Chapter 46: The Enemy Forces
The morning sun illuminated the vast enemy encampment, where the rhythmic thrum of activity echoed across the valley. The enemy forces had reached Kael's territory, their numbers now becoming more apparent as each division solidified its position. The magnitude of their might was staggering, a show of military power that, on its own, could strike fear into the hearts of many. Kael's forces had always been formidable, but the scale of what lay before him was unlike anything he had yet faced.
Lord Varnic, the commander of this imposing army, had gathered his lieutenants and generals in a large tent at the heart of their camp. Their primary task was to break down the organization of their forces: how many soldiers each town had contributed, the strategic value of those forces, and the armaments they carried. In the coming battle, knowledge of the enemy's composition would be the key to success. If they were to breach Kael's defenses, understanding their power structure, their strengths, and their weaknesses was imperative.
Varnic, standing tall with his scarred visage and a cloak of darkened iron armor draped over his broad shoulders, looked to Nethira for the details. Nethira, his chief strategist, had prepared a detailed breakdown of their enemy's composition. It was her work that would guide their strategy, and her observations were always keen and precise.
"We have assembled a mighty force, but even this is only the beginning," Varnic said. "Give me the full report on our troops, Nethira."
With a sharp nod, Nethira unfurled a parchment across the wooden table before them, revealing the intricate details of the enemy's army—its divisions, leadership, armament, and strategic positioning. The report outlined the contributions of the various towns that had rallied to Varnic's banner, each with their own distinct makeup and specialties.
"First, we have the forces from the town of Faldras," Nethira began. "A town known for its skilled warriors and renowned blacksmiths. They contribute the bulk of our infantry, roughly 10,000 strong. These men are highly disciplined, mostly veterans from past conflicts. Their primary armament consists of broad swords, shields, and pikes. These are men who are used to close-quarter combat and are formidable in defense as well as offense."
Varnic listened intently, his eyes narrowing as he mentally cataloged the details. The strength of Faldras was its infantry—numerous, disciplined, and well-equipped for hand-to-hand combat. He would need to counter their numbers with speed and precision if Kael's forces proved to be similarly proficient in melee.
Nethira continued, her voice steady and confident. "Next, we have the forces of Valmorra, a town of exceptional archers. Valmorra contributes roughly 5,000 soldiers, though their true strength lies in their long-range capabilities. Their weaponry is primarily bows—short bows, long bows, and even a few crossbows. These soldiers are trained in the art of precision, capable of striking from great distances, disrupting enemy formations before they can even close in. Their archers are the backbone of our ranged support, and they are highly valued for their strategic ability to harass and wear down enemies over time."
"Ranged superiority," Varnic murmured. "We will need to keep our forces mobile to avoid being bogged down in open terrain."
"Exactly," Nethira said. "The Valmorran archers have a reputation for breaking the enemy's will before the battle even begins. They'll be stationed on high ground, out of reach of most retaliation, with the ability to harass Kael's forces from afar."
The enemy's ranged units would indeed pose a problem for Kael, especially in the early stages of battle when mobility was key. But Varnic was no fool. He had already thought of ways to counter the advantage of ranged attacks, but it would require careful coordination and timing.
Nethira moved on to the next town's contribution. "From Galdar, we have the elite cavalry force. Galdar is known for its heavy cavalry, with roughly 4,000 riders. These soldiers are armed with lances, sabers, and plated armor. Galdar's cavalry specializes in shock tactics, capable of charging through enemy lines and breaking formations with sheer force. They will be the spearhead of our attacks—fast, powerful, and able to maneuver through the battlefield with precision."
"How do they fare against infantry?" Varnic asked, his mind calculating possible responses.
"They excel against lighter forces and unprepared formations. However, their horses are vulnerable in dense terrain. We will need to ensure they have room to maneuver, which is why the plains surrounding Kael's stronghold are ideal."
Varnic nodded, visualizing the cavalry's role in the coming battle. Their speed and striking power would be crucial for delivering the first blows to Kael's defenses. He knew that if Kael's forces were caught off guard, the cavalry would create chaos in the enemy ranks.
"Then we have the final contribution," Nethira continued, her voice taking on a darker tone. "The forces of Torthan. This town provides our most dangerous troops: the warlocks and magic-users. Approximately 2,000 mages make up this force, though not all are battle-hardened. They possess a variety of magical abilities—ranging from elemental spells to curses and illusions. They are crucial for our siege efforts, as they can weaken Kael's fortifications and create confusion among his ranks with their unpredictable powers."
Varnic's brow furrowed. Magic was always a wildcard in battle, and while he trusted his forces, the unknown variables that came with magic could turn the tide in unexpected ways. He had dealt with mages before, but Kael's own magical prowess had been rumored to be considerable. Varnic would have to plan carefully to ensure his own mages could outclass Kael's in their duel of arcane might.
"Do we have any idea how Kael's forces are structured in terms of magic?" Varnic asked.
"We've gathered some reports," Nethira replied. "But as with everything surrounding Kael, there's a cloud of uncertainty. His mages, assuming he has them, have been unusually quiet. It's as if they're waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves."
"Then we must assume the worst," Varnic muttered. "Prepare our mages to face whatever Kael has in store."
Nethira nodded, her gaze sharp. "I'll ensure that our warlocks and mages are ready for any counterattacks. They will play a pivotal role in breaching Kael's outer defenses."
The structure of the enemy forces was becoming clearer in Varnic's mind, a well-organized, well-equipped army. With Faldras' infantry, Valmorra's archers, Galdar's cavalry, and Torthan's warlocks, the enemy had a force capable of overwhelming any conventional defense. But Kael was no ordinary opponent. Varnic's gaze hardened as he thought about the tactics Kael might employ—this battle would not be won simply through strength of numbers. It would require strategy, deception, and the ability to outthink Kael at every turn.
He turned to Nethira, his mind already whirring with plans. "Start coordinating with the generals. I want to know the exact positions of each division, and I want every unit ready within the hour. We strike at dawn tomorrow."
"Understood," Nethira said, gathering up the papers and preparing to leave the tent.
As she walked away, Varnic stood alone in the command center, staring at the map before him. The enemy was numerous and powerful, but so was Kael. This battle would determine everything.
Kael's fate—and perhaps his own—hung in the balance.