20 Chapter 20: War Beast Mounts
Ethan, having set the kingdom on its path to prosperity, decided it was time to return to Castle Verdant Vale. He left a few of his reliable soldiers behind to protect Blackthorn Town until they could train a substantial local force. His mind was already working on the logistics of the journey back. As they were travelling back Ethan's eyes scanned the treacherous path they had to traverse - filled with sharp turns, intimidating cliffs, long-strewn paths, bristling bushes, sharp thorns, and challenging bodies of water.
As he surveyed the landscape, he couldn't help but think, "I cannot possibly let my people endure these harsh conditions. There has to be a better way." The idea of constructing roads dawned on him. It would be a significant undertaking, but the benefits would be immeasurable. It would ease travel between his towns and strengthen their interconnectedness.
"So, roads. That's the first order of business when we get back," Ethan thought to himself. He started drafting a mental blueprint, thinking about the materials they would need, the manpower, the cost, and the time it would take. "I'll have to discuss this with the finance minister. We need to account for it in our budget."
As they continued their journey, Ethan's thoughts turned to the subject of mounts. He started pondering over different beasts that could be tamed and trained for transportation and warfare. "Horses, of course, are the obvious choice. But what about griffins for air travel? Or sea serpents for naval transportation? And what about the war beasts? If tamed and trained properly, they could be a formidable addition to our military."
'' Let's just see what I can afford when we return" he sighed, trying not to think of the subject while traveling. He opted to just relax for a few days before working once more.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by an ambush of war beasts. They rose from the undergrowth, their snarls echoing through the wilderness. Ethan and his soldiers quickly dispatched them, their training evident in their swift and deadly responses.
He looked at the fallen beasts, his thoughts turning somber. "We managed because we are trained soldiers, but what about the civilians? They wouldn't stand a chance."
Ethan realized that even if they could make the construction of the roads, they still wouldn't be safe, and he would need to make military posts and clean the surroundings of beasts. "Seriously, I can't even have a few seconds breather before another problem arises" he sighed sadly.
Ethan's return to Castle Verdant Vale was marked by a flurry of activity. After a sumptuous meal and a much-needed bath. The first order of business was calling an urgent meeting with the economic council. Leo, his trusted finance minister, was among the attendees. They gathered in the throne room. The economic council was once a small council to help Leo, but it has grown into a massive organization under Ethan's command that helps with everything related to money. And to ensure they would keep helping and not damaging the kingdom the Ravens shadow Knight Order kept a close eye on their activities.
"Leo, I need a detailed financial projection for constructing roads between us and the new town of blackthorn," Ethan began, his voice echoing in the large room. "We need to consider the cost of materials, labor, and maintenance. The roads must be robust and resilient. We can't afford to rebuild them after every storm. Make them sturdy where they should and built what needs to be built"
Leo, a man of numbers, nodded, jotting down the requirements. "I'll need to consult with our engineers for a precise estimate, but it's a significant investment."
Ethan nodded; his gaze steady. "It's an investment in our people, Leo. I trust you to make it feasible."
Next, Ethan broached the topic of military outposts. "We also need to establish outposts along these roads. Until we expand our kingdom and secure the surroundings, these outposts will provide necessary protection and safety."
"As you command" Leo bowed and left with the council members.
Once the economic council was dismissed, Ethan summoned his system, intending to browse through the mall for suitable mounts.
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System Mall
War Beasts:
Wolves
Bears
Birds
Horses
Panther
Marine Mammals
Mythical beasts
…
…
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Seeing the vast erray of animals before him, Ethan could almost not contain his joy, but he calmed himself and started browsing from the top.
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Wolves:
Frostbite Direwolves: These creatures are larger and more powerful than ordinary wolves. Their thick, ice-blue fur gives them superior camouflage abilities in snowy environments, and their breath is so cold that it can freeze anything .
Embermane Lupines: These wolf-like creatures are covered in ash-colored fur that glows red when they're agitated or hunting. They are capable of thriving in the harshest desert climates.
Moonshadow Howlers: These mystical beasts are believed to be the physical embodiment of the night. Their fur is as dark as the midnight sky, and they can blend seamlessly into the shadows.
