The Army Arrives at Dawn

As half of the Crusading armies retreat from Hadrow, the other half are advancing towards Dawn.

Leading the armies of Virpal and the Church are a collection of Generals from Virpal, the generals from the military orders of the Church, and a single Cardinal. Compared to the joint armies of Kalthros, Hinthro, and Lithro, the forces of the Kingdom and the Church have a more unified chain of command. Nominally, At the top of the command chain is Cardinal Luke. Directly beneath the Cardinal is the Supreme Commander of the Virpal Royal Army, General Aurelius, an old Veteran on the verge of retirement and someone who's fought with the Warden for nearly his entire military career.

Using a display crystal, General Aurelius transmits a video feed to every single one of their transport vehicles, "We've almost arrived at the target location an hour ahead of schedule, so lets go over our information once more."

None of his compatriots in the command car have any objections as Cardinal Luke gives the signal for General Aurelius to continue.

"The first concern is the fog. It completely blocks out the chance for any aerial operation. While it impedes us, our opponents seemingly have no difficulty navigating and fighting through the fog. Keep in mind that they can use this too easily ambush and set traps. But given the way the Warden usually fights, they will most likely use the fog as a way to restrict our use of guns and any other ranged weapon that requires us to carefully aim. All troops must be prepared for melee combat and to be equipped with appropriate equipment."

"Is the fog really so disruptive to us that we can't make any airstrikes?" One of the Church's Generals asks.

Aurelius nods, "Before Hadrow and Dawn were taken by the enemy, when the announcement of the Crusade was first made, the Royal Army made several attempts at breaking into the air space of the Sea of Trees, but whenever our planes entered the fog, they would return the way the came within seconds. We all know that this fog isn't a natural phenomenon. We've determined that the fog carries some property the prevents people from navigating through it, but this doesn't seem to affect our ground forces."

Seeing no more questions regarding the fog, Aurelius continues, "Then let's move on to the battle plan. Under no circumstance are we to spilt up our army to encircle the town of Dawn. Because of the fog, we'll have to return to using tactics from before the Age of Magitech. As much as we wouldn't like to admit it, the combat power of us Humans and Beastfolk is much lower on an individual level compared to the Mystics race. Our greatest advantage is our vastly superior numbers, thus splitting up the army to completely surround the town isn't something we should do."

"What about their supply chain? If we centralise our attack on a single area, they'll be plenty of gaps for the enemy to resupply." A Virpal General says.

"I was about to get to that matter. While I did say we should focus on a single area as one large group, this doesn't mean we shouldn't have small detachments for recon and other purposes. I want four dozen platoons focused on surveying the surrounding area and intercepting any potential enemy supplies. If possible, to take out any enemy reinforcements as well, but given the difficulty for such a task, if you can only destroy supplies that would be fine."

Without any more questions or comments, Aurelius continues, "Then let's move on to the battle itself. Initially, it was estimated that the Town of Dawn would have heavy fortifications, but more recent reports say the fortifications are still under construction. These estimates were made with the Kingdom's build speed in mind, however, lacking both equipment and manpower it is only natural for them to remain incomplete. However, basic fortifications have been constructed around the entire area of Dawn, including its farmlands. Although the final product is incomplete, it doesn't mean we can march right into the territory of Dawn without a fight. We'll be arriving at the northeastern area of Dawn, which is also the most fortified. If the battle allows for it, we will transition to the southside where the fortifications are at their weakest."

Another General interrupts, "I've also seen the reports, the west side the supposed to be the least fortified."

"But think about its position, the west side of Dawn is on the road that leads to the Sea of Trees. It could be a trap to lure us into a pincer attack from Dawn and the forest," A General from the Church says.

"But could we not use our vastly superior numbers to strike hard at the least fortified area and take down our opponents."

Aurelius cuts into the argument between the two Generals, "If this wasn't the Warden we were fighting, then I would agree with striking at the west side, but unfortunately the Warden isn't such an easy opponent. I more than anyone here know the Warden is not to be underestimated. He's a man who's been fighting against the seven nations since before the time of our grandfather's grandfather. For nearly a thousand years the Warden has battled against our forces, there is no one on Vopal with more experience in the ways of combat than the Warden, do not underestimate the giant or his followers."

Putting an end to the argument between the two Generals, Aurelius moves on, "Speaking of the Warden and his Warband, it's time we go over the people who are likely to encounter. First is will be the Warden himself…"

As General Aurelius goes over the various information collected on the Warden and the Warband over the years and the tactics that are to be employed in the battle against them, the Crusading Army begins to see the silhouette of basic wooden fortifications within the fog.

"I final thing that needs to be mentioned is about the leader of our opponents, the one they call the Forest Goddess. Although this is unconfirmed, it's been revealed that so long as someone says or thinks the name of the Forest Goddess then she would know and be able to listen in on the conversation and even read the minds of the people who say her name for a short time. Take caution to not say or think about her name from now on. I don't care whether or not this information is true or not, on the chance, it is we don't need any additional information leaks. I know that mentioning this will cause those of you who know the name of the enemy leader to inadvertently think it, this is why I waited until it didn't matter to bring the topic up. From now on, any mention of the enemy leader's name is forbidden and I don't care how you address her in the future, so long as it's not by name. Anyone who breaks this rule will be subject to a court-martial for treason."

The silhouettes in the distance gradually become more and more clear to the vanguard of the Crusaders. The battle for Dawn has arrived.