After some days of rest Duke arrived with his army at the next fort just like before these fort is also Built like previous one.
In a big magnificent tent on a table then map of Wildwood territory can be seen surrounding it are Duke Elmsworth, General Gabriel, General Jack and And the son of the Duke .Evander
All the generals can be seen arguing with each other." My Lord I think we should retreat for some time and Take care of our Supplies the deeper we are going into enemy Territory.
More our Supply lines are being attacked. "
Gabriel Said Worried look on his face.
Meanwhile Jack "no my lord Retreating is not an option it will only destroy the morale of our army. "
Evander looking at these all frustrated because from last few because of attacks on there supply lines there soldiers can't even eat food properly and At night enemy would keep attacking The camp.
Meanwhile The Duke who was Silent was Also feeling fear because he thought these campaign would only take 15 days but now it is close to 2 months at casualtie rate keeps piling up some soldiers have even started to desert him...
The biggest obstacle in these territory is it's Forest and uneven terrain but these Territory can be easily conquered. if it does not have any defense like forts or anything....
But now it is completely different If we keep attacking the forts he won't be able to make any progress.
"Shut up" Duke shouted. Immediately all the generals stopped talking and looked at Duke Elmsworth.
They knew from last few days The Duke has started to frustrated because of Constant troubles caused by Wildwood soldiers.
But what hurt his ego most was because of how these little Marquis was causing him so much trouble...
"Fuuuuu "Duke let out a Breath and Said" I have decided something from what our scouts report there another 2 forts but one of the fort has wooden wall but i have decided we will divide our troops. "
"I want all of these forts Encirled some of our troops meanwhile we will lead main force and start rapidly matching towards ebonwall". Duke turned towards Gabriel "what are army statistics. "
Gabriel replied "We had set out with 35000 soldiers but after constant clashes in last days we have lost 4300 soldiers and another 3000 are wounded and about 2800 soldiers have deserted. Which total upto 10,100"
For some time there was silence in tent because every one knew that they have not even clashed with the main force of Ebonwall and They have lost so many soldiers ...
Soon Evander objected "but father leaving our rear unguarded as we march towards enemy capital will create more trouble for us.."
Duke knew it as well but he replied" I don't enemy would expect us to directly attack there capital and once we reach walls of Ebonwall there people we start panicking. "
And if I can get to fight pitched battle with the that young brat I will defeat him because I know"
"if he had built so many forts he should have sent his soldiers and spreaded them and he won't have enough troops when I meet him in battle."
"But if he just stays inside the walls. I can just besiege the city with our army because of his lack of troops he won't be able to Guard every corner of City."
After these all he still continued but these time more serious. "And i have received reports that Duke Sifon of Tetsu Dukedom. Is gathering his soldiers near our borders. "
Everyone was shocked because of these news and start panicking
"Is it true my Lord" Gabriel hurriedly said.
Meanwhile Jack also started hesitating.
Even Evander was shocked but he said "Father i think we should be able to manage after all we have 15000 soldiers in Our territory and many forts guarded by additional soldiers.
Duke Elmsworth quickly calmed everyone down Yes that's correct and also we don't knew whether he is going to really invade or not everything will depend on the reports we will receive."
"And After conquering these territory I will also make deal with the king to stop the other Dukes "Elmsworth smiled.
"But now we need to focus on these matter Gabriel I would be taking with me 16000 thousand soldiers and out of remaining 25,100 that will mean you will only have. 9,100 soldiers in your hand to tackle and encircle these forts".
Gabriel was worried and tensed but he still said "Alright my Lord"." Issue orders to our soldiers to start building camp."
I will move out with my force tomorrow early morning.... "Duke issued orders
In the early morning 16000 soldiers can be seen marching lazily reason being because of constant harassment from enemy night before.
they could not sleep properly always being worried that would be attacked or there camp will catck fire... And the lack of food was also another reason
Duke knew soon they will leave these damn forest and entered into open surroundings as well but he knew where would be many such forest as they march towards ebonwall.
After few hours the army of Duke exited the forest . Evander approached his father and said "Father our scouts report that there are villages near us and To solve the issue of Supplies I think we should take the food from those villages . "
Duke Elmsworth was tempted and looking back at his army he could see the tired faces and Lack of Food has taken a toll on his army...
He needs to decide whether to attack these villages or not . After thinking for some time.
He called Cavalry commander jack and said "you will not attack those villages but ask for supplies from these villages and If the people corporate they should not be harmed but in case they decline."
"Take the supplies forcefully.. But also try to control the damage that would be caused by there soldiers."