Chapter 242: Shadows of the Golden Rose
Fenrir burst into the village at full stride, his claws screeching against the freshly set hydraulic cement of the main thoroughfares. The wolf bounded past construction crews before coming to a halt in the central square, where Kellar was inspecting the final details of the drainage system alongside Mentz and Brak.
Barely breathing and with his fur bristling, the wolf let out a growl, transmitting a certainty through their bond: heavily armed enemies were occupying the Mountain Fortress.
Sensing his beast’s alarm, Kellar didn’t waste a second. He narrowed his eyes and activated his skill, [Eyes of the Tribe Lord].
His vision detached from his body, soaring above the valley at high speed until hovering over the northern rocky ridges. Through the spiritual map of his domain, Kellar’s sight pierced the winter fog and observed the scene at the fortress: Deathshot’s arrow embedded in the rock, the golden banners featuring the blooming rose, the heavy infantry columns, and at the head of it all, Prince Caelen’s figure alongside General Valerius and his advisor Varis inspecting the steel storehouses.
Back in his physical body, Kellar opened his eyes with a glare.
"What is it, Shaman?" asked Brak immediately, sensing the chill in Kellar’s expression as he rested his hand upon the grip of his heavy double axe.
"The Golden Rose Realm’s legion has seized the Mountain Fortress," informed Kellar in a grave voice. "Caelen has returned accompanied by his general, an army thousands strong, and that advisor, Varis. They have come by order of their king to exterminate us and claim our steel and firearms."
Mentz dropped the wooden blueprint he was holding, clenching his fists in rage.
"Those bastards! They think they can march into our land and claim what we’ve built with blood and sweat..."
"They won’t take a single thing," declared Kellar in a commanding tone that brought silence to the square. "Brak, sound the war horns. Summon the council and assemble every captain. Lennis, expedite the mounting of the saddles on the white tigers. If Caelen and his legion want our steel and our rifles, they’ll have to come extract them from the edge of our weapons."
In the main hall of the village’s longhouse, upon a pine table, Kellar unrolled the map of the valley. Gathered around him were Brak, Mentz, Lennis, the tribe’s captains, and the White Tiger King, who had to duck to clear the doorway and remained lying beside the table, eyes fixed on the Shaman.
Kellar placed carved pieces atop the Mountain Fortress and drew a line down toward the heart of the valley.
"Valerius is no amateur," began Kellar in a cold tone. "He will advance with heavy formation and cover his vanguard with scouts. His goal is to crush us through sheer numbers and seize our rifle technology along with our steel."
"Let them try," grunted Brak, resting both hands on the edge of his axe. "The village streets are paved and the perimeter is fortified. If they attempt to force their way down the main trail, we’ll greet them with crossfire."
"We won’t fight a passive defensive battle inside the settlement," interrupted Kellar, shifting the white tiger piece toward the eastern flank of the map. "The Golden Rose Realm’s advantage lies in their infantry discipline. Ours lies in mobility and the range of our weapons."
Lennis stepped forward, laying out three finished leather belts reinforced with bronze plating.
"The first fifteen saddles for the feline cavalry are completed, Shaman," reported Lennis. "The mounts for the repeating rifles function."
"Excellent," nodded Kellar, turning toward the White Tiger King. "Your pack will harass the flanks of their marching column. Lightning mobility: strike, fire from range, and retreat into the shadows of the forest before their heavy artillery or ballistas can lock onto a target."
The Tiger King let out a huff of vapor, baring his fangs.
"My warriors know every crag and every corner between the fortress and the valley," rumbled the feline’s cavernous voice. "We have studied the Great Shaman’s domain during this time. Those humans in armor will learn that the snow of these mountains does not belong to them."
"Mentz, secure the hydraulic cement storehouses and keep the Garnis positioned on the south tower overlooking the main road as a final line of defense," concluded Kellar, looking each of his officers in the eye. "If the Golden Rose wants a war of annihilation, we will teach them what it means to try and crush the Overlord tribe. Prepare to intercept them. Lennis, prepare a welcome gift for me; I will deliver it personally."
The main hall erupted into immediate preparation. Shouts of command and the clatter of steel echoed throughout the village as troops deployed down the freshly paved streets.
"Lupar! Marty! Thorin!" bellowed Brak, raising his hand to halt three of his trusted captains at the hall’s exit. "You three will lead the rapid strike teams! Four armed men under each of your commands! Move through the shadows of the cliffs and do not let their scouts fix your positions!"
"Understood, Commander!" answered all three in unison.
Lupar, Marty, and Thorin rushed out, assembling their respective four-man squads without losing a second. Their teams, lightly armored and equipped with the repeating rifles, had a single directive: move like ghosts along the eastern crags and harass the enemy’s marksmen and vanguard scouts.
As the infiltration strike teams vanished into the snowdrifts, Brak marched straight to the central square.
"Fifty soldiers under my command, right now!" ordered Brak, his voice dominating the hubbub of the settlement. "Load full ammunition! We advance straight through the center to intercept the Golden Rose vanguard at the Crocodile River bed! We will not allow them to set a boot on this side of the crossing!"
𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶
The fifty elite soldiers fell into rank within seconds, tightening their rifle slings and checking their firing mechanisms with discipline.
As the main interception column set off at a pace toward the river, Lennis ran up to Kellar from the central workshop, carrying a wooden chest reinforced with bronze fittings.
"Here is the welcome gift you requested, Great Shaman," said Lennis with a smirk, handing over the container. "Six fragmentation grenades imbued with Windstone powder and concentrated fire essence. The impact fuses are primed."
Kellar accepted the chest with a cold smile, leaping onto Little Green’s back.
"Flawless," said Kellar as the giant eagle spread her wings wide. "I’ll see you all at the Crocodile River."