Blazing flames erupted under the winter sky, burning ever brighter. Distrust, doubt, suspicion, sorrow, resignation—countless eyes, each with a different expression, stared at the stronghold now consumed by fire.
Soldiers on the main road began to move. Yuna Ji sat astride her horse, her gaze fixed on the stronghold engulfed in flames.
"There is no way out now, Yuna."
Joseph Qiao muttered, earning a glare from Phoenix Yu.
"Don't say such defeatist things at a time like this, Joseph."
"It doesn't matter. Once spring comes, it's our turn to strike back. This time, we won't let the enemy run wild again."
Lucille Xing spoke, her voice suddenly dropping as she looked toward the central plains. The others followed her gaze.
"Win or lose, at least I don't want to have any regrets."
Sebastian Zhao spoke as Yuna Ji turned her horse and shouted.
"Back to Grant City!"
Gus Bull had already gone to the Zou Clan, hoping to personally assist Lydia Lien with the grain escort. Returning to the stronghold, he found that half of it was occupied by Sage Domain troops. He quickly located Cyrus Sage, who was studying a map with a grave expression. Several weather-beaten, exhausted soldiers quietly withdrew.
Bella Liang immediately recognized them as scouts from the Sage Domain.
Have the scouts you sent out returned yet?
Cyrus Sage nodded, pointing to a stronghold on the map directly west—the one closest to Grant City, where the grasslands met the forest.
It's a problem, you know? Commander Bella Liang, your scouts were likely wiped out. My men arrived later—there was no stronghold left.
What do you mean?
Bella Liang looked at Cyrus Sage in confusion as he pointed to the stronghold on the map.
The enemy burned down the stronghold—nothing remains but scorched earth.
Bella Liang hurried to the table, staring at the map. His expression changed as he pondered the situation, and after a long silence, he finally spoke, frowning.
A choice between two?
Cyrus Sage nodded, then traced his finger north above the ruined stronghold.
Either we detour to this stronghold and take it first, or we attack Grant City directly—there are only two options.
Bella Liang agreed, nodding in assent.
If we attack Grant City directly and our forces become stretched, we'll always be threatened by the northern stronghold. The two strongholds are less than a day's march apart. If we leave cavalry to defend, our vanguard could be hit by enemy cavalry—on this flat forest terrain, cavalry charges against infantry are devastating.
Cyrus Sage quickly added:
And if the cavalry heads to Grant City, the result is the same—the enemy cavalry from the northern stronghold will seize the chance to charge. Our supply convoy and infantry won't be able to withstand it, especially now that there's no stronghold left.
Bella Liang's frown deepened. He knew all too well that if they attacked that stronghold, the enemy would seize the chance to strike from the west. If their advance stalled, the war would become a stalemate. The troops couldn't be split up—if they did, they'd risk being defeated piecemeal. The challenges ahead grew ever more daunting.
With an overstretched front and slow supply lines, even if we outnumber the enemy several times over, we won't be able to take their last capital quickly. The supply line will inevitably run into trouble.
When summer comes, things will get even tougher. The western Grant territory is rainy, and frequent summer storms will bog down the roads, making it impossible to move heavy equipment. Grant City is surrounded by earthen walls, with defenders able to stand atop them—defending will be easy.
If we can't break through after a prolonged siege, all our gains in Grant territory will be lost—we'll have to wait until next year. And in autumn, when the woods are dry, the enemy might use fire to retaliate. Camping in the forest will be extremely dangerous; if a fire breaks out, we could be wiped out.
That was ruthless—the enemy's move.
Bella Liang gave a bitter smile, while Cyrus Sage wore a helpless, grim look, shaking his head.
Maybe we should advance in winter, when the weather is milder…
Cyrus Sage started to speak but paused, tapping his head.
That won’t work either. Crossing the icy prairie would leave the soldiers exhausted, and entering the winter forest—never mind fighting, just surviving the cold would be hard enough.
The room fell silent. Several generals entered, having heard about the stronghold near Grant City being burned. Many began to grasp the situation and started discussing it.
Call the generals from Wynn Domain over too.
Cyrus Sage spoke, and Bella Liang nodded.
The sun began to set, but discussion continued inside and outside the house. The generals pooled their ideas, but no one could find a way to solve the current predicament.
The only real weakness now is lack of mobility. Wynn and Sage Domains combined have fewer than 50,000 cavalry—even with the Zou Clan providing horses, that's only 5,000 more, leaving just over 50,000.
Cavalry are the most important offensive force. These 50,000 must attack to clear the way for the rest; if they stay behind, the infantry will be in trouble.
And that number is inflated—many horses can't go to battle and must carry grain instead. Manual transport is unrealistic; more manpower means more grain needed. The supply line is the army's lifeline—if it breaks, the army faces disaster.
Why don't we split our forces—send 200,000 to attack the northern stronghold, and the rest to assault Grant City?
A general spoke up.
But how do we split the cavalry? If there's no cavalry on the plains, the enemy's horsemen won't show any mercy.
The discussion hit a deadlock.
Let's split them in half, maybe…
The grain supply is a problem. It's too far—the burden is huge. If we can't take the stronghold in three days, the supply line will break.
Then why don’t we move the grain here during winter?
But someone immediately objected—moving grain in such a cold winter would be extremely difficult. The risk of frostbite or death on the prairie makes it unrealistic and wasteful.
The stronghold now serves as a haven for both armies—soldiers must gather together to survive the harsh winter. If they scatter, death is always a risk.
No one questioned the deadly power of winter. Most soldiers had no fur, only linen clothes, and could only keep warm by the fire.
Alright, that’s enough for today. Let’s adjourn.
Cyrus Sage spoke, and the generals began to leave. Bella Liang stood motionless, still pondering a solution.
Commander Bella Liang…
After the generals left, Cyrus Sage called out, but Bella Liang was lost in his own world of war, oblivious to everything. Cyrus Sage smiled, sat back down, and resumed studying the map.
After a long while, as the sun set, Bella Liang rubbed his aching temples and walked over.
Have you figured out a plan?
And you?
They exchanged glances and smiled bitterly, each shaking their head in resignation.
What worries me most now is Jiang Territory getting involved. We already agreed that after the war, all land west of Grant City would go to Jiang Territory—we wouldn’t interfere.
Bella Liang said, and Cyrus Sage shook his head.
Those promises can’t be trusted—not during wartime. Jiang Territory won’t believe us easily and might turn against us. If they send 300,000 troops, the war is over. We couldn’t threaten the west, let alone take Grant City.
Bella Liang slowly walked toward the door.
It’s been almost a year since I last went home.
Me too. My father wants me to show results in this war, so all the tribes can see.