diskusbooks Chapter 148 The Letter from the Shadows and the Queen's Arrival
Chapter 148 The Letter from the Shadows and the Queen's Arrival
Hanhe New City, Castle Strategy Room.
A large topographical map of eastern Galantir hangs on the wall.
Key areas such as the Hanhe Basin, Tieshan Mountain Range, Cangshan Pass, Lieyang Pass, and Xigu Basin were meticulously marked with charcoal pencils of different colors.
The light from the oil lamp cast a long shadow of Lynn onto the map, swaying slightly as he paced.
He held in his hand a scroll of letter written in the special coded language of the Shadow Church.
The letter was sent personally by Fina in her capacity as the cult leader. It contained detailed information, with only an inconspicuous, hastily written note at the end.
[Sister Frena said, "You absolutely mustn't get involved with any other women, or she'll come and take care of you herself." —Fina]
Lynn automatically ignored the last sentence of concern that gave him a slight chill, and focused his attention entirely on the intelligence itself.
"The Seven Nations Alliance... has it finally been finalized?" he muttered to himself, his finger slowly moving across the map.
According to reliable intelligence obtained by the Shadow Strike Kingdom:
Northern Route (Iron Mountain Fortress Direction): Kingdom of Losaran (Main Force, personally led by "Iron Head" Charlie), Kingdom of White Plains, Shadow Strike Kingdom.
The main force consisted of the Royal Guard of Losaran and the White Plains heavy cavalry.
With ice and water mage orders, as well as water healing priest orders, plus the Shadowstrike Kingdom's army, the estimated strength is 250,000.
Western Front (direction of Lieyang Pass): Kingdom of Brittany (led by the allied commander William III) and Kingdom of Versailles.
The main force consists of Brittany's Sun Swordsmen, Holy Flame Cavalry, and mercenaries and Flame Magic Cannons provided by Versailles.
They possess a Fire Mage Corps and a Sun Priest Corps, with an estimated force of 180,000.
South Route (towards Cangshan Pass): Tulip Kingdom, Golden Broom Kingdom.
The team is primarily composed of the Abundant Guards and Forest Archers, with a greater emphasis on support and ranged attacks.
They possess a Wood Mage Corps, and their Abundance Priests have powerful healing abilities; their estimated strength is 120,000.
"One month later..." Lynn glanced at the declaration of war date on the screen.
The most crucial part of the letter concerns the Shadow Kingdom—they will play the role of "insiders."
When the Allied forces were in a standoff or early battle with the defending forces outside the Iron Mountain Fortress.
The Shadow Kingdom's army will suddenly turn against them, joining forces with Lynn's side from within.
The Shadow Church in the north will also suddenly invade.
The objective was to "annihilate" the northern coalition, which consisted mainly of Lozalan and White Plains forces.
"If the northern front is swiftly victorious, the news will spread..." Lynn's finger moved from Tieshan Fortress to Cangshan Pass in the southwest.
"The tulips and brooms on the southern route, the Kingdom of Abundant Bloodline has always been a bully who preys on the weak and fears the strong, and it changes its course with the wind."
"If they see that the situation is not good, they may stop advancing or even retreat directly."
"At that time..."
His fingertips landed heavily on Cangshan Pass.
"We could even take advantage of the situation to head south and capture Cangshan Pass in one fell swoop!"
Cangshan Pass is a vital passage connecting the Hanhe Basin with the fertile valley basins in the south.
Once this pass is controlled, the entire valley basin will be virtually wide open.
The land there is fertile and produces abundant grains and cash crops, making it the most important region for the rich lifeblood of the region.
"Take Cangshan Pass and overlook the valley basin..." Lynn's eyes gleamed.
"It can be used for both offense and defense."
"Although the Abundant Bloodline will surely retaliate in anger afterward, they are not a monolithic entity."
"Furthermore, there has been a long-standing feud with the dwarf kingdom to the north..."
"By befriending distant lands and attacking nearby ones, we may be able to gradually bring the valley basins under our influence as well, at least as a bargaining chip and a buffer."
