Ophuthis: Unfaltering Fidelity

Chapter 4: An unresolved conflict

  "Sir Jista, they are here."

Battle horns have rung and the staggering number of enemy knights worried the men standing in the heat. As they noticed, those who saw immediately rung bells and horns and woke up all, including their leader, Jista.

As Jista was informed, he quickly grabbed his sword he himself made a few years ago. As it is too late now to retreat, he instead composed himself back to reality.

The sun is still scorching; it very much did not flinch. But the heat is not the problem they are all focused on, it is a problem, though they waited, is still terrifying to see. No army this size has ever been sent to their war by the government since, and to most if not all, this sheer size is their first time seeing such coordinated, sophisticated men.

The enemy army wore a mix of black armor with cloth fur atop their helms colored with red. Their shields with the crest of the Ælhelmian Kingdom, two swords crossed inside a crown. Proud as they approached, proud as they marched, proud as they advanced. Their unison speaks camaraderie and togetherness.

They waved the flag of Ælhelmia and some even sung the anthem, deafening to those who opposed the corrupt government.

"All you, lot. Prepare your weapons, go to your formations. Do not let them intimidate you," Jista shouted while not removing his gaze to the large concentrated number of people, meters away.

Confident they are as they saw the short amount the rebels had. This is merely one step to taking back the lost lands. Just by viewing, they knew they will win. Soon, events will unfold that shall dictate the fate of Jista's head, and if the people's power shall be dissolved. A lot of people rely on them, on Jista mostly, and it is only one of many reasons why Jista can never afford to lose.

The sight of the army spanned for at least a kilometer, they comprise mostly of foot soldiers but some, including what appears to be their captain, are on horses. Not all foot soldiers use close-combat weapons, some are archers that carries bows, but the majority are still swords, spears and shield.

One cannot take away the fact that someone of this formation is a Magic Arts user, for that is foolish thinking. As they say carelessness is the greatest enemy. Jista muttered to his mind, in hopes of lowering his anxiousness.

Most of his 27,000 are now all in formation. As the landscape they put tents in are sloped, although there are now 9,800 levies in front of Jista, and because those people are placed at the foot of the slope, Jista can still see the enemy. What are left is 9,000 cavalrymen behind the front lines, behind Jista, and even behind them, at the highest in the slope, are his remaining 8,200 archers.

"Sir Jista," a person approached him. It is the same guard he had who greeted his visitors earlier. "What is it?" His eyes did not escape the enemy formation.

"They have sent a messenger. Rode a horse and alone. It seems the message it carried is true and his arrival are but harmless. Nonetheless, we kept our distance in case it will cause some rampant rampage, or if it is a very powerful Magic Artist."

"Very good. What did the mysterious envoy state?"

"The enemy captain, identified as Kreiman Lockley, has rightfully invited you to meet at the center of the battlefield. It seems he has important matters to discuss."

"Is that all?"

"Indeed."

Jista thought twice but eventually came into a conclusion, "fine. I shall meet this gentleman."

"Sir, I feel it is up to your knowledge that it is too dangerous. An unexpected..."

He was halted by Jista's hand.