A general born to rule

The first major victory

The March to Valorcrest

King George’s army trudged through the dense forest, their numbers vast and seemingly unstoppable. The men were fueled by the lies their king had fed them, believing they were marching to crush a rebellion and restore order to a land that had dared to defy their ruler. They were unaware of the dangers that lay ahead, the traps and defenses carefully prepared by Marcus and his men.

The first sign of trouble came as they entered the deeper parts of the forest. The soldiers at the front of the column suddenly disappeared into the ground, falling into the carefully concealed pits filled with sharpened stakes. The screams of the fallen echoed through the trees, sending a ripple of unease through the ranks. But the officers barked orders to press on, and the soldiers obeyed, pushing forward despite the mounting losses.

As they moved deeper, the traps became more frequent and deadly. Logs rigged to swing down from the trees crushed soldiers in their path, while hidden spikes impaled those who strayed from the main road. The forest seemed alive with danger, every step a potential death trap. Despite the mounting casualties, the soldiers continued their march, driven by fear of their king’s wrath and the promise of glory.

By the time they neared Valorcrest, their numbers had been significantly reduced. The once-mighty army was now bloodied and battered, but still, they marched on, determined to complete their mission.

The Battle Begins

Marcus watched from his position in the trenches, his eyes narrowed as he observed the approaching army. The trenches had been dug deep and fortified, the perfect defensive position. Alongside him were his men, armed with the newly crafted WWI-era weapons—rifles, machine guns, and artillery pieces. Stationed just behind them were the A7V and Mark IV tanks, their engines rumbling as they waited for the command to engage.

As the enemy drew closer, Marcus felt a grim satisfaction. The traps had done their job, thinning the ranks of King George’s forces. But now it was time to finish the job. He turned to his men, who were waiting with bated breath for his orders. The tension in the air was palpable, the silence before the storm.

“Fire,” Marcus commanded, his voice steady and calm.

In an instant, the forest erupted with the sound of gunfire. The trenches came alive with the crack of rifles and the roar of machine guns, spitting out a hail of bullets that tore through the enemy ranks. Artillery shells whistled through the air, exploding in the midst of the advancing soldiers, sending bodies flying and creating craters in the ground. The tanks rumbled forward, their cannons booming as they unleashed devastation upon the enemy.

The soldiers of King George’s army were caught completely off guard. They had expected a simple battle against a poorly armed village, not this. The combination of modern weaponry and the strategic brilliance of Marcus turned the battlefield into a slaughterhouse. The once mighty army was now being decimated, their numbers rapidly dwindling as they were cut down by the relentless barrage of steel.

Despite the overwhelming firepower, some of King George’s men managed to reach the trenches, only to be met with bayonets and close-quarter combat from Marcus’s forces. The fighting was fierce and brutal, but the defenders of Valorcrest fought with the determination of men defending their homes, their families, their very way of life.

A Decisive Victory

The battle raged on for what felt like hours, though in reality, it was over in a matter of minutes. The battlefield was littered with the bodies of King George’s soldiers, the ground soaked in blood. The survivors, those few who had the sense to flee, were allowed to escape, carrying with them the tale of their crushing defeat.

As the last echoes of gunfire faded, a cheer rose from the trenches. The men of Valorcrest, exhausted but triumphant, celebrated their victory. Marcus, standing amidst the carnage, allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. This was their first major battle, and they had won decisively. The people of Valorcrest had proven they could stand against the might of King George’s forces.

Marcus knew this was only the beginning. King George would not take this defeat lightly. But for now, they had time—time to regroup, to fortify, and to prepare for the battles that were sure to come. He also knew the importance of morale, and he intended to use this victory to their advantage.

Drawing on his knowledge from his previous life, Marcus began to plan a campaign of propaganda. He would spread word of their victory far and wide, using it to rally support from other villages and kingdoms. The story of Valorcrest would inspire others to join their cause, to stand against the tyranny of King George. And with each new ally, their chances of ultimate victory would grow.

After the Battle

Back in the village, the news of the victory spread quickly. The people of Valorcrest rejoiced, their fear replaced with hope. They had faced the might of King George and emerged victorious. The victory gave them confidence, a belief that they could truly protect their home and their way of life.

In the quiet of their home, Sam sat with Alara, holding her close as they listened to the distant sounds of celebration. Despite the victory, Alara’s fear had not completely subsided. She still remembered the horrors of King George’s dungeon, the cruelty she had endured. But Sam’s presence was a comfort, his steady strength reassuring her that she was safe.

“He won’t take you, Alara,” Sam whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “As long as I’m here, as long as Marcus is here, he won’t lay a hand on you. We’ll protect you, no matter what.”

Alara looked up at him, her eyes filled with love and trust. “I know,” she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “I believe in you, Sam. I believe in us.”

They sat together in the quiet, drawing strength from each other. Outside, the people of Valorcrest celebrated their first major victory, unaware of the challenges that still lay ahead. But for now, they had won a hard-fought battle, and they would savor this moment of peace.

And as Sam and Alara held each other close, they both knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.