The March Continues

As the inner circle of the Liberation Army gathered after recruiting a new band of soldiers. Jeod led the meeting. Brought people up to speed. Then allowed Mandy to speak. 

As usual she is not one for formalities, "Told my employer the whole story, and would you guess. He actually decided to grow a spine. Anyways, glad to be working with you." she blurted out talking about the region lord throwing in his support to Elias. 

Jeod continued, "Oh, Your highness. One more thing, there's a quarry down to the southeast. Where we can mine many good metals for weapons. It is worth a visit to come through the Wandering Woods."

That is when Rika chimed in, "Mandy is kinda hard to read sometimes, but she never forgets to repay her debts. She will make a great ally, Prince."

Jeod then closed the meeting, "We will have the army build mobile fornications like barricades. Keep them available for situations that might need such enhanced defenses when engaging larger forces. That will be all, we will continue to march on the Walled City of Jeseb.

The army marched on, gathering more resources, like mining iron to make more armor and weapons. They passed through the little towns and made trade and left some of Liberation's men to protect the towns. 

It was a fair deal, as the town would be protected from bandits and trade some of the resources the army has extra stock and get food and other supplies from the little towns. The Cornelia army would not bother with the small towns. The army of Dessel would only chase down the prince and the rangers that could represent a real threat to Dessel on the throne of the empire. 

As the march made progress, some of the scouts came back with report. It was about weird ruins sitting in the mountains. Carved into the rock itself. Prince Elias and Ranger Rika went in person full of curiosity. 

Elias gasped at the strange rock, "There's a strange carving on this monument here..." and Rika stepping up and putting her hand on the carvings, this carving is shaped to replicate a Unicorn. Rika said, "Hm. I've heard tell of a journal that speaks of such things. Maybe we should come back once we track down such journal." 

As the hint of what this journal lied ahead, but nothing further was explained by the ranger. Elias was curious but respected the ranger to not push any further. The prince decided to move forward for now, as his Lily was in danger. 

As Prince Elias stopped at one of the towns that laid on a river, the town of Riviere. The townsfolk greeted them warmly, and village elder was old woman. She was happy to meet with the prince, she said, "I've heard about your Liberation Army, young man. Here, please use this well." The old woman passed the prince a revival ord. 

The prince was stunned at the respect and treasure he received from such a small remote town. He was most gracious, "Thank, madam." 

Which the woman smiled, "Your father treated us well enough, we will support such a handsome boy that is his son."

Ranger Jeod took it upon himself to bow to the village elder to show his respect. As they showed respect for his friend. Then he turned to the prince, "Your Highness, this is great tool. In case someone is incapacitated or felled. We will have opportunity to revive them in short time frame." He said with a smile. 

Which made Elias worry, "Hopefully it will not be needed for our priestess if we rescue her from her captors." 

That made Jeod get anxious and said, "We will rescue Lily. We just need to get there. We are making very good time in as we march in enemy land."

Elias did not say anything, just continued to march on.   

The march led to a fork in the road, which Rika and Jeod stood stoic together. As the explained the map and the region. The two Rangers gave off an immense pressure just by the presence alone to most people. Yet Prince Elias was not affected too much, as he was raised be Jeod and saw him as a father figure. 

Rika pointed down the road to the south. as it cut into a mountain range. Rika said, "This road leads into the Lycan nation. The beastmen kingdom, they are in chaos as the royal family fought and lost to Dessel and his Cornelian forces." 

Which Jeod said, "We might be able to recruit many allies from Lycanthrope, as they were betrayed by Dessel. One of their own, but to rescue Lily." Jeod pointed to north, "We must take this road toward the walled city Jeseb."

With no hesitation, Elias said, "We go north, we rescue Lily and prevent Dessel from sinking his claws into her. It is my responsibility; I put her in danger."

Rika saw the determination but waited for Jeod to say something. Which the other ranger did not speak up. Only turned to follow orders. She decided to speak up, "Prince, please calm yourself. We might be able to save your friend. However, even if we do everything right. We still might end up failing anyways." with that Prince Elias tried his best to relax. Still, he blurted out, "There is so much uncertainty. I am unable to calm, but I will try."

Rika laughed, "Young prince, you are doing a fine job. Leading all these men, very few could handle such a task. I see a pre-adult human accomplishing it. You are quite remarkable. I am glad to have met you and worry less. I will fight at your side and rescue your priestess. If possible, we will save many from the betrayer Dessel in the process."

That made the prince blush, "Thank you for the praise, but I could not be a leader not without the help of many around me. Especially Ranger Jeod and you."

Rika smiled, "That may be true, but as I once was a youngster long ago. I see a lot of promise in you. I think I can make you a fine Ranger that might surpass Jeod one day. After all, he was my apprentice at one time as well."  

Prince Elias nodded with glee and nervousness. "I will soak up your teachings as much as you allow me. Let's continue this march, we will recuse Lily and free our homeland from the betrayer."