His thinking became clearer and clearer.
The Shadow Church provided intelligence and promised "insider" connections.
This has turned what was originally a precarious, passive defensive situation into a highly aggressive strategic window.
"The premise is that the victory at Iron Mountain Fortress must be decisive and swift, demonstrating our strength and truly deterring the southern front," Lynn pondered.
"The existing troops need reinforcement, and the newly trained magic-based combat troops might be able to be deployed and see some bloodshed ahead of schedule..."
"The centaur tribe's mobile forces can also be used as a surprise attack, and there are also the vampires that Linor promised to recruit..."
"Pig-headed people, minotaurs, and kobolds can serve as vanguard forces. They are tough and have druidic healing abilities. As long as they don't die, they'll be bouncing around again the next day."
"And then there are the rangers, who are accompanied by eagles and vultures, the king-level Sheena and Shana, and the king-level red dragon Hill."
"At this stage, this air force is virtually invincible."
"Yes, and the Nightshade tribe, they can do scouting work."
As he was engrossed in strategic planning, Ivital's respectful voice came from outside the door: "Your Excellency, Chief Elune has arrived with Her Majesty Queen Alicia of the Elves and is waiting in the front hall."
Lynn perked up, put away the secret letter, and straightened his robes: "Please come in quickly."
When he arrived at the front hall, the sight that greeted him made him pause slightly.
Alicia was clearly dressed up today, but not in the heavy court attire.
She wore a long dress woven from moonlight silk and silver threads, the hem cascading down like flowing water, adorned with tiny green leaves and star-like flowers that seemed to grow naturally on it.
Her long silver hair was braided into an elegant and intricate bun, adorned with a simple yet naturally charming antique wooden hairpin.
She was curiously standing on tiptoe, examining an oil painting on the wall of the hall depicting the scenery of the Han River.
Her profile appeared exquisite and flawless in the light streaming in from the window, her lively and spirited temperament strangely blending with the queen's nobility.
I heard footsteps.
Alicia turned around, a radiant smile immediately spreading across her face, her emerald eyes curving into crescents: "Prophet Lynn, we meet again!"
"Welcome back to Hanhe New City, Your Majesty." Lynn smiled and bowed.
"You must be tired from your journey, please have a seat."
"Elune, you've worked hard too."
Elune was still dressed in a simple druid robe. She nodded slightly to Lynn, her gaze softening for a moment when it met his.
Everyone took their seats, and servants served them tea.
Alicia picked up her teacup, gently inhaled the aroma, and her eyes lit up: "Is this the tender spring buds from the east side of Silver Dew Lynn? Elune, did you bring this?"
"Your Majesty has a keen sense of smell." Elune smiled slightly.
"Let's get down to business." Alicia put down her teacup, her expression becoming more formal, but her eyes remained bright.
"Prophet Lynn, I've come with good news!"
"The Elven Council of Elders of the Eternal City, after 'thorough' discussion," she winked playfully, implying that this "thorough" discussion likely involved considerable effort from her.
"A resolution has been formally passed: The Elf Kingdom expresses 'high concern' about the changes currently taking place in the Hanhe Basin."
"I express my 'cautious approval' of the idea of 'eliminating injustice and advocating equality'."
"We express our 'serious concern' and 'disapproval' of any attempt to use force to grossly interfere in the region's internal affairs and undermine the existing peace."
"Furthermore, the corresponding diplomatic notes have already been sent to the relevant human kingdoms."
"Serious concern" and "disapproval" are, in the context of the Elven people's typically reserved diplomatic language, quite strong and clear signals of support.
The mere raising of this banner is enough to make many centrists reconsider their positions.
"That's wonderful! Thank you for your support, Your Majesty and the Council of Elders!" Lynn expressed his heartfelt gratitude.
This statement serves as a crucial political and diplomatic safeguard.
"It's not over yet!" Alicia raised her chin with a hint of smugness.
"I personally went to the Orc capital and met with the chieftain and several tribal leaders."
Guess what?
