The Land: Anarchy

Chapter 38: The Long March

The beginning of the end has begun, the rebels were readying themselves for the final invasion of Ravenrock that will end the war. Most of the men and women joined the invasion, their first mission was to take back their cities. This would be their most difficult task yet, but they were prepared for the Andeenan and Levenhood army also joined the fight. Levenhood would assist the rebels in taking the cities back. Andeena would wait at a distance until the rebels had reached Ravenrock's gates.

The rebels headed to Fort Dessa, Ravenrock's frontline. The people of Swendall wanted revenge on Ravenrock for ransacking their city and enslave the remaining people there. Fort Dessa was heavily fortified, canons could be seen from the gaps of the wall that stood 4 stories high. Lanships patrolled the frontline nonstop with Musketeers observing from tall decks that were built on the edges of the city. It was a tough place to take. The rebels camped on the woods just outside of Fort Dessa. They sent scouts to see how strong the fort was; while they waited, the rebels high ranks met to discuss the strategy.

"We simply don't have the firepower to take down the wall, we have only a few mages. A new way must be planned to take the city." Zyx said.

"I could probably dash in and kill all the guards on the wall silently, after that the mages should rain down fireballs on the fort to confuse the army. Then the feliones would jump on the walls and make their way down to open the gates. After that, our army can charge in with Levenhood cavalry being in the front. This should allow us to capture the fort quickly." Zuno addressed.

"That actually might just work. Alright everyone we will go with Zuno's plan. Godspeed people." Grim agreed.

Not so long after, Levenhood cavalry arrived, about 3000 people arrived along with Princess Selena. A handful of Andeena mages also teleported in the area to assist. The plan was set to retake Fort Dessa. The operation was set to begin at first light.
Nobody could sleep, the tension could be felt all around the men and women. Grim was at her tent looking at the map of the realm, focusing on Ravenrock territory. Wize came in to check on her.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Well, I'm looking at how far deep is Ravenrock territory. Also with which cities have they taken. This will be a long march for us to get to the capital, weeks maybe months before we can clear them all out. That is if everything goes according to plan, but we know that in war nothing ever goes according to plan. So yeah, this will be tough for us." Grim explained as she pointed at the cities on the map.

"We can do it, its basically everyone against them. We will do it. We have to, for all the lives lost." Wize said as he gripped his fist.

Outside, Zuno and Arya were sitting on a tall tree branch looking at the fort, their legs dangled and they were leaning on each other.

"You know, I can't imagine the realm without war. I don't even know what peace looks like, even though I've lived for 180 years now." Arya expressed.

"WAIT, WHAT?! You're 180 years old?!? Well I should have thought so, you are an elf. But still, that old? Wow. Anyway yeah same here, I don't know the realm without war and conflict that much. This will be a first for us, if I get to see the end of this." Zuno replied in shock.

"Well technically I'm still young in elven age. Don't worry Zuno, you will see the end of this war." Arya said as she hugged Zuno.

Jennifer was talking to Selena about the conditions in her kingdom. Levenhood was slowly rebuilding and the people were starting a new life on the kingdom. The situation was still nowhere near perfect, but its progress. Andeena constantly sent help to Levenhood whether it is for rebuilding or for protection. With the death of Ulric, the people felt safer. Selena however now also has another challenge, to find a suitor that will stand by her during her rule in Levenhood. But she will do that after the war ended. Jennifer also though the same that aftet the war, she would find someone to spend the rest of her life with. They talked as if the war had never happened, they laughed and giggled. For a moment, they were happy.

Zyx went around and about the camps talking to the people cheering them on and comforting them. The rebels had a good amount of weapons, some had muskets but most have swords, armors and shields. Bows and arrows were also supplied but only a handful of really talented archers were given those. They needed to make sure that every shot counted.

With a blink of an eye, it was nearing dawn. They all prepared for the battle. They stood just a step outside the woods and they saw that the Ravenrock army were also readying themselves for the battle. The surprise element was gone but Zuno's plan was still in place. With the first light shune on the east, the battle started. Zuno placed his palms on the ground as he knelt and focused on summoning the shadows. He created a black line all the way to the walls of the fort where then the shadows appeared on the walls and attacked the musketeers. Shots and screams could be heard from the wall as the shadows killed the musketeers. The mages took their positions and prepared their spells. They created magic circle around them and were ready.

"Now!" Zuno ordered as he retreated his shadows. The mages opened fire on the fort and they could see the fort going on fire. But then the Ravenrock landships opened fire on the rebels. Jennifer had casted a shield spell before which blocked most of the bullets. The feliones then rushed in, running at high speed on four. Grim and Wize also followed them with the job of killing the people in the landships. The feliones leaped over the wall and killed the defending musketeers whom were already scattered and panicking. Soon, the gates opened and the rest of the army marched in. The battle was swift and succesful. The rebels didn't destroy the landships and they captured the people controlling them. They demanded the people to teach them how to use the landships, and so they did. The people of Swendall were more than thrilled to get their city back. After they secured the city, they celebrated. But there was one who didn't, Grim. She looked upon the skies as if something terrible was about to happen. Wize approached and asked her what's wrong.

"This just feels too easy. Something is not right." Grim mumbled.