Battle of Aster Conclusion Pt.4

Ansen Rivider, Month 11, Day 21, Year A.F 652. City of Aster, Kingdom of Rosalia.

The sounds of shuffling and shouting were quite a bother. Even with our comfortable position in the rear, these men seem to be incapable of relaxing.

Though perhaps comfortable isn't the right word, such were my thoughts as I took a step outside, pushing aside the flaps of my tent. The lighting blinding me for a moment.

Only to come upon a bloody view of battle. The battle rages on as we hold back their shield-bearers, trying to make space for movement.

Then there are their longbowmen and crossbows, one posing a bit of a danger, but even with their arrows, taking out our men, as long as their shield bearers die, they'll never be helpful.

Unfortunately for them, they're stuck inside those walls. After I thwarted their pathetic attempt of an escape. I mean, really? Did he really think I would leave no guards at both gates?

But even with their pathetic attempts, their desperation should speak for something else, they seem to know something I do not. Perhaps her highness will land on our ports sometime soon.

Then again, the situation has turned boring, a fact that's about to change due to her arrival.

"Sir! There are ships entering the inner city ports." A messenger shouts with a salute.

The messenger remains there before asking, "Should I inform Duke Vincent?"

"That would be unnecessary," I said to him as I shake my head.

There was no need for it. Their numerical superiority should be enough, and even then, I dont really care.

I gesture for him to leave as I go back to my tent, wearing my clothes, readying for the trip ahead.

Athan Geldstein

The sounds of battle were thunderous, the smell of blood and steel was repugnant and with the sun bearing down on us, it all combines into a mess.

With my options down and my troops limited, the only thing I could do was help hold morale.

"All men! Hold firm!" A shout was all I could give.

The only thing I wish was that my helplessness weren't conveyed, the direness weren't showed and with Viller captured, let's try to keep up morale, then perhaps we would have a chance.

A messenger rides towards me, his expression frantic and his breath exhausted as he rode closer to my ears to whisper, "Sir, Duke Vincent has fallen unconscious."

Realizing his words, I felt a giant weight fall down my shoulders, nearly crushing me in it's expectations. I give a sigh as I look at my men.

Their expression worried as they watch take in the news. I glance at them before speaking, "We'll be returning to the commanding tent."

I watch the cavalry being pushed back and sighed. There's not much I can do now.

I take the reins of my horse and spur it forward, hoping that there's enough time for me to take control over the army and crush the enemy.

The ride there was quick and chaotic. The rear has been on high alert ever since the right flank turned for the worse. Our logistics tried to supply the front lines and tried to take care of those wounded, resulting in such a bloody mess.

I push aside the tent flaps before coming to a more chaotic scene. The once orderly commanding tent was now filled with shouts and orders as officer ran around trying to put a semblance of order.

This does not bode well for us. I take a stride towards the table. My expression filled with thought as the men around me bowed.

"Enough! Tell me of our situation!" I shout, loud enough for all the men to hear.

The tent quiets down as they looked around in confusion. These idiots remain hesitant on such important times. Fortunately, one stepped forward.

With a salute, he shouts, "Sir! The center has held on while our left flank has chipped away at our enemies, pushing them closer to a rout."

"Then what has been their response?" I question him, I'm sure this wouldnt be so easy.

Another man stepped forward as he spoke, "They have sent all their reserves, intent on taking down the cavalry or at least hold them off for long enough."

I cross my arms in thought before deciding to send all our reserves to the right flanks.

"Then do the same, if we hold the right flank long enough, I'm sure we could-" Before I could finish an officer looks around frantically before shouting.

"Message from our scouts!" He looks to us in fear and my stomach drops, knowing the message to be a death knell.

"Thirty thousand men are heading to our location from Alton's direction."

He shouted the message loud and clear for all to hear, one that resulted in another bout of shouts and screams as everyone once more try to save themselves from the imminent defeat.

"Enough!" My shouts silenced the unrest before I gave out the heavy order. One that weighed heavily on my mind.

With a lasting a sigh, "Declare an order of retreat! We'll be heading back to Rosalia," I shouted loud enough that the sense of defeat bear down on them.

"Is that clear!"

They all straightened back before saluting, "Yes, My Prince!"

As the officers scramble to leave, a messenger stays to ask a question, "Should I inform Lord Ansen of the latest reports?"

I hold my head as I wave my hand to him, "Sure, just inform them, we wouldn't wait for them for the retreat."

The man bows his head as he leaves, "I shall do so, my prince."

The tent then clears out as every officer proceeds with their task. And all I could do was weightlessly sit back down, my mind numb and my soul weary.

"Maybe this really is the end for me." I mutter to myself as my body finally collapses from the stress coming from these last few days.

Emma Prie

The city before me has turned into a battlefield, one which greatly displeases me. The ships rock once more than the ship hits the port, reminding me of our arrival.

I ready my sword as the sailor lowers down the ladder unto the port of an inner city that seems to be mildly damaged.

A great news, truly, especially if I want to make this city upon where I shall carve out a nation. One which will be separate from the family I was born in.

I tap my chin in thought. Then again, a marriage with this Prince Athan could help me find a cause of war, one which would mean a larger chunk of the continent.

Or I consolidate what I have now and avoid battle with a kingdom that could field an army ten times than my own.

Yes, perhaps I should stay and consolidate.

Such thought though were interrupted by a welcoming voice, "Princess Emma, it is quite a delight to meet you here in the City of Aster."

I look to see a welcoming smile from a blue demon, dressed in unusual yet regal clothing. I look to him in question, "Who are you?"

He chuckles as he bows, "Ansen Rivider, at your service."

Rivider? House Rivider, the one that arranged my arrival here in the first place. The house which started this civil war.

"I see, it is also a pleasure to meet you." I bow to him before giving him a pleased smile.

The sounds of battle remains through the city as I watch the defenders try and fail to break through the walls.

"Then have I arrived just in time?" I asked him as I walked forward, intent on finishing this battle once and for all.

He walked behind me, with hands behind his back as he replied, "I believe so, though the bulk of the army is fighting an enemy outside of this city."

"So?" I stop in my walk, our eyes lock in silence as I look at his eerie smile.

"So it would be quite helpful for the both of us if you settled this matter quickly." He spoke as he nodded with a cheerful exuberance, something one shouldn't have in battles like this.

I tap my chin in thought as our surrounding were filled with sailors tying the ship to the degraded ports and armies flooding inside the city at my beck and call.

"Perhaps there is some truth to your words, though there has been a change since our last agreements." I say to him with a smile.

His expression turns uneasy before sighing, realizing the meaning behind my words, "I understand, though before you could do such a thing, could you at least lend a hand in our current predicament."

He gestures to the wall on our right. The wall taller than our ships,

"Of course, it should be the least I could do for your help." I take the sword from the scabbard I wore on my hip and pointed it to the wall.

WIth a shout, I slashed, slashed with enough power to rip a chunk of the hole open.

I smiled at his dumbfounded expression before leisurely walking inside this castle.