In early October, the outskirts of Couronne were bustling.
The Northern Army under Karad was stationed here, comprising over 8,000 soldiers—around 5,500 infantry and over 2,000 knights and knightly retainers from all duchies of Bretonnia, except Carcassonne. With favorable reports from the front, the army had not deployed along the northern coast but was instead encamped at the renowned Diana Estate, just five kilometers from Couronne.
Diana Estate had once belonged to Baroness Diana, the wife of Richard's eldest son Charles, until Charles had become a vampire under Mallobaude. The estate was subsequently confiscated and, in a post-war auction, was bought by the wealthy Hendrik House of the Anoug family, who leased it for a hundred years. Anoug family was renowned across the Old World as major traders in food, wine, and raw materials. Hendrik himself was famously boastful and often brash.
Not long ago, Hendrik had famously declared, "I've conquered many foes in my life. My next target is to defeat the unbeatable." Few understood his confidence, but Hendrik's next move was to convene a "merchant council" to lower grain purchase prices, aiming to turn a profit by exporting grain to the Empire's northern territories, Araby, the Border Princes, and even Ulthuan.
However, Hendrik and his associates quickly learned that they were no match for the seemingly endless funds in Ryan's treasury, and their enterprises went bankrupt. The estate returned to Ryan, who assigned it to Karad for his army's encampment.
The estate, sprawling over 300 hectares, had an oval-shaped lake nestled among lush trees, ideal for large-scale pasture and relaxation. The 8,000-strong army trained rigorously here, with a rest day every ten days to observe the bountiful harvest nearby. For most soldiers, this felt far from a grueling duty.
The Northern Army was full of proud and battle-hardened soldiers, particularly the elite infantry who had participated in the Eight Peaks Expedition. Ryan's choice of Karad as their commander was wise, as the legendary Bretonnian hero, a mid-level Saint in the Sanctuary, commanded universal respect. Having slain numerous greenskin warlords, goblin chieftains, giants, and even Skaven warlords and Strigoi Vampire Kings, Karad inspired unquestioned obedience.
Ambitious knights, particularly the roving Knights Errant, eagerly accepted Karad's authority, and the legendary knight swiftly integrated and organized the entire army.
Two noteworthy events occurred during this period.
The first incident involved a young Knight Errant who, irritated by the haughty attitude of the newly formed elite infantry regiment, issued a challenge. The commoner soldiers responded in kind, and their argument escalated into a standoff between commoners and noble knights that ended up before Karad.
Unsure of how to resolve it, Karad accepted a suggestion from Belial, deciding to allow both sides an honor duel.
Unsurprisingly, the battle-hardened veteran, armed with matching equipment, soundly defeated the young knight.
Karad promptly knighted the commoner soldier, Sir Ethan, then addressed the Knights Errant, chastising them: "If all you noble knights who volunteered are this unimpressive, perhaps it's better to return home and farm. Do not disgrace Lady or King Ryan."
The Knights Errant, deeply shamed, committed themselves to rigorous training, vowing not to bring dishonor to the Lady or their King. Inspired, the commoners grew more motivated in their training, each hoping for the honor of knighthood or a higher social standing.
The second event was also suggested by Belial—organizing "competitions" among soldiers from different duchies. Knights participated in jousting, while commoner infantry engaged in soccer tournaments. These contests quickly became popular, with prizes for winners and additional rations or special meals for the best performers.
In one memorable event, a peasant from Winford named Ethan earned the rare privilege of dining like the Grail Knights, openly savoring venison seasoned with pepper, saffron, and cinnamon.
Thanks to these frequent activities, the army's morale, cohesion, and combat readiness improved significantly.
Under the beautiful autumn night sky, Karad met with Tullas, Belial, and General Meletskov, commander of the Ugol division, to discuss the threat of a barbarian invasion.
Following Ryan's example, Karad ate the same rations as his soldiers, albeit in larger quantities. This approach inspired loyalty, as he rarely treated himself to special meals, instead sharing the same food as his men.
Belial, meanwhile, had secretly hoped for a halfling chef to make him private meals, but seeing Karad's example, he reluctantly followed suit.
The standard rations for the Northern Army consisted of 750 grams of fresh whole wheat bread daily, a rotating 100-150 grams of pork, lamb, chicken, or duck, fresh vegetables, various soups made from tomatoes, potatoes, or corn, occasional fish, and a daily supply of beer or cider. Although the knights enjoyed finer food, including white bread, beef, eel, and imported wines, the difference was minimal.
Having consumed nearly a kilo of buttered bread, a generous portion of pork stew, a large salad, and a bowl of corn chowder, Count Karad addressed his officers: "Though the coast remains quiet, Chaos ships are sighted intermittently. We must remain vigilant."
