by Cobyboy
"Eh? Isn't that Lady Marie? What is she doing?!?"
Although this was surprising and all, what immediately caught Allen's attention upon his arrival is the yelling Marie that seems to be scolding the man who was leading this group of beasts. Marie and Allen had held a good working relationship together as she was one of the most faithful workers he had ever met.
Only after the arrival of her father, Mark, had it seems that she had quieted down and returned to her composed self. Although she was now quietly backing off, she was not leaving room for Feihren to breathe as she was still staring at the man intently.
"Ah, it's you, Sir Allen. My humble apologies. For you to witness such chaotic mess due to my daughter..." Mark had immediately greeted the approaching city lord.
The young city lord only nodded at the apologies of Mark as he threw a casual smile towards this father and daughter duo, before gazing back towards Feihren. Although both of them were still mounted, the tall figure of the Spirit Wolf dwarfed the ordinary horse which made Allen tilt his head to look at Feihren's face.
"Apologies milord." Feihren immediately dismounted as he bowed slightly towards Allen.
Allen followed suit as he also dismounted before he earnestly greeted Feihren.
"I am the current lord of the Sechua City, Allen Romeo, nice meeting you Sir?"
"Ah, I am Gama Feihren, I am uh..." Feihren was a bit indecisive as he wandered his gaze towards Mark, who just nodded as a sign of approval. "...am the current king of the Wolfenstein Kingdom."
The people who had managed to hear the seemingly quiet voice of Feihren admitting who he really was were creasing their brows as they could not believe what they had just heard. 'A King? Who is this whom suddenly arrived in this city without anyone even knowing that he was here?' A few of those guards that had stopped Feihren back when he first entered interrupted.
"King? Did you not tell us that you were just a hermit from the central woodlands forest? A king does..." Allen had immediately signaled the guard as to stop talking before he continued forth himself.
"My apologies then Your Majesty..." Allen then bowed deeply before standing back up.
"You believe me? Huh..." Feihren did not anticipate that this city lord was so humble. Feihren was fairly certain that there would have been more commotion from all this yet...
"Well, I don't see any point for you to lie about it Your Majesty," Allen replied as he threw as smile towards Feihren. "Now then, what seems to have brought you all this way Your Highness?"
"Hmm..." Feihren paused for a few moments before replying.
"I had a few matters that needed settling. Two of which involved the black market within your city? If you do not mind, I have already taken care of everything for you. It seems that you are that kind of a city lord that cares for his citizens, and not a greedy one that supports dirty works. So it seems that we are on the same page."
Feihren did not tailor any of the information as he straightforwardly said everything towards Allen, He might sometimes be a little bit dense, but he could clearly see a good man when he sees one.
"...Many thanks, Your Majesty." A teary-eyed Allen replied as he then suddenly burst into tears.
The crying image of a young city lord made Feihren nod as he pondered 'He is indeed young, yet he had to carry such huge burden. It must've felt really good to have removed such a huge thorn in his heart'.
The city guard and the others who witnessed this scene had their hearts squeezed in empathy. It was indeed a huge burden for such a young man to carry. Yet, he had powered through it despite the adversity.
Feihren slightly patted his back as he comforted him.
"Come on now, there is no point in crying for that long."
He slightly joked around as to bring the atmosphere back to a jollier tone.
"Although it does not decrease your manliness, let's try to tone that down a bit okay? And besides, you have an entire city to run, so you should probably get going. As for me, I also have to return to my own responsibilities..."
Feihren's smile had calmed him down a bit as he stood back up, wiped his dirtied face, and patted his own chest a few times.
"Thank you, my king." Allen sincerely thanked Feihren as he continued "But I have one favor to ask you, Your Majesty."
"What is it? As long as it is within my power, then I'll try." Feihren replied.
"I wish for you to accept my proposal. For Sechua to be a vassal city of your Wolfenstein Kingdom, Your Majesty." Allen straightforwardly asked Feihren as he immediately kowtowed in front of him.
This was Allen's way to ensure the growth of Sechua city for the future. Being an independent trade city had its advantages, yet the disadvantages were also as clear as the daylight. There is nobody to rely upon except itself during times of trouble. And it had been proven that an independent trade city could easily be manipulated by the wrong hands, or those that hold the power of money.
Having the Wolfenstein Kingdom as a mother state could be used as a deterrent for cutting short any and all inconveniences that would fall upon Sechua City in the future. It was a win-win situation for the entire city and its development down the road.
Feihren, as someone who had a high profile background back on Earth, had also arrived at the same conclusion the moment Allen had asked for this 'favor'. It was just perfect for the situation. The crippled illegal organizations in the core of Sechua City would uproot by itself the moment the vassalage was approved. And all this would also benefit the kingdom in the near future. Having another branch as a means of trade would definitely be good for its further improvement.
