Chapter 46 March to Farnham

" Listen well, you will garrison this city with remaining soldiers, Arthur. Follow your elders' words and don't act rashly."

Uther caressed Arthur's head whilst mounting on his horse with his knights and Magnus who was acting as a deputy. Both of them were led by Holiman who was holding his flag with a calm face.

He pulled down his helmet, heading toward the direction of the lord's castle where he would decide what would happen to him. His heart was filled with worry and anticipation because he trusted that lord would surrender peacefully for he was a wise man. He was able to build a territory from a sinkhole, stopping widespread crimes and spreading wealth through the territory but no matter how much effort he put in, the never-ending financial disaster with problems that sank his all money.

Besides the territory lacked products that could give them money, so he wouldn't be able to stay as a leader for a long time despite his plea for help.

The royal family cast him aside like a broken puppet while the nobles despised him for his honesty. He valued integrity and justice over his greed, thus many nobles shunned him from their sides, believing he was no good for their factions which led him to this state.

His military and economy were in shambles and he had nowhere to go except to spend his last money to feed his people. The little smiles of his people were the last salvation for his life as his family was getting poorer each year, drowning in debt.

Fortunately, Uther and Magnus were resourceful people. Kent territory wasn't that rich but their technology and military could rival a dukedom. Furthermore, their alliance with Duke of Wales gave them enough resources to create a large military presence in the south to pacify the entire region.

Hence, Holiman believed surrendering to them wasn't a bad option when he compared it to other options. The other nobles would probably suck them dry, yet Uther promised them equal rights and wealth that could feed them.

Additionally, he wasn't saying anything about drafting his people for war which was the biggest grace for him who shed tears for his people. He didn't abandon them like the royal family or shunned them away like nobles.

His heart was generous like a saint whom he heard from stories. Perhaps, this lam would be baptized in the future for his existence was kingly.

On the other Magnus was entirely different. He was a caring and brave leader who was ambitious enough to push from mud to the mountains. His vision was far beyond many humans, influencing someone like Uther to change his fate.

Both of them were truly one of the kinds of their types. Especially, when they worked together, they were able to pinpoint the exact weakness of the entire territory within a day while formulating their future like emperors.

" Empire above all huh."

Holiman muttered looking at their drifting capes with hope in his eyes. Even after aging on the battlefield, his heart fluttered like he was a young man. His yearning for their future and his territory was enough to force his old knees to move.

Meanwhile in Guildford.

Halfdan drew the rough war map on the leather while placing the pieces on it. He then considered other methods than ambush and guerilla warfare but it was difficult. The terrain was complex for cavalry and naval battle wasn't ideal.

Hence, infantry was the best choice but the lord of the territory was a veteran who fought against Frank.

" Mother, I think we need to assassinate the lord or his family. His role is too much for this war."

Freyja fell into silence for a moment because she valued honor and assassination wasn't in the dictionary of Vikings. However, she couldn't also ignore her son's suggestion.

" What do you mean by that?"

She asked with a calm tone, guessing Halfdan might have a plan because he was formulating an entire war on this table.

" Indeed you are right about us but there are many people who are keen on the dark side. We will hire such people to kill the lord and create fragmentation among his vassals."

Halfdan's eyes glowed coldly while he touched his sword hilt.