"Yes, the young men are eager," replied Marquis Tullas, his mouth full of bread.
Meletskov, who had been observing in silence, finally offered his thoughts. "I have an idea. I believe the barbarians, if they intend to invade, will likely target two specific locations."
"The port of Anday to the northeast and Chantillon just north of Couronne? Why those places?" Karad asked.
"If the Norscans were to land, they wouldn't choose a deserted shore. They'd favor a populated port surrounded by farmland and villages, ideally positioned to threaten Couronne," Meletskov explained. "If they capture one of these ports, they could quickly attack Castle Alençon, Couronne's northern gate. From there, they could pillage the rich lands of Gannet and the forests of Felagres."
Meletskov's analysis, grounded in his understanding of the Norscans' raiding patterns, resonated with Karad, who thought, The Tsarina has truly squandered talent.
Ryan had uncovered so many skilled people from Kislev.
"Dispatch messengers to both ports. Inform the local lords to stay alert and report any incursions immediately," Karad ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Belial was the first to respond.
---
Meanwhile, in the Grand Georgiev Hall, Bokha Palace, Kislev
The Bokha Palace was a masterpiece of Kislev craftsmanship, renowned for its elegance and grandeur. The elliptical hall featured a dome with six golden chandeliers, each weighing nearly a ton. The walls and ceiling were adorned with murals depicting Kislev's military victories from the past millennium. The hall's eighteen columns bore statues of the Tsars throughout history.
Tonight, the palace was preparing for a grand banquet. Servants called out the names of each dish.
"Jellied fish and shrimp with green bean sauce!"
"Bretonnian morel mushroom consommé!"
"Kislev roasted pig trotters!"
"Fiery skewered chicken!"
"Sugared foie gras with red chili glaze!"
"Middenheim snowflake steak!"
"Roasted bass with red gourd and onions!"
"Erengrad caviar!"
"Ulthuan hazelnut chocolate mousse!"
"Bretonnian Bordeaux wine!"
As each dish was announced, Tsarina Katarin entered, wearing an ice-blue gown with embroidered frosty patterns. She looked irritated and muttered, "Is that all? Hardly worth picking up a fork."
Terrified servants fell to their knees, fearing punishment. Katarin's criticism was justified; the banquet lacked two courses of the customary thirteen. Several officials would likely find themselves in the Cheka prison over this.
The Tsarina enjoyed luxury, feeling that as ruler, she had already sacrificed much. Why couldn't her soldiers and boyars endure for the sake of Kislev? Why couldn't they endure for the greater good?
And why, she wondered bitterly, were all her subordinates either disobedient yet skilled or loyal yet inept? Why couldn't she have a commander like Karl Franz's Grand Marshal Helborg, or a capable knight like Ryan's Grail Paladins?
Katarin's face remained cold as she refused to touch her food. Finally, she spoke of the latest intelligence.
While Praag had not reported that Vosglade Fortress was surrounded by Chaos forces and that scouts and reinforcements had vanished, Katarin was well-informed. When the 5,000 men sent as reinforcements failed to report back, she received word from her Cheka head, Yezhov.
Whereas General Pavlov and Praag's Duma hoped for the best, Katarin assumed the worst. These soldiers had likely been ambushed and wiped out.
The barbarians' unexpected incursion during preparations for the millennial celebration irritated her deeply. We're preparing for a grand occasion, and these savages choose now to attack?
"I have a theory, Your Majesty," said Marshal Konev, thoughtfully. "The Norscan fleets, large as they are, have limited capacity. Not every tribe can participate in a full-scale war against the Dark Elves."
"You mean some tribes, unable to join the main invasion, turned their attention toward us?" proposed Grand Marshal Dmitri Zayev.
"Precisely," agreed Griffin Legion Commander Romanov. "If so, they might have besieged Vosglade, l
ured in our reinforcements, and annihilated them."
"The fortress is heavily fortified," noted Zaka Fedorov, commander of the Northern Military District. "With over thirty cannons and three hundred muskets from the Empire, its seasoned soldiers should hold out for at least a week."
"Additionally, reports indicate the barbarians are still besieging Mount Durak. Despite a week-long siege, they only breached one defensive line at the cost of over 3,000 men," added Court Minister Petrov. "This suggests the invasion is largely posturing. Summoning an army will make them regret their choices."
Bear Cavalry Marshal Rokossovsky, however, felt the council was overly optimistic. Anxious, he urged, "We lack intelligence. Premature judgments could be risky. The Norscans could soon reach Praag's gates. We need to mobilize immediately!"
"You're right!" Tsarina Katarin suddenly stood.
"This time, I will lead the army myself!"
_________________________
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