Building a Kingdom and Conquering the World

99  The Cavalry of Stahl n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Snow fell gently upon the walls of Eisenburg. A soldier approached with a shovel and a pushcart already laden with snow, diligently clearing the bridge of the walls. Previously, during the reign of the other kings, the maintenance of the walls had been greatly overlooked, hindering the soldier's mobility on the walls, even more so under a war.

However, in the past two years, Henry had implemented a reorganization on the soldiers' shifts. While one group rested or remained vigilant for threats, another group was assigned to keep the walls clear, without obstacles for them. This rotational system allowed the soldiers to be vigilant while also able to report any damages or loopholes in the structure. There was not a single soul that understood the walls better than these watchmen and Henry planned on using their vision. This strategic arrangement made use of the soldiers' time and workforce effectively, requiring no additional expenses in hiring new workers and ensuring that only those within the army had access to the crucial areas.

Luther was walking along the wall with firm and determined steps, seemingly unfazed by the chilling winds that threatened to freeze his fingers, using the Mana to heat himself up. The old general's gaze was fixed on the direction of the capital, where workers busily constructed houses and paves streets according to the king's design. The work on the southward avenue had already finished, giving it an air of an important merchant avenue. It was already bustling with merchants and passersby negotiating or seeing the items on display. Every store along the avenue proudly flew the flag of the Sun God Company, established by the king to oversee and profit from these businesses. It was also a way to create a good ecosystem to develop the economy and bring innovation.

Luther's eyes gleamed with emotion as he observed the smiles adorning the faces of the people. Only a couple of years ago, they were only weary survivors of an endless battle against the harsh reality of the North – "This is a golden age" - Luther murmured.

The young king had turned everything around, offering them a life that exceeded their wildest dreams, a life that they have never imagined. It was something unbelievable some years ago if someone said that the dumb and proud king could achieve something like this, even Luther would have laughed. However, there was no better proof than the scene in front of him.

And the mere idea of someone threatening this hard-earned peace ignited a fierce rage within Luther. As he halted his steps, his gaze shifted from the bustling peace emerging from Eisenburg to the distant and desolate white horizon beyond the walls. Hundreds of miles away, two armies were advancing toward the capital. Though the old general uttered no words, a suffocating murderous intent enveloped his body, nearly causing two nearby soldiers to falter. One of them was on the verge of falling to his knee, gripped his throat in fear.

"I will handle this" - Luther muttered, before resuming his walk, too immersed in his wrath to notice the nearby soldiers trembling in fear.

He wanted to keep this peaceful life, even if it meant leaving behind his own life. He wished to aid the king in creating a better world for the people.

-x-

A new day dawned upon Eisenburg, with the sun veiled by grey clouds that seemed to cast a foreboding shadow that seemed to be sad about the imminent bloodshed that was going to occur soon. A bloodshed that would dye the pristine snow in red. Outside the gates of Stahl's capital, nearly a thousand soldiers were mounted on their horses. They carried bows slung across their backs, half of them wielding swords and the other half armed with spears. Each cavalry member wore a thin chainmail as a way to offer speed and protection to the soldiers atop their Snowfire Horses.

Henry spent large amounts of time and resources to capture a thousand Snowfire Horses in the Frozen Forest, where they roamed in great numbers. At first, Henry didn't understand the reason why neither the barbarians nor the former Stahl's kings tamed these beasts to reinforce their strengths. Even though there was no custom of horse riding around these parts, there were still stories telling about the accomplishment of cavalry against other armies. However, he soon learned the reason.

The Snowfire Horses possessed an unusual intelligence and heightened senses. At the faintest hint of danger, they would bolt towards the Inner Forest, where the dangerous beasts dwindled. Because of that, it was difficult to even catch their tracks on the snow or capturing them without severely hurting them. In order to create a solution to this, Henry sought the assistance of Luna, the mysterious mage residing in Eisenburg, who devised a special lure to draw the horses within reach for capture. Henry wanted to expand his cavalry, but limited resources gave him no such way.

Henry built this cavalry inspired by Genghis Khan's incredible Mongol horde, known for its remarkable speed and agility that let this wandering community conquer vast lands of the known world, such as a substantial part of Europe and almost all Asia. The Battle of Legnica in 1241 was a defining moment for the Mongol Empire, defining their legacy as they stretched their lands further and causing havoc on the world, leaving their horses' tracks on the grounds of Europe.

The Mongols, commanded by Batu and Subedei, had devised a great and smart strategy to invade Europe. A portion of their force, approximately 20,000 soldiers led by Princes Kadan and Baidar, entered Poland while the main Mongol group focused on raiding Hungary. These 20,000 soldiers set fire to Cracow, Poland's capital, on Palm Sunday. In response, the Polish, led by Duke Henry II of Silesia, hastily gathered around 30,000 soldiers to defend against the Mongol horde. This resistance included poorly armored locals and knights from Christian orders like the Teutonic Knights, the Hospitallers, and the famous Templars.

In order to exterminate this resistance, the Mongols devised traps and made strategic use of their mobility and archery to decimate their enemies without giving them a chance to breath. They lured the knights and used smoke to disperse and attack them with a storm of arrows that covered the skies.

In the end, Poland's resistance was futile, and the army was easily exterminated by the Mongols. Duke Henry II was captured, killed, and his head was displayed by the Mongols, following their custom. The Mongols emerged victorious in this war, delivering a massive blow and defeat to the Europeans. Henry desired such a cavalry, capable of conquering this fantastical world. He wanted it.

Luther sat atop his Snowfire horse in front of the vast army. With a gentle hand, he stroked the red fur of the beast, watching as four soldiers opened the heavy and grand stone gates that blocked the capital from invasions. The gates gradually opened, unveiling the snowy landscape beyond the wall. Luther ceased petting the horse and turned his attention to two nearby soldiers who held a long wooden pole in their hands, wrapped in some kind of fabric.

"Raise the flag!" - Luther's command echoed across the area.

Before the citizens' eyes, standing by the merchant stores, two large flags emerged. Luther's nearby soldiers waved the flags powerfully, causing it to flutter, even though there was not a single breeze. The symbol that symbolized Stahl appeared before them.

The people gathered along the streets couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope as they looked at the owl standing on a sun. For a moment, silence permeate the environment, before a collective cheer erupted from the crowd, and euphoria filled the air. Children waved their hands, and adults clapped and cheered, their faces reflecting a mixture of hope and will to fight for their king, a will to fight for their peaceful life.

The Snowfire Horses, with Luther leading them, began to advance toward the open gates, their hooves echoing on the cobblestone streets that had been cleared from the snow. The cavalry's disciplined formation and the grandeur of their banners created an awe-inspiring spectacle.