Translator: CinderTL
Blackwater Lake, a vast expanse of water on the western edge of the Grassland, resembled a deep blue sapphire set amidst an endless green field. The lake's surface shimmered, its waters taking on a unique dark blue hue due to the silt on the lakebed and the surrounding vegetation, hence its name.
Four fortresses stood like iron fists of giants, firmly embedded in the four strategic points along the lake's shores: Ironwall Fortress on the northern shore guarded the throat of the northern wilderness; Dawnlight Fortress on the eastern shore faced the heart of the Grassland, offering a wide field of vision; Duskshade Fortress on the western shore hid behind lakeside hills, making it easily defensible; and Rockfort Fortress on the southern shore directly faced the southern trade route, controlling the flow of supplies and intelligence.
Each fortress was built of stone, with towering walls and numerous arrow towers. Cannons jutted from the battlements, overlooking the lake and surrounding grassland. Though separated by several miles, the fortresses were linked by gunboats on the lake and scout teams on land, forming a tight defensive network. Alden army soldiers stood guard day and night within the fortresses, vigilant for any suspicious activity near the shore.
To enhance mobility and firepower support, the Alden army established a small shipyard on the shores of Blackwater Lake. Craftsmen worked day and night, transforming timber and metal materials transported from the Northern Three Lands forests into sleek gunboats. These vessels featured narrow hulls and shallow drafts, allowing them to navigate the lake's shallow bays and reed-choked shallows. Each gunboat was equipped with several light cannons, one mounted at the bow and another at the stern, enabling simultaneous attacks on both forward and flank targets. Firing ports along the gunboat's sides allowed soldiers inside the cabin to fire muskets while maintaining protection and firepower.
Though small in scale, this miniature fleet demonstrated remarkable deterrence as it patrolled the lake. Gunboat formations, typically consisting of two vessels, regularly patrolled the shoreline, coordinating with the fortress garrisons. Upon detecting enemy activity, the gunboats could quickly converge and bombard approaching vessels or shore targets with their cannons, while the heavy cannons within the fortresses provided long-range support, forming an integrated lake-land defense system.
Control of Blackwater Lake was of paramount importance to the Alden army. Not only was it the largest freshwater source on the western edge of the Grassland, vital for the survival of numerous Orc clans, but it also served as an advanced outpost deep within enemy territory. The four fortresses and the lake fleet formed an iron lock, firmly securing this strategic stronghold and providing the Alden army with solid logistical and military support in its struggle for dominance over the Grassland and the Wasteland.
At this moment, Abal's army was converging on Blackwater Lake. They marched across the grasslands and through the wilderness, driven by a thirst for victory and a hunger for territory. Their ranks included battle-hardened veterans, seasoned archers, and new recruits forced to join for survival.
The Alden army stood ready, knowing this battle would determine control of the Western Grasslands. On Alvey's advice, they had recruited numerous Orc laborers from local tribes. Though once enemies, these Orcs had become allies, hauling bricks and stones, reinforcing fortifications, digging trenches, and setting traps to prepare for the coming conflict.
Under the command of Imperial soldiers, the Orc laborers worked tirelessly. They dug deep trenches and piled the earth into high ramparts, then planted sharpened wooden stakes and set traps within the trenches. They also reinforced the fortress walls with stone and timber, making the defenses even stronger.
The Imperial soldiers were equally busy, inspecting their firearms, drying gunpowder, and ensuring everything would function flawlessly in battle.
As Abal's army drew closer, the tension around Blackwater Lake grew palpable.
One day, a scouting party of Orc cavalry arrived at the lake's edge.
Clad in crude leather armor and armed with spears and curved sabers, they rode tall warhorses, cautiously advancing along the shore, observing the surroundings and the Alden army's deployments. Their eyes held a deep wariness, for they knew this lake was a vital water source for the Alden army and a key objective in their conflict.
An Imperial soldier stationed in a watchtower spotted them through his telescope. He immediately signaled the gunboat fleet on the lake with flag signals. Receiving the order, three gunboats surged toward the indicated location.
The gunboats soon spotted the Orc cavalry, and the Orc cavalry saw the gunboats.
But when the gunboats were less than a hundred paces from the shore, the Orc cavalry made an unexpected move: they leaped from their warhorses, drove the mounts into the reeds, and crouched among the rocks on the beach. Beneath their rough leather armor, they drew longbows from their backs.
These longbows were vastly different from the light bows Orcs typically used. Carved from single pieces of ebony, they stood a man and a half tall. The bow's body twisted and snaked like a serpent, each curve inlaid with razor-sharp Orc bones. When fully drawn, the bowstring ran nearly parallel to the bow's body. The arrows were even more terrifying: their shafts were forged from fine steel, their barbed arrowheads edged with the venomous blood of the Prairie Wolf, and their fletching crafted from the wing bones of Eagle Vultures, ensuring absolute stability even in the fiercest winds.
The Orcs took deep breaths, nocking arrows onto their bowstrings. Their fingers turned white from the strain. They waited, poised to unleash their deadly projectiles the moment their target drew near.
But before the Alden army gunboat entered their effective firing range, the gunboat's shells descended like the scythe of death.
Flames and smoke instantly engulfed the lakeshore, the explosions deafening to the Orcs' ears.
The shells slammed into the Orc ranks, erupting in crimson mists and plumes of earth. Orcs and their mounts were sent sprawling, their cries of agony echoing across the water. Many Orcs who failed to find cover were struck by shrapnel, some even tumbling into the lake, their blood staining the water a deep crimson.
The Alden army gunboat on the lake continued firing volleys of cannonballs, one after another, without mercy. The Orcs desperately sought cover, but the open terrain along the shore offered nowhere to hide. They could only run for their lives, trying to escape this death zone.
As the gunboat returned to the fortress dock, Andrew stood on the watchtower of Rockfort Fortress, watching the orc cavalry disappear into the reed marshes.
He was both tense and exhilarated. The appearance of this small Orc patrol signaled that Abal's main army was not far behind.
"Sir, dinner has arrived," Adjutant Jackson said softly, carrying a wooden tray. The steaming stew on the tray released a rich aroma of spices.
"Where will they break through?" Andrew suddenly asked.
Jackson paused, realizing his commander was speaking to himself.
"The shallows west of the lake? Or the reed marshes to the east?" Andrew continued murmuring, his fingers drumming a rapid rhythm against the stone railing.
Jackson hesitated before placing the tray on the tower's stone table. "Sir, you haven't slept in two days and two nights."
Andrew finally turned, meeting his adjutant's gaze. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "South of the Rocky Mountains, my colleagues have earned their fill of military glory in battles against Abal."
His voice suddenly rose. "Now, at last, it's our turn to shine!"
(End of the Chapter)
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