Chapter 97: The Lord's Death
Asher could vividly imagine the power of the rangers once they rode on Ovok backs. Their mobility would increase, as would their lethality, and they could be deployed swiftly to execute tasks no matter the distance.
It would also reduce the pressure on the logistic department.
Since the Thunderstorm Rangers were going in the path of lightning, why not upgrade them to the peak of it? After all, the Mongolian Horse Archers were a famous force back in those days.
Since ovok was a type of deer, one that was muscle-packed and was also the reason the rangers could summon lightning, it was a great idea to join both of them to produce a great troop.
Especially now that the troop awakening stele would soon be activated. According to the knowledge of the game, once a lord class player got a stele, it would build a barrack where that specific soldier can be trained and equipped as a novice.
This means that not only would the stele grant an individual a new talent that allows her to reach the peak of a Thunderstorm Ranger, it also built special barracks that were meant for that troop.
If he used the stele now, the Thunderstorm Rangers would have no space for the ovok mounts. It would just be an addition that granted them no specific gain except mobility.
It was now or never.
Because once the steles came, his army would begin to increase.
"What else?"
"There's also a large amount of food in their storehouse, able to feed over 40,000 for two months if rationed properly." Katarina said.
"Good. The people need to be fed before we can send for meat and grain from the stronghold. That should last us until I've established myself here in the Bashan basin."
Asher entwined his fingers and supported his chin.
Both women bowed.
"I had a dream, Your Lordship."
All of a sudden, Katarina spoke when Asher's mind revolved around creating the Ovok cavalry. His brows rose.
"Oh? What is it about?"
Katarina turned to Eritrea, and the female commander took the clue and excused herself.
"I saw you battle against Chief Beowulf and died in the peak of battle. Your death killed the strength in your men, and they were brought down. Head Chief Beowulf knows about you and your impressive cavalry, so they had set up a trench trap filled with all manners of sharp woods marred with venoms that can kill a man in a short amount of time."
Asher frowned when he heard that.
"Chief Beowulf killed me?" -official
He looked into Katarina's eyes.
"Yes, he will. Your sword broke when battling against him. The strike came straight for the section between your shoulder and your neck. You bled to death before Alex came to your rescue."
Asher looked at his gold-ranked sword resting at a corner.
Indeed, that sword rank was below the level of people he now faced. It was a ticking time bomb without him knowing.
He was busy thinking of how to empower his troop and forgot he would also need to be properly equipped.
"Thank you."
Asher got to his feet, approached the old woman, and patted her back.
Katarina smiled.
"Also, where have they dug the tench?"
"The north of the city faces a vast plain, and they have dug three trenches. It will be better to send your footmen to battle."
"I see."
Asher rubbed his smooth chin.
"But I was just about to make the Thunderstorm rangers a cavalry. Is that a wrong decision?"
"No, Your Lordship. But this battle should be reserved for your footmen. The Thunderstorm and the Bladebreakers will interfere after the wall has been breached."
Katarina said it with an amicable tone.
"Alright."
Asher nodded while wearing a warm smile. He was obviously happy to see Katarina's worth.
When Katarina was close to the exit, she suddenly paused. "Your Lordship? Do you know anyone with the name Mary?"
Asher turned to face her.
His brows knit together.
"What did you see about her?"
Katarina chuckled softly. "Nothing."
A few minutes after she had left, Asher kept staring at the exit. He knew Katarina would not just ask a carless question if she had no direction of where it would end.
Either she heard about his sister since she was the one that made everyone address him properly or she saw Mary.
It seemed like after Katarina uttered that name, a strange feeling sprouted from the depths of his heart. Did he hate her so much that he did not send one letter to her after three months?!
This was the fourth month, and it would soon end, but yet he had no intention of doing so; he had even forgotten about her.
While thinking, Asher sat on his seat and looked at the interior of his tent, but his eyes were hollow.
As he recalled Mary's care and efforts to get close to him, a soft smile broke out on his face.
He had Cynthia prepare his writing materials and began to write a letter. By morning, there was lots of waste, and these papers were imported from the high plains and were crazily expensive.
After exhausting the papers, he went to use animal skin.
By the time the sun had risen, he was done.
"Alex."
"You called, Your Lordship." Alex walked into the tent with a steady gait.
"Send this to Nineveh. Tell the messenger that I want it sent to my sister."
Hearing that last word made Alex raise a brow because it sounded strange coming out of Asher's lips. Nevertheless, he took the rolled-up animal skin, bowed, and left.
"Your Lordship, Commander Adam requests a meeting with you." The voice of a vanguard fell into Asher's ears.
"Let him in."
Adam clad in his heavy armor walked in and stood before Asher. He went on one knee and lowered his head.
"I greet His Lordship."
"Arise and speak. What brings you here?"
"I only came to inquire of His Lordship... When do we march for Bashan city?"