Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

196  Leave the infantry and the barbarians

Henry, Olaro, Yngvi, and Leier stood around the large table in the center of the throne room, an outstretched map laid before them. The intricate lines and roads traced over it reflected the whole territory they had just conquered, giving them an idea of direction. Behind them, the former queen of Aritreia stood silently, her presence diminished, as if hoping to go unnoticed. But Henry had summoned her to the table for a reason. "It looks like you've been using the White Merchant Road to trade with Luak. Is it still in good condition?" Henry asked, his fingers trailing across the map, following the route that snaked eastward toward Luak's borders like the veins of a living body. These roads were like veins, supplying the kingdom with oxygen, much like Stahl.

The queen's eyes darted nervously between the faces of those gathered, before nodding. She scratched the back of her hand, her fear evident, then bent down to write on a parchment. The sound of the quill scratching the paper was the only noise in the room. When she finished, she held it up for Henry to read. "So, the road south is in poor condition, but the eastern section is well maintained due to regular merchant use," Henry muttered, his eyes back on the map. "Have you been to Luak? How are their defenses?"

Again, the former queen nodded, quickly scribbling another response before lifting the parchment. Henry scanned the writing, his expression thoughtful.

"A stronghold at the border, and the only way through is by using the White Merchant Road." Henry clicked his tongue, annoyed. "Why didn't anyone build another road?" he muttered, shaking his head. "It would have made things so much easier."

The frustration was clear in his voice, though he knew the answer. Roads like the White Merchant Road was a great relic of the past, built by his own ancestor, strong enough to endure centuries of use and bad weather. The people of Aritreia lacked the resources and technology to construct anything similar. The road had become an artery for trade, vital to the cities and villages that had been built around it. To build another would have been costly and unnecessary, merchants and travelers would always prefer to take a known path. It wouldn't take long for nature to devour it.

"Only one stronghold, then. Once we get past it, we'll have a direct route into Luak. We could reach the capital in a week, maybe a week and a half if we run into any trouble." Henry tapped the map thoughtfully, his mind racing with strategy. "Luther should have already drawn most of their forces north, thinking we will attack from there. We have kept word of our conquest here from spreading, so we shouldn't expect resistance."

"What do you think, Olaro?" Henry asked, glancing up at his general. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Olaro, who had been quietly observing the map, nodded. "I agree, my king. But since you want this war over quickly, I suggest we leave the barbarians and infantry behind. Our cavalry can move faster on its own."

He shot a strange a look at Yngvi. "We can bring a few dwarves with us. They're light enough not to slow down the horses."

Yngvi's eyes narrowed. "Bald human," he snapped, pointing a finger at Olaro, "We ain't small, we jus' choose to grow our beards an' hair instead o' height, y' tall fool! What's so great 'bout bein' tall, eh?" Before the argument could escalate, Henry cut in, his voice sharp. "Enough, both of you. I'm tired of your bickering." Leier also seemed irritated, her fingers creeping toward the dagger at her side, as though ready to remind them both how easily arguments could be settled. These two had been getting on her nerves lately. They were always competing and bickering, be it about alcohol or strength. They were like kids.

"Anyway," Henry said, rubbing his temples, "Olaro's plan is sound. If we leave the infantry and barbarians behind, we can reach Luak's border in four days, five at most, and still have enough strength to take the stronghold that same day."

Olaro smiled smugly at Yngvi, but his satisfaction was short-lived as Henry added - "You, however, will stay behind, Olaro. You will stay here with Zahra to stabilize the region and survey the cities. Send her to collect reports from the villages, Luke's scribes will need that information when they arrive." Olaro's smile faded. He opened his mouth, ready to protest, but Henry didn't give him the chance. "That's an order."

Olaro clenched his jaw but bowed his head. "Understood, my king."

Henry's gaze flicked toward the queen. "Ask her for help. She knows these lands better than anyone. She'll be useful."

The queen, still trembling, lowered her eyes, knowing she had no choice but to comply. She was only a servant now, not the queen that commanded rain in the kingdom.

-x-

The next morning, Henry led the cavalry down the winding mountain path from the capital of Aritreia toward the White Merchant Road. Behind him, the dwarves clung tightly to the riders, their arms wrapped around their partners in a death grip. They didn't mind heights, but a moving height was something else entirely. Every jolt, every shift of the horse beneath them, sent ripples of fear through their small bodies.

The descent was easy, the road well-maintained from centuries of merchant use. It was smooth enough for wagons, ensuring a swift journey as Henry's cavalry sped down the mountain, the Snowfire Horses were like ghosts.

"Jus' so y' know," Yngvi's voice grumbled through the hundreds of cavalry "we dwarves ain't scared o' heights. But ye make this horse move any faster an' I'll lose me breakfast."

At the head of the army, Henry didn't bother turning around, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was soon replaced by a thoughtful expression, as his mind took him to the plans and way ahead. There was only one objective at the moment, take down the enemy and then stabilize this region.

"Then…" a smile appeared on his lips "Go south."