Chapter 120: A Faction Crumbling

A month had gone by since the siege of Doulon and the war became stagnant, each side remaining in their fortified positions. From an outsider's perspective, you would think now would be the opportune time for the Fontaine Faction to strike. The Luxenberg forces were spread too thinly on the southern front, they could easily be picked off by a larger army.

And yet, Grand Duke Simeon did nothing. His forces had been sitting idle and itching for a fight. Even his remaining allies Duke Hirschmann and Duke Verdant were wanting for battle. Duke Hirschmann and his Gerhard were especially antsy for a fight, considering how the whole situation in Joltz played out.

All the noblemen did was, eat, lounge around and sleep. It was mundane and pointless. While they stay holed up in Osterbon, the enemy marches closer to them. Gerhard was particularly agitated with the whole situation and did not want to continue being silent and left on the sidelines of this war.

At lunch, Gerhard broached the subject with all the noblemen gathered. "Grand Duke Fontaine, may I dare ask as to what our strategy for this war is. We have been idle for months and our enemy has capitalised on our absence. I am also fairly sure that Duke Godert and his men have betrayed us. We have not heard anything from him, yet our scouts say that bastard was casually invited into the city by the Luxenberg garrison." 

"Forgive me for my rudeness, Grand Duke, but do you even want to participate in this war? It was our side who started it. It was our side that crossed the border first, but now we cower in this city while our territory diminishes. My family's city of Joltz is suffering, many have been killed and their corpses have been displayed as trophies."

"Let us act, at least take the fight to them. If we continue to cower behind these walls, I will personally lead any man willing to face the enemy. No matter who their allegiance is to, I shall lead them into battle against the Luxenberg Army."

Duke Hirschmann was on the verge of having a stroke, his son's brazenness could cost him dearly, especially when offending a man in his own palace. Duke Verdant shared Gerhard's view but was too nervous to outwardly support the young man and his bold words.

Grand Duke Fontaine looked at him with a murderous gaze, first, it was Duke Godert and now the heir of the Dukedom of Hirschmann was defying him. Simeon was not unaware of the people's perception of him. He had locked his army away and let the Luxenberg forces conquer many of their cities.

Before the Grand Duke could even voice his anger, a messenger came bolting into the dining room. "My lord! My lord! Our scouts bring news from the western border. The Luxenberg forces in their entirety have begun moving. Our scouts believe they are marching to Amsardam."

Before they could even comprehend that news, another messenger arrived in a more calm manner, "My lord. Our scouts in the south have reported that all the Luxenberg forces apart from those at Joltz are on the move. There is also talk of the Godert Dukedom's army being amongst them. It seems they are converging on Amsardam."

The noblemen froze, all awaiting to see Grand Duke Fontaine's reaction. Simeon silently processed all this new information. It was clear that Amsardam would be the staging point for future full-scale Luxenberg Army action. What hurt more was that they could not defeat one-half of the Luxenberg, they did not stand a chance against the full strength of the army.

"So it comes to a final showdown between our armies," Simeon muttered. He proceeded to look at the men in the room and address them. "Gentlemen, there is no point in trying to stage an offensive. We must look to solidify our defences and maybe look at trying to create a pitched battlefield where we can utilise our army to the fullest."

None of the noblemen dared to question his declaration. It was logical to focus on defence, especially when you have the majority of the Luxenberg Army on their doorsteps. Admittedly, it was Simeon's fault that things had gotten so dire for them, but no one was willing to call him out on that. Division amongst their ranks would not serve to help their cause.

The noblemen all nodded and began to pull out maps to study the route from Amsardam to Osterbon. If they wanted to avoid being boxed in during a siege, the best idea for them would be to develop a defensive position on the road to Osterbon. 

If they could find a terrain that they could make use of, they could spend plenty of time developing trenches, artillery positions and barricades. Sudes would be placed around the position to dissuade cavalry from attacking their position.

It would take a month for all of Victor's forces to reach Amsardam, and then they would need to factor in how long the siege would last, then finally, you would add an extra 2 weeks for the journey from Amsardam to Osterbon. The Fontaine Faction had at least 2 months to prepare for an assault on the capital.

And so the men of the Fontaine Faction went straight to work. They began to sure up the defences of Osterbon before scouting the road to Amsardam. Geographically, they wanted to have the high ground. If possible it would be ideal to have a forest nearby so they could station ambushing soldiers.

Within a month the Fontaine Faction found a good location, a 3 day march away from Osterbon. The road itself was flat, but nearby was a large ridge that boasted a slightly steep slope to ascend. There were a few singular trees spread throughout the middle and sides of the plain that would become the battlefield.

Trenches were being dug and sudes were planted. Sandbags were being transported by wagons to the location. Everything was coming together nicely. The infantrymen of the Fontaine Faction would be stationed at the base of the slope while the artillery fire from the raised position.

Cavalrymen could be held in reserve until they needed to charge down the slope to engage the enemy soldiers. There was also plenty of room in the rear to set up a command tent and a supply depot.

During that time setting up, news finally arrived about the fall of Amsardam.