Before Lynn could guess, she eagerly revealed the answer: "They not only fully agreed to issue similar statements of support in sync with the Elves."
"and……"
She paused, leaving everyone slightly in suspense.
"Moreover, the Furious Fang Tribe, the Roaring Tiger Tribe, the War Bear Tribe, the White Shadow Tribe, and several other major tribes have already gathered their warriors."
"They are willing to directly send troops to attack the borders of the Kingdom of Lotharan from the Rock Root Ancient Tree Region and the Tide Ancient Tree Region!"
"The Elf Kingdom will also provide two Druid groups and Ranger groups as assistance."
Lynn was overjoyed upon hearing this.
This is a godsend!
If Lotharan faces an overwhelming Orc army, even if "Ironhead" Charlie doesn't die in this battle, he will still face political pressure.
At that time, Lydia will be able to return to the throne of Lotharan with almost no effort.
"The generosity and bravery of the orc tribes are truly admirable!!"
"Lynn will always remember Queen Alicia's kindness!" Lynn said solemnly.
"Oh, no need to be so polite." Alicia waved her hand, smiling radiantly.
"My orc friends have long been disgusted by those human kingdoms that are always trying to expand."
"Especially that warlike Lotharan, who often captures orc slaves in the Rockroot Ancient Tree area, they've wanted to beat them up for a long time."
"This will both help you and teach that neighbor a lesson; they'd be more than happy to oblige!"
She paused, leaned forward slightly, rested her chin on her hands, and looked at Lynn with her blue eyes.
Those emerald eyes were filled with the ease of completing the mission and... a hint of undisguised anticipation.
"Look, I ran all the way to the Eternal City and then to the Orcish Royal City. I've said so much, met so many people, my legs are almost worn out, and my throat is almost dry from talking..."
"Shouldn't we... give them some real 'reward'?"
She began to list her "achievements," her tone slightly coquettish.
Lynn understood her meaning perfectly well and couldn't help but chuckle, "Your Majesty is right."
"How about we hold the Moonlight Garden banquet we promised you tonight?"
"Although Hanhe New City cannot compare to the exquisite beauty of Eternal City, I will do my best to let His Majesty taste a different flavor."
"Really? Tonight?" Alicia's beautiful eyes instantly lit up like emerald stars.
She almost cheered, but managed to maintain her queenly composure.
She coughed lightly. "Well... since Your Excellency the Prophet is so kind, then I shall accept!"
"It's a promise, I want to eat that..."
"That beggar's chicken that Vera mentioned in her letter, the one that kept her up at night!"
"And that bubbling, sweet and sour squirrel fish! And..."
"She started ordering food by counting on her fingers, which shows that she has been getting a lot of information from Vera's letters."
Elune watched helplessly as her best friend and queen ordered food without any ceremony, shaking her head but with a smile in her eyes.
Lynn smiled and agreed, "Okay, okay, all arranged."
"Your Majesty has come from afar and brought such good news; a banquet should be held to entertain you."
"I'll go prepare right away."
"Need any help? I can lend a hand!" Alicia asked enthusiastically, rolling up her sleeves to reveal her fair arms.
"Your Majesty is a distinguished guest, how can we trouble you? Let Elune accompany you to stroll around the city for a while and rest. At the banquet, we will make sure you are satisfied."
"Alright then..." Alicia was a little disappointed, but the thought of the delicious food that was coming soon made her excited again.
Seeing Alicia pulling Elune along, eagerly discussing what new things they were going to see in the city, Lynn smiled and left the front hall.
He returned to the strategy room and looked at the map again.
The elves' declaration, the orcs' promise to send troops, plus intelligence from the Shadow Church's inside agents...
It seems this war will be a bit easy.
But before that...
"Hmm, I need to go to the kitchen first to see if we have enough ingredients. How about we make a Chongqing hot pot for Her Majesty this time?" He muttered to himself, turning and walking towards the castle kitchen.
War is imminent, but tonight, let's first satisfy this hardworking and meritorious elven queen who has come from afar.