Thunderwolves: With fur that crackles with lightning. Their presence is often accompanied by the low rumble of distant thunder.
Crystal Canis: These wolves have transparent, gem-like fur that refracts light, creating a dazzling display of colors. They can manipulate light to create illusions.
Verdant Timberwolves: These wolf-like creatures have fur that resembles leaves and bark, allowing them to blend into forest environments. They are known as forest wolves and most of the time take care of the forest.
Windrider Wolves: These beasts have long, feather-like fur and have extraordinary explosive strength capable of immense short-term speed.
Bears:
Pyrogrizzlys: These bear-like creatures have fur that glows like molten lava. They are known to inhabit volcanic regions and can withstand extremely high temperatures.
Frostclaw Ursa: These bears are covered in a thick coat of frosty white fur that blends perfectly with snowy landscapes. They are known for their massive, icy claws.
Earthshaker Behemoths: These massive bear-like creatures are covered in fur that resembles rough stone. They can cause tremors and manipulate the earth, making them formidable opponents in rocky or mountainous terrains.
Stormbringer Bruins: These bears are capable of weathering storms. Their dark, storm-cloud grey fur crackles with electricity, and their roars sound like thunder.
Verdant Grizzlies: These bear-like beasts have a coat that mimics the green foliage of the forest. They can accelerate the growth of plants and have a calming influence on the wildlife around them.
Luminary Pandas: These bears are known for their radiant, golden fur that shines brightly. They are believed to possess the power of light, capable of healing wounds and dispelling darkness with their presence.
Panthers:
Shadowstalk Panthers: These elusive beasts have ebony fur that absorbs light, rendering them nearly invisible in darkness. They're believed to be able to traverse through shadows, making them excellent hunters.
Pyrolynxes: These panther-like creatures have fur that glows like hot embers, and they can ignite fires with a mere swipe of their claws. Their presence is often heralded by a wave of heat.
Stormbringer Ocelots: These beasts have storm-grey fur that crackles with static lightning. They are known to be ferocious hunters in rocky terrains.
Birds:
Stormraven Mystics: These enigmatic birds have dark, stormy-grey feathers and can summon rainclouds and lightning. Their caw is said to foretell the onset of a storm.
Frostwing Falcons: These ice-blue birds thrive in the chilliest climates. Their haunting cries can freeze the air, and their icy wings leave a trail of frost wherever they fly.
Quicksilver Swans: These beautiful birds are covered in sleek, liquid-like feathers that can reflect and distort light, creating captivating illusions.
Spiritwing Doves: Ethereal and ghostly, these birds are believed to be messengers from the spirit world. Being the best messengers.
Thunder Roc: This massive bird can summon thunder and lightning. Its feathers are electric blue, and its call sounds like rolling thunder.
Windwhisper Songbirds: These small birds have feather-light, sky-blue plumage and can control air currents, causing gentle breezes or powerful gusts with their melodious songs.
Horses:
Starlight Stallions: These majestic horses have a coat that glistens like a midnight sky filled with stars. They are believed to possess the power to traverse the cosmos, leaving a trail of stardust in their wake.
Windweaver Mustangs: These swift horses have airy, cloud-like manes and can manipulate the wind, running as fast as a hurricane's gust or as gentle as a summer's breeze.
Frostmane Unicorns: These regal horses are adorned with a single icy-blue horn and possess the power to freeze their surroundings, turning the toughest terrain into a winter wonderland.
Thunderhoof Pegasus: These winged horses have electrically charged manes and tails that crackle with lightning. Their wingbeats can summon thunderstorms, and their gallop sounds like rolling thunder.
Terra Chargers: These sturdy horses have coats that resemble the earth's crust and manes that look like flowing grass. They can manipulate the earth, causing tremors with a strong hoof stomp.
Whisperwind Hippogriffs: These mythical creatures, with the body of a horse and the wings and head of an eagle, can manipulate sound waves. Their hoofbeats are as silent as a whisper, and their screech can shatter glass.
