Freeing the Region of Cornelian Enemies

Then the Liberation army set forth from their fortress in seek of battle. The cavalrymen like Ranger Jeod and Knight Keima lead the charge into the foot soldiers that punched a hole in the forces surrounding them.

Prescott, Piper, and Loid were left to defend the fort. Which Elias, and the scoundrel Garrett lead a second party that went through and wiped out more enemies. When the Jeod and Keima got to the bridge the led to the enemy fortress. They halted and discussed the enemy defending the bridge.

Keima said, "Hrm, The bridge there appears to be held be enemy spear bearers. Not only are they capable of delivering piercing attacks with range. They deal heavy damage to cavalry units as well."
Jeod replied, "A fine reminder, Keima. Lets see if we can split our forces and send the cavalry around to pincer attack the fortress. First let us take back Ouvrir Harbor, my prince."

Elias replied, "Come then!" as they forces marched of the enemy defending the town they were ambushed in previously.

The victory in winning back the harbor allowed them a reprieve from then surrounding mercenary enemies. As now there were multiple locations that enemies could no longer focus on one.

Then the forces lead by Elias attacked the bridge. While Jeod lead forces and went east on horseback along the river to pincer the fortress of mercenaries from both sides. Ranger Jeod said as he charged off, "A trivial undertaking,"

Then we see Loewe, the demi human, inside his fortress directing the mercenaries. He was taken aback at the progress the Liberation Army has made. He said to himself, "He, kids aren't half bad. C'mon boys. It's time we teach 'em what they're up against." Then more forces stepped up to defend the path to the bridge that Elias had conquered.

Elias replied, "There are more of them? You've got to be kidding me."
Keima replied, "Alas, it is no joke. I suggest we stand our ground and await their advance, rather then charge blindly forward."

The mercenary forces tried to take back the bridge. Yet they ran into the reinforcements of Prescott and Loid defending the bridge with their sturdy shields. Once it was safe to move forward. Elias proceeded and closed in on the enemy fortress.

Garrett gave a scouting report to Elias, and after recapping he said, "That there is Loewe, leader of the mercenaries. Don't let your guard down for even a second."

That is when Ranger Jeod and his flanking forces approached from the east. Directed the soldiers to charge the fort and he shouted, "Gaze upon the face of your demise!"

The forces inside the fortress put up a small resistance before the Liberation was standing inside challenging the mercenary captain and his band directly.

Loewe replied with a mocking gesture. "Well, look who finally came knockin'." and Ranger Jeod shouted, "Stand true!!" as the forces engaged in the skirmish, and yet the mercenaries foisted off the Liberation.
Piper started to panic, and referred to Loewe, "He's even stronger then he looks... Can we tuly defeat such a powerful opponent?"
Elias spoke aloud to quench the doubts that started to creep in.
He said to Piper but for all to hear. "We can indeed. Our morale alone should be more then enough to see us through."

With that valorous order, the Liberation Army surged forward and defeated the enemy mercenaries. And as the enemy fled in retreat. Elias and Loid confronted the demi human leader.

Elias said, "Alone, are you?" and Loid asked, "What happened to your friends?"
Loewe chuckled, "Long gone by now, what with all the time I bought 'em. Never coulda done it without you lot chasin' me halfway to hell and back though,"

Piper came running up to our standoff and reported to the prince. "The fort's empty, Your Majesty. Not a soul in sight."
Loid replied to the news, "Guy laid out the bait, and we just had to take a nibble."
Yet, Elias was curious and said, "Strange. Few leaders would play the sacrificial lamb in such a predicament."

Chuckling more, Loewe said, "Heh. Don't flatter your flatter yourselves. I woulda shook you off like weak old mud, if I hadn't hurt my leg in our little scuffle. But hey, that's just parta the job. Yer gamblin' life the second yatake that coin."
Loid replied, "Then you know how this ends." with his blade raised to strike the final blow on the demi human.

Then Elias walked in-between Loid and Loewe, saying, "Stay your blade, Loid. There's something I need to ask him."

Elias address Loewe with a question, "What does Dessel want with Lily? I will take any scraps of information you may have. Please."
Loewe scoffed, "You do realize that I'm hired steel, yea? They keep my pockets nice n' heavy, and that's as far as my curiosity goes. So, sorry, but I'm not a 'questions' kinda of guy. Least not past my bottom line."

Elias pondered the words with thought and his hand rubbing his chin. Loid asked, "Well? What do we do with him?"
Elias then asked the demi human, "Let's say I offer to fill those pockets instead. What then?"
Loewe replied , "First I'd ask if ya still had all your marbles. But I'm not the discriminating type, long as the pay's right."
Loid retorted to the prince, "If this is supposed to be a joke. I'm not laughing. We're trying to beat the enemy-not hire them!"

Prince Elias said, "It's not every day you come across a man willing to greet the heavens in order to see his allies safe. Now. Our aim is to liberate these lands from the clutches of Cornelia and its traitor emperor. I ask your aid in that battle."

Loewe chuckled and gave a smirk, "Y'know, I'd heard you were nothin' more than the crumbs of some spineless resistance that got chewed up n' spat back out. Never woulda guessed you're really just a pack o' reckless lunatics."

Piper was upset and retorted, "This so-called lunatic is none other than Prince Elias, true born heir to the Aether throne. And our war is a righteous one."

Loewe busted out with laughter and replied, "You're trottin' around the crowned brat of a dead n' gone empire, tryin' to explain to a demi human what is righteous? Sorry, kids, but I don't like them odds."

Loid scoffed, "It doesn't sound like he is interested."

Loewe smirked again, and said, "Heh. Hope ya know I don't come cheap."

Elias ears perked up, "Does that mean you'll join us?"

Loewe replied, "Granted you're willin' to foot the bill. Kingmakin's not an everyday job for a merc. But you've seen enough to know I'm worth the gold n' more. So, we got a deal? I'll even cut ya a little discount."

With that Prince Elias recruitment began since arriving in his former homeland.