskin lines, then retreat."
"Retreat?" Boris was stunned at the suggestion of retreating before the greenskins but quickly caught on. "Ah, I see."
"Exactly. The greenskins will interpret the retreat as fear," Ryan explained, mimicking the orcish voice: "'Oi! Look at dem humie runts leggin' it! WAAAGH! Dis time, we smash 'em proper!'"
The room erupted in laughter, even the usually stern Middenlanders cracking smiles.
"With the greenskins in pursuit, Veronica will unleash her greatest spell, the Doomsday Judgment. Hundreds of meteors will rain down upon the advancing greenskins, annihilating them."
Veronica stepped forward, curtsying elegantly before slipping her arm through Ryan's. Her graceful demeanor earned her the room's admiration, further outshining Aurora, whose face darkened in frustration. Teresa gently tugged her mother's sleeve to calm her.
"That will be a glorious sight," Boris mused, already imagining the greenskins' terror under the meteor storm.
"But retreating is a delicate art," Ryan warned. "If you're unsure, I can have the Old Guard handle it."
"Fnndp!" Emil Wagel swore. "You think Ulric's sons are cowards? I'll lead them myself! Anyone who falters will feel my hammer!"
"My godson Tuggenheim will also command. As a White Wolf Paladin and Teutonic Guard Captain, he'll ensure order during the retreat," Boris added.
"Good." Ryan nodded. "Middenland's forces will hold the western line, bolstered by artillery and spells from Aurora and Teresa. Your task is to contain the greenskin horde, holding your position until reinforcements arrive."
"And your forces?" Axel asked.
"Louen's army will hold the northern fort at Untergard, tying down the beastmen. Meanwhile, my knights and I will lead a direct charge against their main force. The beastmen expect us to flank them, so we'll hit them head-on instead. Boris and Axel, your White Wolf Knights will charge with us."
"Now that's more like it!" Axel grinned.
"Bohemond and Hagen's troops will remain hidden under Morgiana's enchanted fog. Once we break through the beastmen lines, they'll strike from the flanks. I will personally ensure the death of Gorthor." Ryan's expression hardened. "This is the plan. Here at Middenstag, we will tear the beastmen and greenskins apart."
"It sounds straightforward," Hagen mused.
"Plans are simple; execution is hard," Ryan replied. "This strategy depends on Wagel's retreat and our ability to pierce the beastmen's lines. As for Gorthor, leave him to me."
With that, the war council concluded, and preparations began.
---
As Ryan prepared to leave for the frontlines with Morgiana, Bertrand, and Davout, a limping figure appeared at the castle gates, leaning heavily on a cane.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"
"Talleyrand?!" Ryan exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Nuln?"
"I've come personally with urgent news!" Talleyrand, clad in elegant Nuln crimson and gold-trimmed robes, produced a sealed letter from his coat. "Read this!"
Ryan ripped the seal open and scanned the letter.
"What?!"
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