Reginald ease up a bit after receiving assurance from Barlia's general but, he didn't let his guard down. Without further ado, Victor ordered the ship to dock at the port. Sails were hoisted, anchored was lifted and ships were steered toward the port.
At the port, people there were swept with a feeling of fear and intimidation. The warships were massive, easily dwarfing the smaller vessels. The sound of creaking timbers and clanging chains echoed throughout the port, causing even seagulls to pause their flights.
"Lower the anchor and get ready to disembark!" Victor shouted as the ship approaches the port.
The envoy watched warily as the soldiers quickly carried out their orders, knowing that his country allowing foreign soldiers to enter their territory. As the ships docked, Reginald couldn't help but remind Victor once again, "I hope you stick to your word."
Victor simply nodded and did not push the matter any further. "Begin unloading our supply. We only have three days to pass through."
eaglesnovɐ1,сoМ The thud of leather boots stepping on the dock's wooden planks reverberated. The Barlia's soldiers landed one after another.
Citizens of the republic held their breath, anxiously waited for the soldiers to finish disembarking. Mothers clung to their children whilst n glanced nervously at one another.
Their imposing presence brought most of the bustling activities ca to a halt. Everyone was frozen in shock as they watch fully equipped soldiers line up in front of them.
No one dares to say anything despite them were not pleased with the idea of a 50,000 Barlia army passing through. Inwardly, they curse the president for making a stupid decision.
For several decades, Barlia has been painted as a dangerous and bloodthirsty people by the older generation using the stories of them pillaging and destruction of Eikadir. It was hard to change the perspective that had been ingrained.
Victor didn't care about the onlookers. His top priority was to get his troops marching as soon as possible. They have several hundred kilotres of distance to cover.
Honestly, three days is barely enough ti. Based on his rough calculation, the troops could only have 4 hours of rest per day. Since the terrain is relatively flat, he hope the weather condition is favourable to to them.
"General, all supplies has been loaded on the horse. The army is ready to move." Inform his subordinate.
"Is that so? Let's depart then."
The army began their journey in high spirits. As they moved forward, the rhythmic beat of their boots was audible to others.
The weather was pleasant when they ca across a beautiful lake on their left, not far from Cerdeaux. The already tranquil scenery was further enhanced by the painted pink and orange hues in the sky caused by the rising sun. In the background, a dense forest covered the mountains in lush greenery.
It was a picturesque view that took their breath away, making them hard to believe that they were going to war.
Soldiers took a chance to fill their leather flasks with crystal clear water.
According to the local legend, this lake is that its water has healing properties. It was said that before humans settled in this area, it was once a residing place of the mythical creature, phoenixes. For a few hundred years, the mythological birds often bathe in this lake which cause their healing power to be infused with lakewater.
The most popular story circulating around was that there was a young girl who was born with shortness of breath and chest pain. Her parent has hired a lot of healers and herbalists. Many prescriptions were procured but her condition hasn't improved a bit.
The young girl's parents were at their end wit.
Desperate for a solution, they decided to take their daughter to the lake which is famous for its legend. Even though they're sceptical, both of them decided to take the lake water for drinking and bathing.
After a week of consuming it, her condition improved before eventually healed. The news later spreads throughout the region. People from all over the area flock to the lake, seeking to heal their own ailnts.
Many people held the opinion that the lake's water was responsible for the girl's miraculous recovery, but so people continued to have their doubts. The supposed "healing" was most likely a placebo effect.
Still, no one can deny that the water is at the very least refreshing and revitalizing. However, their peaceful mont was interrupted by Victor's voice who is urging them to hurry.
"Co on! We don't have all day." He said impatiently. The general is soone who doesn't believe in myth. He scoffs at them for believing in such a fairytale story.
The soldiers promptly obeyed since they didn't want to be reprimanded by their superiors. Without a word of protest, the army continues its journey westward.
Hours and hours passed, and the soldier continue marching without rest. The sky gradually changed colours from light orange to bright blue and finally to deep pink. The stars erged and the moon shining brightly, illuminated their way. The mountaintops were now hardly visible and so does the forest, shrouded in darkness.
At last, they arrived at a crossroads. To the left is a route to Monroux and Whitrere while the straight path ahead lies their destination.
Victor turns toward his soldiers, "Alright everyone, we'll set up a camp here and rest for the night."
....
On the next day in Harlington, the soldiers of Blande begin to stir from their sleep and rose to their feet. So went to a nearby well to wash up their face while others sharpened their weapon for one last ti. Those who are awake called out for their fellow comrades.
"Wake up! Wake up! Get ready before we get called." shouted a soldier to his friend.
The barrack was abuzz with the clanking sound of soldiers donning their armour and horse neighing. Every soldier gathers in their assigned regint and battalion, listening to the last-minute instruction given by their commander.
After a short briefing, soldiers line up in formation, waiting for the order to move out.
Braun ca to the front, riding his horse. "SOLDIERS!! Are you ready?!!
"YES, SIR!! We're ready!" shouted the soldiers, stating their readiness for a battle.
"Good, let's move out."
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