Chapter 36: The Purge III Battle for Stormwind

(Chapter 36 The Purge III Battle for Stormwind)

*Three weeks earlier.*

At first glance, it may appear to be just an abandoned village, with dilapidated buildings and overgrown paths. However, hidden beneath these seemingly deserted structures lies a complex network of intricate tunnels, meticulously created by the rebels. These small tunnels were constructed in preparation for the inevitable clash, designed to conceal the rebels when the time came to ambush Mengsk's army.

The village itself is strategically located near the sea, with two large mountains flanking it, acting as a natural gateway for anyone entering from the sea. This advantageous positioning not only provides a natural defense but also offers a potential escape route and a place to gather supplies provided by Callas, through ships. The seemingly desolate village is, in reality, a carefully planned trap, ready to spring on Mengsk's unsuspecting forces.

At midnight, Tempest and Constantine stood in the shores, to wait for their benefactor.

"The ship is coming, Young Master. Wait a minute... That ship..."

Constantine said as he spotted two ships approaching the shores of Val-des-Ombres. They had anticipated the arrival of the Spina di Rosula, but they were not expecting another visitor. The unknown vessel flew the flag of a blue salmon, the sigil of House Vance.

"That's House Vance... Mother's family... What are they doing here?"

Tempest muttered, eyes narrowing as he watched the ship approach. His mind raced with questions and unease.

Shortly after, the Spina di Rosula ship landed on the shore, while the ship of House Vance remained afloat in the waters. Tempest and Constantine watched intently, expecting to see Melus disembark. To their surprise, it was Callas Caspar himself who stepped off the vessel.

"Callas?"

Both Tempest and Constantine said in unison.

"It's good to see you both, as well. Tempest, there's someone, who you might be familiar with, who wants to meet you."

Callas spoke, and just as he finished, another figure emerged from the ship. Tempest's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the second person.

"Uncle Gardon?"

Tempest addressed the man with crimson eyes, Gardon Vance, the Earl of House Vance. As one of Fontaine's wealthiest families, House Vance dominates Teyvat's seas through their extensive trade networks. Originally from Liyue, they had relocated to Fontaine three centuries ago. The Palais Mermonia had honored the family with the title of Earl in recognition of their invaluable service to the nation.

Gardon Vance is Merlyn Proudmoore's brother. When Mengsk married Merlyn, the two Houses entered into a beneficial trade agreement that aimed to strengthen their mutual interests. However, upon learning of Mengsk's actions against Merlyn, which left her crippled, House Vance was outraged. Over the years, this betrayal severely strained their relationship, ultimately leading to a complete breakdown in their alliance. The two Houses no longer regard each other as allies, and the once-strong bond has all but dissolved.

"It's good to see you again, as well, Tempest."

Gardon replied with a hint of formality, his gaze steady as he took in the scene.

"How is Mother and Penance?"

Tempest asked as it had been a week since he last saw his Mother and sister.

"I assure you, Tempest, your family is well. In fact, it was Merlyn who specifically requested that I come and see you. I promise you. Both your Mother and sister are safe under my protection. Should your Father dare to send his forces to my gates, they will be met with fierce resistance and bloodshed."

Gardon reassured him.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Tempest replied.

"Ha, what Merlyn said was true, you really can't smile, can you? It's quite a serious expression you've got there."

Gardon jokingly said.

"Sorry about that, Uncle."

Tempest replied.

"Haha, it's no problem, my nephew. Come we have much to discuss, Callas, isn't it about time a new Duke in House Proudmoore to come?"

Gardon said, as he turned his head to Callas, who was speaking with Constantine.

"Indeed it does, Gardon."

Callas replied with a nod.

"You flatter me, Uncle... But, I honestly think I'm not qualified yet for the position, perhaps Mothe-"

"No, no, Tempest. Your mother cannot take on the role of matriarch for House Proudmoore. It is your right and duty as the eldest child of House Proudmoore. Should you require any guidance, know that both House Caspar and House Vance stand ready to assist you in any way necessary."

Gardon stopped him before he could finish his sentence.

"You want to support me in my uprising? Uncle?"

"I do, Tempest. Let's continue this discussion inside the ship."

Gardon said to Tempest, and shortly both Gardon and Callas boarded the ship to continue their discussion.

"Let's go, Teacher."

Tempest said to Constantine.

"You go on ahead, I'll have the men unload the equipment on Callas's ship. Fill me up later, alright?"

Constantine gestured for Tempest to catch up with them, his hand indicating the direction of the ship. Tempest nodded in response and swiftly boarded the vessel. He made his way into the cabin.

"How did you two meet anyway?"

Tempest said as he took a seat at the round table. To his left sat Gardon of House Vance, and to his right was Callas of House Caspar.

