Discipline, Weakness and Spies? (2)

Lucifer was sitting inside an air carriage accompanied by Bollocks and minister of Construction, Morge. Unlike the regular horse carriage, the air cart lacked wheels, coachmen area, and horses, and instead was designed around a strong metal frame which roughly looked like a toolbox.

Similar to toolbox the carriage had a handle above it which was used by a giant armored hawk to lift the carriage and transport it. From far it looked like a bird flying with a basket.

(A/N: If you cant imagine the air carriage then google corviknight taxi or watch a few episodes pokemon sword and shield anime. An air carriage is basically that but instead of taxi imagine a wheelless horse carriage.)

The mammoth hawk had a saddle where sat its rider. The rider resembled a steampunk pilot and wore tightly strapped leather clothes along with a leather hat and tinted copper framed glasses.

For a weapon, he only carried a midrange crossbow and a slim dagger. The weapons rider had wasn't there to protect the passengers but instead, this task was handled by four wyvern riders.

These wyvern riders acted as both guards and watchmen while carrying a bow and an arming sword on their waist.

The wyverns can never amount to the strength of a single mammoth hawk and if combat were to happen their job would be to able to delay the enemy attack long enough for the safe escape of the air carriage or a counter-attack from mammoth hawk after dropping the carriage in a safe place.

Mammoth hawks are a very strong beast and their flapping wings can disrupt anything flying under it. Which is why they are also called the Windbreaker.

Even tough Momoth hawks were strong, wyverns aren't useless either.

Wyverns are agile and had a smaller body than a mammoth hawk which meant that they are quick to respond and have all advantages that come with being a smaller target. They are harder to notice, whereas a flying mammoth hawk can be seen from miles.

If you want to attack something quickly and run wyverns would be your best choice but that does not mean that wyverns can't be used in normal combat.

Lucifer stared outside the window and saw the image of trees quickly passing through the windows.

He was bored and it started to appear in his face, he used most of his time to read the papers describing the state of the holy kingdom but after reading it 26 times, he had memorized everything by heart which leads to him losing his interest.

He sighed and kept looking out the window.

...

"I can see the holy kingdom from here." The driver announced.

His voice wasn't clear due to the wind but Bollock's sharp ears managed to hear it.

"It seems we are about to reach the holy kingdom, My Lord." Bollock relayed the message.

His face lit up, "How long before we land?"

"It will only take us a few minutes."

"Have you inform the captains about our arrival?" Lucifer enquired.

"Yes my lord, and it appears that an escort is waiting for our arrival."

Bollock looked outside and saw a group of armored men standing near the landing zone. "From the looks of it, it seems we will be traveling again." He said when he noticed a horse carriage.

"Now that sucks."

"If you would like we can rest for a while before starting our journey."

"That won't be necessary. I want to end this as soon as I can and after that, I shall visit Rava."

"As you wish."

"Minister Morge," He turned to the minister of construction, "Write an official letter to Rava explaining that I will be visiting the holy kingdom's castle in a few days, make sure that there are no indications of my arrival in that letter."

"Yes, my lord."

On his command, the minister wrote a letter explaining everything in detail. He then summoned an imp to use it as a carrier pigeon. He sealed the letter with wax and gave it to the imp.

When the window opened the wind didn't come inside the cart, considering the speed in which they were traveling inside the cart it seemed impossible to feel no wind. All of this was possible because of the use of magic while building o this cart.

It was an idea that Lucifer himself came up with and implemented using the royal craftmages.

The imp was released from the open window which quickly flew past them holding a letter in his hand.

The carriage slowly flew downwards without causing inertia and smoothly landed on the ground. The four wyverns also landed alongside the carriage and waited.

The hawk rested next to the carriage which allowed its rider to come down.

When the rider of the hawk opened the door of the cart Lucifer saw few soldiers bowing before him. Amongst these soldiers, he noticed a buffed man who was dressed in captain's uniforms.

"Welcome to the conquered Holy kingdom our king, Lord Lucifer." The captain announced with his head down.

On his signal, Bollock replied, "Our king is delighted with your welcome and praises you."

"Huu!" The soldiers stomped their feet in unison and cheered in reply.

"Lead the way captain."

"Understood."

