The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 28: Their Own Legion

After traveling through the night, Fabio asks Henwell, "Where are we now?"
Henwell glances at the surroundings, "We've been following the river downstream. We're now over a hundred miles from Six Bay Mountain. Sir, let's order the troops to rest by the river. We're safe for now. We can continue our journey tomorrow."
Despite the need for rest, Henwell stays awake, poring over the map to plan their next moves.
Heading east from their current location, they could exit the Ika Kingdom's territory in a straight line of about four hundred kilometers.
However, the actual journey would require traveling over six hundred kilometers, with the best routes leading to various city fortresses.
They have a sizable force, but marching openly on the Ika Kingdom's main roads isn't an option. It's not the scattered noble private armies or local garrisons that concern them; those would be easy to overcome.
The real issue is the immense political pressure such a move would place on the Ika Kingdom's leadership. No king could tolerate an enemy force roaming freely within their borders.
Moreover, as the leading member of the allied forces, the Ika Kingdom can't afford to lose face in front of the other two nations. If s of an enemy incursion reach the authorities, the Ika Kingdom would be compelled to respond.
Even if the frontline allied forces are reluctant to pursue them, they would have no choice but to engage due to royal orders.
Thus, determining the route and the method of travel requires careful consideration.
Over the past month, Henwell has meticulously analyzed and gathered extensive intelligence on the Ika Kingdom. He has finally devised a highly intricate route, weaving through the southeastern part of the Ika Kingdom, covering nearly a thousand kilometers.
With their current pace of traveling by night and resting by day, it will take nearly a month to reach the border region. This estimate doesn't even account for difficult terrain that could slow their progress.
Along the way, there are several key stopping points near major cities where the troops will need to resupply. Inevitably, this means coming into contact with the people of the Ika Kingdom.
Henwell has no intention of using force in these encounters. Doing so would provoke a severe backlash from the Ika Kingdom, similar to the initial invasion of the allied forces, which involved widespread looting and destruction.
That approach not only forced the allies to commit more troops but also left a barren landscape with no resources for their current retreat.
Instead, Henwell plans to purchase supplies.
Although they left a significant amount of gold and silver in the Wilderness City camp, they still carry a considerable amount. After all, they have plundered numerous towns and castles, yielding substantial spoils.
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After a day of rest, as they prepare to set off again, Henwell approaches Fabio. "Sir, the troops' morale is a bit low. We need to find a way to lift it."
Fabio seems unconcerned. "We're retreating, after all. Isn't low morale normal? We're not heading into battle. Why do we need high spirits?"
Henwell shakes his head and points to the troops gathering in the distance. "Sir, what do you see?"
Fabio looks puzzled. "What do I see? Soldiers. What else?"
"No. That's the foundation of your rise, sir. How capable are these men?"
Fabio answers honestly, "They're not quite up to the standard of regular troops."
"And compared to those noble serf soldiers?"
Fabio laughs dismissively, "Ha. That question is a bit insulting. They're not elite soldiers yet, but they're certainly competent. Can those serfs even compare?"
Henwell replies thoughtfully, "But they're still serfs."
"True enough," Fabio admits.
Henwell shifts the conversation, "What if they weren't serfs anymore? What if you granted them the status of free men?"
Fabio scratches his head, "That might not be appropriate. You know, they belong to other nobles as serfs. Granting them freedom might not sit well."
"Why wouldn't it be appropriate? Would other lords oppose it?"
Henwell smiles, "And how would they oppose it? With what? Sir, have you forgotten? You're the commander of an army with over ten thousand men."
Fabio considers Henwell's point but still has doubts. "Sure, granting them freedom might boost morale, but how does that become my foundation? I can't afford to maintain such an army, and I don't even have any land."
"Sir, would you say this legion is the worst among the duchy's regular forces?"
"Not at all. Especially with their skill in long-distance raids, they're quite a competent field army."
Henwell squints, "Exactly! Even if you can't afford it, the duchy will. Do you know how much it costs to build a force like this?"
"In the near future, you'll be bringing back a fully equipped, battle-ready legion for the duchy. What do you think the Duke will reward you with? I imagine a hereditary viscountcy would be the least of his offers."
Fabio's breath quickens, "Of course. So that's how it is. My promise to them essentially becomes the Duke's promise. The other nobles can't blame me."
"Once I hand the legion over to the duchy, I'll officially enter the ranks of the mid-level nobility. Then who would dare say I'm not ambitious?"
"Sir, I think you misunderstood me. I'm saying this army still belongs to you. Never relinquish control. It doesn't matter if you can't afford them; someone else will help. No land? That's fine. With ten thousand elite soldiers, even a count wouldn't dare speak loudly to you."
Fabio turns sharply to Henwell, "You mustn't say this to anyone else. If word gets out, I can't protect you."
Henwell shakes his head, "Sir, whether you acknowledge it or not, you've built a legion that's entirely your own. It's not about being aggressive; every noble will be wary of you, fearing you'll seize their lands."
Seeing Fabio fall silent, Henwell decides not to press further on the topic.
"As for granting them their freedom, give them hope. Give them a goal. They'll transform from serfs into warriors. We can deal with everything else later. For now, their transformation will greatly aid us, whether in marching or in battle."
Two hours later, Fabio rides to the front of the formation and shouts, "In the name of the Vorry Duchy and the Rhine family, I declare that you are no longer serfs. From this moment on, you are free men, no longer belonging to any noble."
"I will take you to my lands, where you can settle and build your lives, where your descendants will thrive. From this moment, you are no longer a serf army but a regular legion of the Vorry Duchy."
"I promise you will receive the same treatment as any other legion. Brave warriors who have fought alongside me, our battles here are done, and we need not partake in this war any longer. Now, I will lead you home!"
For a long moment, silence hangs in the air, and Fabio fears Henwell may have been wrong. Just as he starts to feel awkward, a thunderous cheer erupts, filling his ears. Thousands chant his name, and the sensation sends shivers through his body.
It's magnificent! Is this the taste of power? Truly, it's a man's ultimate dream!