"Gardon was one of the key sponsors during the construction of the aquabus lanes across Fontaine. We've maintained a close connection ever since. He was the one who initially reached out to me, Tempest, via a messenger hawk. At first, I was skeptical and considered dismissing it, but then I realized that your Mother had written the letter. So I invited him here."

Callas explained.

"It's true, Tempest. Now, let's get straight to the matter at hand."

Gardon said, his expression turning serious.

"As you know, Callas cannot directly involve himself in your uprising because it would be difficult to justify to the court. However, House Vance's situation is different. I have a reason to support you directly, Tempest. Your Father's actions against my sister were unforgivable, and House Vance, as one of Fontaine's largest suppliers of goods from other nations, House Vance has significant leverage. Fontaine needs our support more than I need her, so I have no reservations about backing you in your cause."

Gardon explained, his tone serious. 

"Additionally, Callas has informed me that your Father is planning a coup against Lady Furina on his name day. This will also serve as a reason for my support, whether the information is true or not. Ultimately, House Vance will be able to walk out of the Opera Epiclese unscathed. However, Tempest, if it turns out that the coup is merely a rumor, I... I won't be able to offer my assistance further."

Gardon concluded.

"Thank you, Uncle. Rest assured, if it turns out that the coup is nothing more than a rumor, or if my Father manages to destroy the evidence before I can obtain it, I will send Constantine as my champion for the trial by combat."

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*The Present.*

An army of 2,400 strong was advancing towards Val-des-Ombres. The Knights of the Golden Hand, mounted on horseback, led the vanguard, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Following them, the garrison soldiers marched in disciplined ranks on foot, accompanied by their formidable Mekas. Mengsk, Pierre, and Tempest rode at the forefront, leading the army with determination and authority. The ground reverberated with the rhythmic pounding of boots and the mechanical whirring of the Mekas, a formidable display of power and preparation as they made their way to the abandoned village.

Little did they know that Tempest was guiding them straight into a carefully laid trap. Beneath their feet, a network of tunnels lay concealed, prepared to erupt in chaos at the right moment. Explosive charges were strategically placed and ready to detonate upon receiving the signal. As the army marched onward, the rebels were poised to spring from their hidden positions, emerging from the depths of the village to launch their ambush.

'800 rebels are hiding and waiting for the signal... We have to hold them off before, Uncle comes with the cavalry...'

Tempest thought to himself.

"Halt!"

Pierre shouted, raising his hand in a commanding stop gesture. Instantly, the army ceased their march, the clatter of boots and machinery coming to an abrupt halt. The soldiers and Mekas stood in tense anticipation, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any sign of danger.

On the road leading to the village stood three figures, their presence commanding and resolute: Constantine, Rohan, and Falric.

"Damn traitors! I will have your heads!"

Mengsk shouted.

"Somethings not right, The rebel army is nowhere to be seen. This could very well be a trap."

Pierre said, his voice edged with concern.

"Stone! Shoot him!"

Mengsk ignored Pierre's concern and ordered Stone to take his shot, who was invisible.

"Yes sir..."

Ghost took his aim, his musket pointing at Constantine, and shortly...

*Bang!*

"Hm!?"

Constantine felt an unsettling chill spread across his body, his instincts alerting him to danger. Without a moment's hesitation, he drew his katana with swift precision, intercepting the bullet mid-flight and slicing it cleanly in half.

"Falric! Cover!"

Constantine shouted a warning, and without a moment's hesitation, Falric smashed his fist into the ground. Utilizing his Geo Vision, he summoned a formidable wall of rock that surged up from the earth, creating a solid barrier to shield them from the incoming danger.

'3... 2... 1...'

Tempest counted silently in his head as he closed his eyes, and suddenly, something was fired into the sky, everyone looked up and suddenly, a blinding flare erupted into the sky momentarily dazzling everyone and obscuring their vision.

"What the fuck!?"

Mengsk shouted, raising his hands to shield his eyes from the intense glare. The same was true for everyone in the army, they were momentarily stunned and disoriented by the blinding light, their vision impaired by the sudden, dazzling flare.

"Hyah!"

Tempest lightly nudged his horse with his boot, urging it forward. He swiftly rode toward Constantine and the others, his heart racing as he prepared for the chaos that was about to unfold.

"Fire the flare now!"

Tempest shouted to Constantine, and without hesitation, Constantine grabbed the flare in his coat pocket and fired it into the sky, signaling the rebels to come out.

Rebels poured out from their hiding spots in the abandoned buildings, swiftly moving to Tempest's side. They lined up, pointing their muskets at Mengsk's army. Gatling guns were positioned on the rooftops, aimed at the enemy below. Everyone hurried to take their positions while the enemy was still briefly stunned, the air thick with anticipation and the tension of the impending battle.

"Fire!"