Feihren nodded in response as he replied. "That is a good 'favor' you're asking there" Feihren smiled as he continued, "I will be waiting for the formal proposal when I arrive in Wolfenstein. I'll have a little talk to my prime minister first, about all this."
"My deepest thanks, Your Majesty." Allen bowed a few more times before he mounted back on his horse, "I will immediately send the formal proposal as soon as possible Your Majesty," Allen replied as he glanced towards the city guards "Allow passage for his highness."
Feihren just replied with a casual nod as he proceeded to mount the Alpha Spirit Wolf.
"It seems I have to go now." Feihren directed his look towards Mark as he continued." Although it won't be long until I return here. I'll just have to return all these beasts to their homes and head back to Wolfenstein. Hahaha, it seems that I have dragged myself through something troublesome again. I have to inform my prime minister and the Senate about this."
"I apologize for being hostile towards you, Your Highness." Marie suddenly interjected as she threw a direct apology with a straight face.
"It's fine. Besides, I understand that everything you do is for your father." Feihren replied
'Ah, at least she's not like somebody else I know of, good thing she just straightforwardly apologized and didn't run away all of a sudden...'
Mark smiled as he added, "Your Majesty, let my daughter escort you back to the elven forest."
"Ah, no no no. I am fine alone, I'll go now." Feihren hurriedly replied as he immediately slipped out of the city gate and guided the 'flock' of beasts behind him.
'I don't need a scream machine as my escort you know...' Feihren thought to himself as the group of beasts disappeared within the central woodlands.
Chapter 60: Wolfenstein for A Reason
A large group of beasts had dispersed throughout the Central woodlands. These were the beasts that Feihren had managed to save during the destruction of the Sechua city's black market.
Although it was troublesome, Feihren had to assist each of these beasts back home. It would be terrible if something were to happen to them along the way if Feihren just let them be.
It took them around three to four days for all of the different kinds of beasts to be able to return to their proper habitats. This was really tiring, but by the end of it all Feihren was highly satisfied with this good deed. It was already evening when
the group had finally finished this perilous task.
Only Feihren, the two Snow Tiger cubs, and the three Spirit Wolves could be seen traveling forth within the darkness of this forest. Even though everything was done and there was no need to be in a hurry, Feihren had decided not to camp it out for tonight as he had estimated that he could reach the elves village before midnight. The forest was creepily quiet as the group continued to travel.
The only noise within this place was the footsteps of the Spirit wolves and Feihren who was hurriedly racing forth with his Titan Slate. Although it seems irrelevant and unnecessary, there was a reason as to why Feihren was suddenly in a hurry.
He had this ominous feeling in his gut since he left the gates of Sechua City. Although he tried putting it off for the time being as he focused on helping the beasts, it had been bothering him all this while and he had to make sure that this 'trouble' that he was feeling does not involve the elves.
They finally arrived an hour past midnight. Feihren entered the elven village which seemed to be peaceful as ever.
"The village seems to be fine... But why is this bad feeling not fading away?"
Feihren had confirmed that the Soul Village was still indeed safe. But it seems that the ominous feeling he has was completely unrelated to this place. It was as if something else that mattered more to Feihren was in danger... something important.
The Alpha Spirit Wolf glanced into the distance then directed his head towards the starry night sky as he howled. This was signifying his return as the main Spirit Guardian of this part of the forest. The loud howl had awoken most of the villagers, including the village chief Zow himself, as they immediately gathered towards Feihren and the three Spirit Wolves.
The adolescent Spirit Wolf pup, that had also awoken, ran towards Feihren's group with happiness that could clearly be seen, although a hint of disappointment was shown. It seems that aside from the Alpha, the two remaining Spirit Wolves were not the parents of this adolescent spirit wolf. These were the parents of the pups. This made this tiny spirit wolf pup still happy despite the loss of his parents.
"I apologize, young one... I could not do anything to help your parents out. I am still too weak..." Bowing his face towards the little spirit wolf, the Alpha Wolf sincerely asked for this little one's forgiveness. The adolescent wolf then licked the face of the Alpha wolf as to comfort him.
Feihren on the other hand immediately explained everything that has happened during his time within the city to Zow non-stop. From the thieves, to him finishing the errands, and the decision to adopt the snow tiger cubs, Feihren dispersed all these explanations at such a hurried pace that Zow became bothered by it.
"You seem to be in such a hurry lad? Are you alright? You don't seem to look too good..."
Zow could not help but stop Feihren mid-sentence as he could sense that something was definitely amiss. It seems that there was something that is bothering this man's mind.
"Yes... I have had this bad feeling for quite a while now that I could not get a grip on. I have to return to the Wolfenstein Kingdom as soon as possible. I need to confirm that everything is okay."
Feihren immediately admitted his problem to Zow as he requested to leave immediately if there is nothing more to do in this place.
