Chapter 65: Near the End (Volas)

‘We are pushing them out of the forest. It also seems our forces are reclaiming the east without trouble. Eccenta is even under our control again…’ Huson reported while we look over the map of the island with a few Commanders.
Tillous proudly stands with us with an apathetic expression as she figures out what would be the best use of the Pretorian Guard now that the Western Front is under our full control. The new Dragon Master, Gavial Smith-Mordarain, writes on his notepad as he tries to catch up with the ongoings of the war.
He is a young man, older than I by ten years, but young for his role. He has a full head of black hair, a burn scar under his left cheek, and he looks as stupid as ever. Out of anyone to be a replacement, he is the guy they chose? Either we are desperate or there is something about him that makes him better than all the other candidates. But I won’t complain, I just hope he is more useful than Wayne.
Hacket is unfortunately absent, but I can’t blame him. He is commanding our navy and is doing everything to secure our waters. I should expect a report from him soon, but I doubt it will tell me anything of importance. However, he is reliable. So, I have no doubt that he will support my efforts when I call upon him.
The war room feels slightly different; no longer does it have an air of worry or panic that we have a chance of losing. Now, we have some hope for victory. The wooden table with the map of the entire island used to have hundreds of wooden models indicating where we are fighting and how our fronts are holding. Now it looks barren, like we are only dealing with the last source of resistance.
‘So the Dogs are slowing down.’ Tillous points out with a raspy voice. ‘Iron Lake is under our full control, and Seris is safe instead of being under constant threat. How can we end this decisively?’
‘Slowly,’ I sigh. ‘I will push in from all sides to squeeze the Dogs so they retreat to the South. However, I will still require additional resources. The guard can capitalise on their front and drive the Dogs out while I push them out, allowing us to encircle them and either crush whatever resistance is left or capture any who are smart enough to lay down their weapons.’
‘A sound plan.’ Tillous folds her arms. ‘The guard will only support the main force, but when it comes to the main invasion. We will focus on taking back our holy grounds and securing them.’
‘I don’t want a rogue element, High Priestess. If we are taking the South, I need your cooperation.’
‘You are mistaken, General. Once we have sacred grounds under our control, I promise to have the full might of the guard support the retaking of the south. I only want you to know that we will prioritise our goals first.’
Annoying, but fair enough. There aren't a lot of holy places in the South in the first place, so I can expect their support earlier than expected, depending on how the invasion goes. However, the South is very spread out, and there is no guarantee that the Dogs are willing to give up any inch of ground.
‘Okay, then I suppose a plan is in order.’ I announce before picking up my pointing stick. ‘As we know, the Dogs’ momentum is slowing down. I suppose…’
One of Traya’s couriers barges into my war room, panting and sweating as he walks towards me. ‘General Regali, I have news!’ They say to me, handing over a scroll.
That rude, little piece of shit! How can you barge into a war room without proper procedure or proper acknowledgement?! This idiot better have a good reason to barge in, or I will court-martial him and have him lashed for his behaviour. Unbelievable! Utterly unbelievable!
I snatch the scroll from his hands and read it. This better have something important, or I’ll have this man flogged on the spot. Skimming the report, it goes into troop movements, reports of Dog sightings along the Eastern and Western fronts.
Wait… Marak is moving. We know when and where he is going. He is heading to Shepherds Hill! Oh, by the Gods! He didn’t just give me the best news imaginable; he just gave me the location of where their king is heading to.
‘Get out!’ I snarl at the courier, but I halt him before he can leave. I don’t want his behaviour to continue in the future, but at least I won’t have to get him flogged. ‘Next time, do not interrupt a war meeting without proper procedure. Is that clear?’
‘Yes, sir.’ They stutter before heading out.
Huson raises a brow. He can tell I am being generous to him. ‘So what is the news?’
‘The best,’ I smirk back at him before I clear my throat to maintain my professionalism. ‘Change of plans. We just have a report that the King of the Dogs is heading towards Shepherds Hill to set up a forward base. He will be there in four days, but we can get there tomorrow if we mobilise now and take the fight to him. Ambush them and kill their king and shatter their resolve.’
One of the Commanders raises their brows in surprise. ‘My soldiers are near there, I can get everyone ready to move to fight them head-on.’
‘No, we will not.’ I explain, I want a decisive victory. Risking a typical confrontation will spell doom. ‘We know where they are heading and when. We will ambush them south of the hill. Strike them while they are still on the move and wipe them out there. But I need further assistance.’
‘If their king is there.’ Tillous gives me a nod. She seems to understand the urgency to seize this opportunity. ‘I will send the majority of the Pretorian Guard stationed here to support the main force. Even bring those from Thalic and Fort Sinda to join the attack, though they will be a day late. I cannot join the force, but I believe you can lead them to victory while I rally the church that the end is near. You have my word.’
‘I… uh…’ Gavial stutters as he tries to think of something. ‘I don’t have the fleet to send, but I can get crews to bring Lighting Cannons. Granted, I can only lend two, but that should be enough to decimate their forces if we strike them when they least expect it. If it is safe, I could even bring a Concussion Cannon.’
Thank the Gods, it is good to have everyone willing to work together to win this bloody thing. ‘Then let us not waste time. All of you will send word to your forces to set up near the hill.’ I turn to Huson and the Commander. ‘Huson, get the Outriders and a platoon ready. Commander Jean, since your army is close by. I want you to head out immediately and send every man and woman to prepare the ambush ground. I want boxes of signal bombs and slingshots at the ready. Make sure to do everything discreetly and not raise any attention. Though we will have the element of surprise, we will build a trench and defences. We must prepare for everything.’
She salutes me before heading out. Tillous and Gavial leave as well to get everything prepared. While we have four days to prepare. Those two will take time to send in their resources. Maybe tomorrow or on the second day will I actually see them.
Huson walks up to me, he seems doubtful about the whole plan. ‘You sure this is him? It sounds too good to be true.’
‘Yes, and I have no reason to doubt them. Not after how much we’ve gone through.’
‘No, what I should say is this is too good to be true. We never had information about Marak’s movements in this detail until now. Something just feels… off, you now.’
I suppose, but again the circumstances of how we acquired information can be an accident or happenstance. This changed, and I believe he made a mistake along the way. Seeing how the war is turning into our favour, I think it is as simple as he has nowhere to hide anymore. Which is good! It means I get to end it and end in an advantageous position.
‘Don’t worry,’ I reassure him. ‘Right now, we need to prepare to head off.’
‘Will Olivia come with us?’
We will be gone for a few days, and I don’t want to keep her here. Not when we are this close to the end. The conclusion of the war might cause others to be in conflict with her.
‘She will come,’ I reluctantly reply. ‘Have someone get ready while I write up orders for the entire army. In case we do or don’t succeed in our ambush.’
Huson nods before he leaves to carry out his orders. We have hours to prepare, but every second is as valuable as a mountain of gold. The Gods gave me a gift, and I will do everything to take the opportunity!