Chapter 52: Final preparation of war

VALERIA KINGDOM

Although king has given the order of army to march towards Carroway barony as quickly as possible, but due to political intervention of ministers army got delayed. Some rival and enemy of Lord Cedric wanted to use this opportunity to put an end to Carroway barony which is emerging in kings eyes. Upon seeing at the situation of capital city, there are no chance of assistant from them to repel the attack of Ravenspire kingdom.

THORNWOOD BARONY

Baron Thomas received the news from Prince about the invasion plan of Ravenspire kingdom. He gather 100 strong men. After the prince left his territory he did not wait for anyone and march with 100 men towards Carroway barony to give his assistance in a time of need. He left his wife Eliza in charge of barony matters in his absence.

Noble is noble because of there courage. They stand to take any risk in a time of emergency. Also once they form pact or family relationship with other noble they will always support each other in time of emergency.

As they were marching towards Carroway barony they decided to take long route, head first towards Enemy which will come on shore. All 100 men and baron Thomas waited for near the coast for enemy's arrival. After five days he saw densely packed ship fleet, nearly 30 large ship. They hid behind the forest cover to observe further details. In total the strength of troops is nearly 3000 equip with armor and weapons. By looking at the line up of enemy troops Baron Thomas realize the seriousness of there predicament. He resolutely took is guards and headed towards Carroway barony in quickest possible time.

Thomas ask one Phil, his scout, ' How much more time Phile.' They were riding for continuously 1 day. just took break for eating. There horses is also getting tired of continuous travelling with high intensity.

'If we travel with same pace then we will reach there in half day my lord.' Phil responded.

Thomas raise his voice and shout at everyone, ' All right everyone, only half a day journey remains, maintain stable pace.' With his lead they quickly approach Carroway barony.

CARROWAY BARONY

Edmund finishes his final drill of knight under his command. He gave them order to rest for 2 days. General Philip Also train young lads into guards in this 2 month, Although they are not fully ready for battle but still they can fight defensive wall battle. Mike also readied the supply needed for troops and alerted the citizen about war. Villager from nearby village who came to take refuge were allow to built some small huts in empty space near south wall. Villager was also in aww by looking at the massive wall. They are also feeling safe with this wall around them.

Merchant who came from the different city were initially worried from the new of war. But upon seeing the emergence of massive wall in such short time. They feel safe as well as envy about Lord's youngest son. They also saw the profit opportunity in building city wall around every city. Because of this they declare there support to Lord Cedric by providing money and other material. With there support blacksmith problem of iron was solved, hence blacksmith was able to build ballista, Crossbow and 50000 arrow head. Also the problem of food is temporarily solved by merchants. Lord Cedric has to purchase large amount of iron, food and other material neccesory for war. He felt pinch in his hard to loose this much money. But thanks to the Oliver's business , he was able to support all this expenditure. This time he realizes the power of economy in running the fief.

Lord Cedric review everyone's progress, satisfied smile came to his face. 'So we have gathered 1000 new recruit with 300 previous knight serving the barony. In total 1300. Also Ballista tested in training ground and ready to deploy on wall. Crossbow practice is also completed. 500 crossbow is sufficient to defend the wall for long term. We need to hold on for some time until the king send his army. Food and other supply is also ready. Yesterday I got news that enemy will be on our door in 5 to 6 days max. Okay so lets head towards wall to look at the wall progress. '

With his lead Mike, Philip, blacksmith and all other followed him to west gate.