Chapter 170: Distant Horn
Creak~ The heavy iron-clad gates of Riverguard swung open at dawn, and a bustling crowd surged out like fish returning to the sea.
On the rustic country roads, people exchanged warm, simple smiles and greeted those they met along the way.
Even the patrolling soldiers were met with friendly nods, as everything seemed tranquil and peaceful.
The serene atmosphere was soon broken by the crisp sound of hoofbeats. At the horizon's edge, a crimson banner adorned with a golden dragon came into view.
"Our army!" a young man exclaimed, pointing at the flag.
"Has our scattered force returned? Or is it His Majesty the King?" a group of Rapid Infantrymen on patrol wondered aloud as they gazed at the majestic banner.
"It's the King! That banner has golden tassels! It's the King's flag!" After a moment, the people recognized Rynar's distinctive royal standard.
...
"Home at last. Nothing beats the comfort of one's own land," Rynar murmured as he rode on horseback, observing the bustling activity of Riverguard.
Compared to its once desolate state, the city now exuded a sense of life and vitality.
Farmers traveled along the country paths and fields, vendors hawked their wares in the streets, and the only tavern in town was thriving. Everything was moving in a positive direction.
"Welcome home, Your Majesty!" Duchess Nyx, who had arrived early with her entourage to await the King at the city gates, gently lifted her skirt and curtsied gracefully.
"Thank you for coming out to greet me, Your Grace," Rynar replied with a smile as he dismounted and helped Nyx to her feet.
"How did the campaign go?" Nyx asked, peering curiously at the troops following behind Rynar.
"It was a draw, but the allied forces didn't suffer heavy losses. However, the orcs managed to hold Dol Guldur. By the way, how's the city? Any major incidents?" Rynar inquired.
"As you can see, life has been peaceful, just as I hoped," Nyx replied calmly, gesturing toward the countryside beyond the gates.
Rynar chuckled at Nyx's adorable mannerism.
"Come inside. After such a long campaign, the city has changed quite a bit. Take some time to reacquaint yourself," Nyx said, stepping aside to allow the group to enter.
"System, open the territory interface!" Rynar quietly commanded. Soon, the system interface appeared before him.
Riverguard:
- Area: 1 square kilometer.
- Buildings: 1 dilapidated lord's castle, 240 ordinary wooden houses, intermediate magic-patterned walls, a stone well, a blacksmith's forge, a barracks, an Archer's Sanctuary.
- Commanders: Caslow (Tier 3), Reynard (Tier 4), Radir (Tier 4), Yun Feng (Tier 6), Omsk (Tier 6).
- Special Personnel: Lady Aivy (Tier 3), Duchess Nyx (Tier 2).
- City Defense Officer: Marcus (Tier 4).
- Civil Affairs Officer: Lance (Tier 2).
- Military Strength: 2,292.
- Knights of the Holy Radiance: 100 Tier 2 knights.
- Zaltarion City Guards: 100 Tier 2 soldiers.
- Battanian Archers: 700 Tier 2 archers.
- Dunwenian Heavy Swordsmen: 100 Tier 2 swordsmen.
- Elven Rangers: 100 Tier 2 rangers.
- Zaltarion Royal Guards: 200.
- Rapid Infantry Legion: 683 Rapid Infantry.
- Conscripted Light Infantry: 200 light infantry.
- Zaltarion Heavy Cavalry: 100 heavy cavalry.
- Clerics: 8 Tier 2 clerics.
- Mages: 1 Tier 2 fire mage.
- Population: 3,024 (1,647 trainable civilians).
- Evaluation: The lonely King has led his remaining people back to their homeland and established this city with towering walls.
The city now has a growing population, giving it a lively atmosphere.
Everything is progressing positively, and the city's military strength is formidable, with a significant number of potential recruits. The city is fully capable of defending itself against small-scale attacks.
Note: The Duchess of Nyx fled here, and the kingdom still lacks a queen and an heir.
- Abilities:
As the only territory of the Zaltarion Kingdom in Middle-earth, the city attracts wandering Zaltarion civilians. The system guides a group of Zaltarion refugees to the city daily, hoping the lord can accommodate them.
Allows recruitment of local civilians to train as Rapid Infantry.
"Not bad at all! There are 1,647 potential recruits!" Rynar thought, astonished. If he were to mobilize aggressively, he could quickly rebuild the Rapid Infantry Legion.
"Excellent! At least we can defend ourselves now. Even if an orc army attacks, we can put up a fight!" Rynar was pleased.
With over 1,600 potential militiamen, he felt confident.
Militias could be trained into competent Rapid Infantry in no time. In his past life, the massive numbers of Rapid Infantry were formed this way—lords would summon militias, train them, and within a week, new legions would march into battle.
"The city is developing well!" Rynar remarked as he led his horse through the streets, observing the surroundings.
Dried fish and other goods hung from the doorframes of houses, and the residents' faces were filled with happiness.
The variety of clothing people wore also caught Rynar's eye, but what truly surprised him was the presence of street vendors.
"Is that... a trade caravan from Dale?" Rynar blurted out in amazement.
This was international trade! It seemed merchants were always at the forefront of progress, even reaching a remote border city like Riverguard.
"Yes, shortly after you left, a trade caravan from Dale arrived.
They purchased our furs and game and brought us their handmade goods. We collected our first commercial taxes..." Nyx explained proudly.
"Well done. Attracting merchants to trade with us is a crucial way to strengthen our nation," Rynar praised.
Nyx's administrative skills far surpassed Rynar's amateurish efforts, and he realized just how knowledgeable a true high-ranking noble could be.
Everything Rynar saw along the way reflected Nyx's exceptional governance. She was, after all, a former ruler of a duchy, even if it was a small one.
Her capabilities as a leader were undeniable, far superior to a certain "Rynar" who often stumbled in such matters.
Doo~ Doo~ Doodoo!
"What's that sound?" Rynar suddenly heard the faint echo of a horn in the distance.
"Enemy attack!" Rynar immediately reacted, urging those around him.
The horn's tone was unlike any he had heard before, and he assumed it must be an enemy force. After all, only the crude and discordant horns of orcs could produce such irregular notes.
"To the walls! Sound the alarm! Gather the soldiers and prepare to defend the city! Send all cavalry to escort the civilians back inside!"
Rynar barked orders rapidly before sprinting toward the city walls, leaving his bewildered subordinates behind.
"Hurry, hurry!" Omsk leaped onto a nearby rooftop with a single step, catching up to Rynar in a few bounds.
"Your Majesty, I'll go ahead to oversee the defenses!" Omsk's voice lingered in the air as he dashed off.
...
"Why hasn't the war horn been sounded?" Rynar demanded as he reached the top of the wall, grabbing Omsk by the shoulder.
"Your Majesty... see for yourself," Omsk replied with a hint of emotion.
On the distant horizon, a tattered crimson banner fluttered in the wind. Amidst the cross emblem, a slightly worn but proud purple jasmine bloomed defiantly...
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