Zow had allowed Feihren to do as he pleases. Besides, the gut-feeling of someone as experienced as Feihren should hold more weight in comparison to any normal hunch. It was likely to be something that the Chosen One might have been blessed with, an instinctive ability for premonition.
"Chosen One, I can smell trouble up ahead." The Alpha Spirit Wolf suddenly interjected as he intently gazed towards a certain direction, "It's close to the Wolfenstein Kingdom..." The Alpha wolf added.
Feihren's gut-feeling was right, there was really something happening..., and it seems that his own kingdom is involved in it. The Alpha Spirit Wolf had confirmed that it was correct. Feihren immediately equipped the Titan armor as he hopped on the Titan Slate.
"Chosen One, I'll go with you."
The Alpha Wolf added as his figure became illusory and fused with the exterior of the slate. It was the Spirit form of the Alpha wolf, and it seems that it could bind to something that is technically non-living. The aura of the Alpha Wolf permeated together with the buzzing sound of the Titan Slate.
"But why would you go with me? It seems that you're an important figure here?"
Feihren was not against the Alpha Spirit Wolf going with him. Besides, another strong ally isn't a bad thing no matter how you look at it. But what bothered Feihren is that he hates dragging other people into his own battles.
"Our ancestors considered your kingdom as our home to you know? It was back when that kingdom was still pure and uncorrupted. Why did you think that that kingdom was named Wolfenstein in the first place?" The Alpha Spirit wolf laughed as he continued, "And there is something within your kingdom that I must also protect by all means."
"Thank you...Alpha Spir... I think it is a bit too late to ask, but do you have a proper name?" Feihren randomly inquired as it seems that saying 'Alpha Spirit Wolf' all the time was awkward and impractical.
The Alpha Spirit Wolf laughed as replied "Yes... I do have one, call me Jyuu."
Buzzing through the woodlands, it only took a few minutes before the Titan Slate had crossed the Jujelei River and had arrived at the southern border of the kingdom. On the horizon towards the Wolfenstein Kingdom, a few clouds of smoke could be seen from the leftmost side of the walls.
Thousands of flying figures could be seen in the night sky as the destruction of the capital was getting closer by the minute. The western side's fall was already imminent from this sudden attack.
Feihren did not utter a single word as the noise from the Titan Slate grew louder as a sonic boom was heard...
Chapter 61: The War in the West
The afternoon lights grew dimmer in the west as the illumination of the setting sun covered the aerial cavalry of the Garudia Kingdom. The night had settled as the mounted attack of these flying beasts and men entered the boundaries of the Wolfenstein Kingdom. The flapping of wings from this aerial army woke up the people of the business district as the horns of war resounded. The high walls of the western gates did not even serve as an obstacle as these mighty winged creatures glided over the citizens of the Wolfenstein Kingdom, clawing at them as their riders impale others.
The fire-breathing wyverns served as the Garudia's army's sieging tool. Although their fire breath does not pack the necessary 'fire-power' for the walls, it was still effective in destroying buildings that are made from light materials and would easily create the kind of chaotic situation perfect for this type of one-sided battles. The marketplace, where merchants and traders were peacefully asleep within their stalls and make-shift tents, was set ablaze as the occupants were slaughtered mercilessly by the sudden attack.
It took more than half an hour before the capital could send the cavalry that was closest to the western district. The valiant effort of the guards and knights that were initially assigned on the west wall was not in vain as they dragged out the battle for quite some time even though it was futile from the start. The few hundred soldiers that were deployed within the district were able to at least slow down the attack until the reinforcement arrived.
Prioritizing the civilians, the remaining knights that were only mildly injured during the attack were then detailed to commence the evacuation of the civilians that had survived and would head towards the capital after the new cavalry arrived. Within an hour of this night raid, almost a thousand of these civilians easily perished at the hands of the riders and the claws of these winged beasts, but none of the knights died without shedding blood from the opposite side, it was indeed the proof of the high quality of the Wolfenstein army.
The Garudia forces suffered quite a few losses from even this minor standing defense. It was still a bit of a precarious situation as the soldiers on the ground seem to be a lot stronger than they had imagined.
<
br /> These mounted riders have no real way of engaging an enemy from afar except the meager fire breath that only lasts for split seconds. That would definitely not be enough to do any damage to these elite soldiers on the ground. All they could do is to engage at a low altitude as they joust their spears against the swords of these knights. Although it was a bit tricky from the start, the Garudia Kingdom had finally been able to push the fighting forces of the Wolfenstein Kingdom back.
Even though the Garudia Kingdom had the upper hand, they were still conscious of the time limit. They had to finish the task of destroying the business district within a few hours, or the more formidable reinforcement would start arriving. Their worst enemy would be siege weapons and spellcasters that are able to invoke magic mid-flight. These were the basic weakness of their aerial troops. It was indeed an advantage to be able to fly with these beasts that span a few meters in size, but their maneuverability was not necessarily the best. They could barely avoid any projectile that might come their way.
