2.17 - The Final Result
Prisoner of War Camp, Fort Cambia.
1215 hours, April 2, 2025
Baron Mhors' face filled with bitterness as he entered the Prisoner of War Camp at Fort Cambia. A few days ago he left the giant fort as one of its rulers, but now he must return as a prisoner of war.
"At least I'm alive."
Murmured Baron Mhors to cheer himself up.
Previously, as soon as he received the news that Fort Cambia received a fatal attack, and the Riders who had launched a counterattack were wiped out without being able to get close to the attackers. Without wasting any time he and Baron Eslei immediately decided to withdraw from the front lines.
It was the right decision because from 5 km away he could still see the calamity befalling the Northern Coalition Camp.
While Baron Eslei chose the detour route to the northeast, Baron Mhors chose a direct route to the north, hoping that the route would be safe enough because it was still in a corridor guarded by elements of the Northern Coalition.
The problem is, without prior warning a Northern Coalition post located 1 km in front of him was suddenly hit by a shower of fire spears, and was completely destroyed until it barely remained.
Baron Mhors did not have time to think about how the enemy could attack such a distance, and immediately spur his horse as fast as possible. However, before he crossed the border, out of nowhere a flying cart suddenly appeared and blocked him
Fortunately, the people who rode the iron cart recognized him as a noble and chose to capture him. Of course, it happened after they slaughtered most of the guards who tried to knock down the iron cart using arrows.
"Welcome to join your friends, the nobles are gathered in the cabin on the far right."
Said one of the guards, smiling cheerfully.
After glancing at the simple cabin that would be his residence, Baron Mhors immediately frowned before turning towards the Centurion who was escorting him.
"This is not proper treatment given to a Baron even though he is a prisoner of war."
The Centurion casually answering.
"For information, if within five days the Northern Coalition refuses to pay war compensation. All nobles who are caught will be executed for the crime of killing civilians at the border, and the invasion of the Northern Coalition territory will be launched immediately."
'Sentencing to death nobles just for the slaughter of several hundred commoners? I heard wrong or this bastard is scaring me.'
Baron Mhors wanted to ask further, but the Centurion escorting him had already walked away. Meanwhile, the Tuscan Guard guarding the gate looked at him with scorn.
- - - - -
Dohark Castle, Dohark City, Tarai Region
0800 hours, April 3, 2025
In a luxurious meeting room, three nobles sat facing each other with grim faces.
Count Weizz, the highest leader of Tarai Region
Viscount Olrig, the highest leader of Liqua Region
Viscount Yelk, the highest leader of Darpha Region
The three highest leaders of the Northern Coalition had just received a list of the nobles that were caught alive, with the ransom proposed by Tuscan Region that was so expensive so the three of them almost vomited blood.
The problem was, sometime earlier before sunrise the three of them received reports. The six divisions that had been deployed to intercept the Tuscan Guard, which was expected to launch a counter-invasion from Fort Cambia, were destroyed for reasons that could not be ascertained, just when they reached the position 12 km from Fort Cambia.
"I decided to comply with their demands to prevent further damage."
Count Weizz opened the meeting in a deep tone, like an opening speech at a funeral.
"Their demands are extremely expensive, but they are not specifically asking for gold. So we can pay for it with land on the border."
Viscount Olrig added in an equally heavy tone.
"Are we just going to keep quiet, following their wishes?"
Reluctance was evident in Viscount Yelk's gaze, although he was aware that Amethyst Merchant was a catastrophe that should not be underestimated.
"Of course not, now we know who was responsible for the disappearance of the Sidewick Cavalry from Rowane Region a few months ago."
"..."
"We can get Rowane Region to spread negative sentiment towards Amethyst Merchants, while sending all the information we know to Kingdom Makai. I believe some greedy nobles will be tempted to devour Amethyst Merchants, and we will follow up by bringing them together in total war."
Killing intent flashed in Count Weizz's gaze, while Viscount Olrig and Viscount Yelk grinned from ear to ear.
- - - - -
CO Office, Harley Quine MOA.
0700 hours, April 7, 2025
This morning, all of TF Amethyst higher-ups gathered in General O'Neil's office.
Brigadier General William Rayden of the Ground Combat Group,
Daniel Nate of the Intelligence & Diplomacy Group,
Col. Patricia Cruz of the Aviation Combat Group,
Col. Emil Montana of the Logistics & Support Group,
and Vex.
All TF Amethyst higher-ups gathered to discuss, the outcome of the conflict with the Northern Coalition, which consisted of:
=> The three field leaders of the Northern Coalition survived the artillery salvo, because they happened not to be in an area where elements of the Northern Coalition were concentrated. When interrogated they cooperated fully, and were willing to name all northern coalition spies in Tuscan Region.
=> Tarai Region, Darpha Region, and Liqua Region are willing to pay war compensation using land at the border. Tuscan Region will lease the land to Amethyst Merchant free of charge for the first 20 years.
=> Fort Cambia will be operated by Tuscan Guard with the assistance of TF Amethyst. All the spoils of war, be it property, logistics, or military equipment will belong to Tuscan Region.
=> As a form of victory celebration, Amethyst Merchant will extend the public facility payments subsidy for Tuscan Region residents up to three months.
Vex took a sip of tea in his hand before saying.
"Actually, I hoped we eliminated 80% of the Northern Coalition military capacity."
Brigadier General Rayden nodded slightly before saying
"At least this conflict ended without needing to divert GCG personnel who were operating in South East Triangle."
General O'Neil smiled before saying.
"Yes, and now we can get back to our daily routine."
Without any triumphant celebrations, General O'Neil ended the meeting. The TF Amethyst higher-ups then returned to their offices.
Every TF Amethyst higher-ups are aware that they are responsible for the departure of more than 100 thousand souls to the afterlife. They therefore chose to avoid celebrating victories, or anything else that could remind them of how thick the blood had stained their hands.
*****