The captain whistled and on his signal, a decorated cart pulled by 8 horses arrived. The carriage was lavishly decorated and had 4 pairs of wheels, if it was compared to the modern world vehicle then the present cart would be equivalent to a limo.

The coachmen signaled his companion at which he opened the door for them.

The first person to enter was Bollock after he was sure there weren't any traps or any danger then Lucifer and Minister Morge entered. The captain stayed outside the cart and he and his men guided them on the horsebacks.

Bollock opened the window when it was knocked. A gush of wind entered the cart when the window was opened, it was clear that this cart wasn't made by craftmages.

"Commander surge is waiting for you in his cabin where he prepared some refreshments for you all."

"That sounds nice, we shall continue our talk there," Bollock replied and closed the window.

After thirty minutes of traveling, they reached a huge establishment surrounded by fortified walls. On top of these walls, you can see patrolling demons with bows in their hands. On each interval, there is a flag-waving which had the symbol of the demon kingdom.

Upon seeing their arrival the watchmen on the walls signaled the guards to open the portcullis.

The heavy gate was lifted using chains and manpower and was held up with clamped levers.

The soldiers saluted the passing cart and closed the gate once the cart was through.

The captain led Lucifer and his companions to the commander's chamber. Behind the door was a kneeling commander who greeted Lucifer on his arrival.

"Welcome to the barracks My Lord. It is a great pleasure to be in your presence."

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well but before we start our meeting we should fill the empty seats."

Surge understood his meaning and directed them to the seats.

The table was filled with plates of baked sweets and fresh fruits, and everyone drank sweet citrus water to quench their thirst. Normally they would be drinking alcohol but when Lucifer refused it when he was offered and others also decided not to drink.

Once they were settled and comfortable Lucifer directed his attention towards Surge.

"What can you tell me about the elves that started revolting?" Lucifer asked after placing an empty glass on the table.

"They were acting obedient at first and followed our orders but one day out of nowhere they decided that they won't follow our orders anymore and also encouraged others to join them."

Lucifer thought for a while and asked.

"You said their revolt was sudden and unexpected right? Does that mean there this was planned by someone?"

"The elves who started revolting belonged to the elven class Ragu. Which is why their reactions were under our expectation."

"If it was so then why didn't they started revolting on the first day? I hope you aren't going lazy, are you Surge?" Lucifer glared.

Surge swallowed his spit and wiped the sweat on his forehead. He stole his glances between lucifer and Bollock.

Information tends to get exaggerated when it travels from one place the another and Surge was a victim of such a phenomenon. News of Bollock attacking Omar has also reached his ears but it was exaggerated and far from the truth. He did not doubt the news he heard and was scared because of it.

"I am sorry My lord but I haven't found someone who might be influencing them." He quickly bowed his head down and apologized full-heartedly.

"You mean if there were someone like I mentioned then they must be quite talented to be hiding right under your nose."

Surge's eyes widen and sweats dripped down his nose. 'I just dug my own grave.' He thought. If someone allowed him to kill his previous self for his soul then he would have done it without any question.

His mind only gained composure when Lucifer continued asking him questions without any hostility in his tone.

"How is the army effected by those elves?"

"Apart from a few high-class elves, no one has joined them."

"So, it's smooth with few bumps?"

"It is just as the Lord said."

Lucifer thought for a while and continued.

"What can you tell me about the ones who started the problem?"

"They are high-class elves with a high amount of magic in their blood. Since your order stated not to kill any potential individuals, we have been restraining them using some light punishments."

"I see," He took a small pause and continued, "so it was my fault."

Everyone exclaimed in unison and stared at lucifer. Bollock was the one to speak up first, "It isn't your fault My Lord. It is those elves---"

Before Bollock can finish his sentence Lucifer raised his hand and stopped him.

"It was my order which led to this. I wanted to create a stronger army which led me into taking a rushed decision resulting in the current situation and I apologize for that." Lucifer bowed. "As atonement for that I will make sure to personally discipline them," Lucifer announced.

Everyone was speechless but Surge regain his composure and spoke, "Thank you, my lord."

They discussed for few more minutes before Lucifer decided that it was time to meet the soldiers.

"Now shall we take our leave," Lucifer announced.

Who was replied by Surge, "Let me lead you the way."

...