Dawnsteeds: Capable of fast travel, regal and noble. These horses are known as the protector of horses and capable of light attacks and be able to
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Ethan didn't even look further as the cheapest beast cost about 500,000 Gold for one and some even went up to a few million. So, he decided that those that suit the armies were- Dawnsteeds for the Dawnbringers. Shadowstalk panthers for Ravens Shadow. Ethan hasn't decided on more mounts but would discuss it with his commanders.
He summoned his knight captains and Commander. In the throne room, they poured over the options, discussing each one in detail.
"Here's what I'm thinking," Ethan said, " I intend to give specific mounts to the knight orders and they would be their exclusive mounts. The Ravens shadow Order will get Shadowstalk Panthers, and the Dawnbringers Order will have the Dawnsteed Horses. I haven't decided what for the Dragons fang. Now I have the capacity to get these mounts."
Before Ethan could continue Magnus and Rowan could not help but ask" Your Majesty forgive us if we offend you, but may I ask where you will find these mounts. As far as I know these war beasts can grow into Rank 3 beasts"
"I know your concerns but rest assured that everything is taken care of. You do not have to worry and don't need to concern yourself with it. In the future there will be a chance to understand but not now. "Ethan dismissed his question, not taking it to heart.
"As I said, now I have the capacity to get the war beasts, but I cannot do it every time and as such we will need to tame them and breed them. Any suggestions?"
"Asher, a man of few words but great wisdom, nodded. "We'll need a secure location, skilled trainers, and a breeding program. It's doable, but we must be careful. I believe your Majesty has already decided on a plan. This old man would like to make a fool of himself and give a suggestion"
"Go ahead" Ethan laughed out loud hearing Ashers self-proclamation.
"The Dawnsteeds I imagine are horses and because of the knight order they would be most suited to be bred here in the capital. I suggest a field in the distance, there is no one using it and even thou we can plant fields in it, it is too far for the people to travel to without external aid. The horses will need a large open field to be trained."
Knight Captain Rowan intervened." As for the panthers, I have the perfect spot. The 2 mountains that surround our valley can be used. I would like to suggest the mountain in the east as the amount of rocky terrain and caves are immense. The peaks are covered by clouds almost every day and can cover our operation."
Ethan calmly listened, but as he continued to listen, he could not help but feel grateful to these men. They are not only loyal, but they know what can and must be done. 'It seems I didn't need to give them a hint or suggestion, that's good. I will need to have more people like them under me.'
" Good, very well done. I have to say I thought I would have to give you some hints as to where they could be bred, but it seems my uncertainty was unfounded." Ethan laughed joyously.
"The Dragons Fang would have to wait for a while as I have not founded a suitable mount."
With the mounts sorted, Ethan turned to the matter of border guards. "We need to recruit more soldiers, train them, and station them at the borders. It's paramount to our security. I want the town of blackthorn to have their own elite guard which can protect their people."
"I want at least 200 soldiers recruited from blackthorn. Our population has grown in the last 6 months and with the victory over Blackthorn we have about 25 000 people. They need to be protected. The next soldier to advance to Knight Captain will then be the commander of the border guards that will protect my people. They will be stationed at the borders and safeguard us. They are the first line of defense, as such they shall be known as The Obsidian Order: Known for their impenetrable defense and rigid discipline, this legion of knights is as hard and unyielding as the obsidian they wear. Their mounts will be Earthshaker Behemoths and will be trained in the county of blackthorn itself." Ethan declared.
"But your Majesty if we decide to establish the Obsidian guard would the dragon's fang axemen not become obsolete?'' Rowan asked
"Hahaha.... Captain Rowan. His Majesty does not intend for that to happen, the Dragons Fang are meant for full scale wars. The Obsidian Order would be responsible for protecting us from external threats, yes, but they are the first line of defense and the dragon's fang are the trump card of our kingdom could you say. Isn't that so, Your Majesty?" Asher said and turned to Ethan.
"Looks like Uncle has seen through me, haha. Yes, the Dragons Fang will from now on be our most elite soldiers and will not take any riff raff. most of the soldiers will go to is the Obsidian Knight Order. Speaking of the new order. No Order has a headquarters been built for. So, I will have you decide where your respective orders should be placed. Only our own most loyal people shall build the Ravens Order as they should be hidden."
"Yes, Your Majesty"
