The stars littered the sky into an intricate tapestry on the eve of Aureus’s departure for the Arctine Ranges.
The assembled army was camped onto the outskirts of Everdawn.
In the command tent, Aureus and his inner council broke into small groups to discuss the various last minute issues facing their departure.
Brandon and Aureus were in animated discussion at the center of the tent.
“Brandon, the governor’s seal is yours for the duration of my departure. In the event that I do not return, you will be the permanent governor.” Aureus said as his eyes glowed faintly.
“Understood. Do your best to return. I have no wish to carry such a heavy responsibility for such a long time.” Brandon replied with a smile.
“Always, my dear Brandon. Always.”
—
The timekeeper nodded to the flag bearer.
A moment later, the banner of Prince’s Aureus soared towards the unlit skies.
As the banner went up, the troops began a slow march in the direction of the uncontested lands.
Aureus opted for a silent departure as he had no wish to disrupt the everyday life of the Everdawn citizens. Musing the noise would only be detrimental to the city. Besides, rumors of his departure had been sweeping the city. Only the blind and deaf had no idea he was embarking on an expedition.
—
Several days later, Johan and Edward were bearing down on a particularly large bear demon beast from opposite directions. Edward reached the beast first and his blade glowed as he swung a heavy overhead blow which forced the bear to block with both paws. The blade sunk deep and the bear roared his fury.
Just as the bear wanted to snap his jaws at Edward, a black glaive protruded from the bear’s chest and silver gleamed amidst crimson. The bear roared his anger at the skies for the last time as it collapsed to the ground.
Johan extracted his glaive from the bear and rode up to Edward with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
“Edward, the credit for the killing blow. No arguments,eh. It is mine,” Johan said as he grinned.
Edward felt that grin to have a particular sinister cast to it. “I mean, if your conscience allows it. Why not?”
The grin on Johan’s face dimmed a little as he gave a theatrical sigh.
“This is the seventh beast horde we have faced in as many days. All signs are pointing to a huge global beast tide forming. This is worrying, especially when you consider this in tandem with Calvus’s report.”
The mood turned sombre as the two turned their steeds in the direction of the camp.
—
“Highness, Lords Johan and Edward had successfully eradicated the beast horde led by the demon bear!” a messenger reported as he entered the command tent.
Aureus nodded and dismissed the messenger as he turned his gaze onto the map on the table.
“As expected of Johan and Edward, they make a good combination.” Tarin said as he made several notations on the map.
Aureus examined the various notations as he agreed.
“We will be passing by the territory of the barbarian tribes soon. Let us increase our patrols,” Aureus said.
—
As Calvus and Denter returned with the mages from their respective flanking and cordoning maneuver in support of Johan and Tarin’s move on the demon horde, their expressions were rather grim.
There was a distinct lack of levity in the command tent as Aureus’s inner council gathered.
It was agreed unanimously that the scale of beast tide invasions is likely to exceed all previous forecast.
Even Aureus had a line creasing through his forehead.
Johan suggested that they pick up their pace to the contested lands.
Tarin and Calvus spoke against it, citing that to rush would be to have more openings. Especially dangerous if a beast of high intellect is to command the next beast attack.
Denter appeared as if he wanted to speak but kept his peace after Tarin and Calvus shared their reasonings.
“Councilors, we will be entering the territory of three barbarian tribes soon. They are fairly large tribes. Please be on alert. Our patrols will be increased accordingly.” Aureus said as the conversations died down. “We will not be increasing our pace. That is final.”
The council bowed towards Aureus before making their way out of the tent.
—
The next day, as the Aureus army stopped for a lunch break , two scouts can be seen hurrying back from the distance.
Aureus spotted the two scouts approaching and signaled his command group to receive the scouts.
The mood instantly electrified as the group caught sight of the scouts approach.
Tarin and Johan immediately took up positions to Aureus’s left and right while the rest arrayed themselves around Aureus.
“Highness, we bear urgent news! One of the barbarian tribes, The Red Skull tribe was wiped out. All indications point towards the demon beast horde!”
If a pin dropped, it could be heard as the command group digested the information.
“Highness, it would appear that the destruction of the tribe was as recent as last night!”
Mutterings broke out amongst the gathered.
“Johan, send out two scouting parties in the direction of the Grey Rock and Blue River tribes. Warn the tribes and have the rides bring additional mounts so that we can gain the fastest update.” Aureus ordered. “Tarin, have the army pick up the pace. I wish to reach the vicinity of the Grey Rock tribe by tomorrow morning.”
Johan and Tarin saluted before speeding out on their steeds.
“The break for lunch in hereby cut in half, have the troops prepared.”
The remaining personnel saluted Aureus before disbanding.
—
The sky was turning dark as the first scouts returned. They came bearing news that the Blue River tribe had moved into the forts of the Grey Rock tribe and that the latter was currently besieged by hordes of demon beasts.
“The defensive strength of the Grey Rock Tribe is unknown, your highness.” The scouts reported. “We could not get close enough to determine, however, we were able to confirm a large volume of people have recently moved towards the Grey Rock forts.”
As Aureus considered the thought of hurrying to the barbarians aid, his aether core pulsed in tandem.
“Give out the order, the Aureus army will march throughout the night.”
—
As the Aureus army neared the Grey Rock Tribe, the demon army as if sensing a mortal approaching started to retreat in full.
This caused many brows to be raised amongst the rank and file of the Aureus Army, but many officers to frown especially the ones closest to Aureus.
Tarin and Calvus shared a look before the former ventured to Aureus about how the maneuver stinks like a week long carcass. If they were bogged down with defending the barbarian tribe, they could easily find themselves surrounded by multiple demon hordes.
Aureus nodded before ordering the fast riding companies to chase after the retreating hordes and to garner as many kills as possible.
—
The tribe leaders of the Grey Rock Tribe and Blue River tribe came out with a group of what appeared to be tribe leaders to greet the Aureus Army. When they were made aware that the one leading the army was Prince Aureus himself, the group visibly tightened. Relations have never been cordial between the superpowers and the barbarian tribes. Nevertheless, the tribe leader of the Grey Rock tribe stepped forward gamely and introduced himself as the leader of the barbarian delegation and requested for Prince Aureus to present himself.
Needless to say, such a suggestion did not sit well with the Aureus army as evidenced by the mutterings from the troops closest to the barbarian group. Aureus rode forth and raised his arm in the direction of his army and the troops immediately quietened. Aureus dismounted and walked up to the barbarian group while his usual guard stood back.
As he neared the group , he released a commanding aura that bore down heavily on everyone present. The barbarian group which was closest were forced to buckle their knees except a few while the Aureus army behind began cheering in a rousing manner as Aureus flared his aura. Many officers looked on in approval at this display. Clearly, there was not much love lost between the two groups.
