Volume 2 Chapter 19 A Cheap Play
Eleonora and her 300-strong company had entered Dolbor territory. They rested beneath sparse trees, quietly discussing their next move.
"To get those sluggish troops moving, we just have to threaten their land."
"Shall we burn it down?" Narrow asked casually.
Eleonora shook her head. "No. Instead, we'll drive the villagers out and send them to the castle town."
"That'll force the enemy to act," she added. "Feeding all those refugees won't be easy."
"We can strike the minor nobles before they regroup under the major houses."
Eleonora nodded. "That's the best option if we want to keep our numbers up and weaken theirs."
She rubbed her chin, deep in thought. The plan was simple: drive the nearby villages to evacuate and crush the lesser lords before supplies dried up. But what came next? Wait for the main force? That made the most sense strategically.
Her smaller force had been defeating larger ones lately—but that wasn't sustainable. Ideally, she needed an equal number of troops... or better, three times the enemy's. A large army didn't need strategy—just sheer momentum. But time was against her. If she stalled, the eastern border lords of Clanf—still neutral—might act on their own.
"...This squad is reliable," she murmured. "But I'll have to push them harder."
"Please give the order," Narrow said, bowing.
The nearby soldiers, who had been watching quietly, bowed as well.
"In simple terms," Eleonora said, "we're going to infiltrate from within."
* * *
That same morning, the Kanara Village stirred to life.
Cockerels crowed. Farmers picked up their tools and headed to their fields. Meals were eaten, hands got dirty, and the sun climbed lazily overhead.
Nothing had changed. It was the same rhythm the villagers had followed for years—and they believed it would stay that way forever.
That illusion shattered when mud-covered soldiers appeared at the village entrance.
"Suno forces have invaded!" one cried. "Led by a woman with a massive sword—they defeated the lord's younger brother!"
"His knights were skinned alive, screaming... and burned to ash."
"Thank you for your help, but this village has no walls. It won't last. Head for the castle."
The words spread quickly. Fear followed. The villagers didn't want to abandon their homes—but survival came first.
War didn't ask permission. Looting was like a storm—it came, it broke, it left. All they could do was escape while they still could.
These scenes played out across many villages. The lord's younger brother might have had a dozen siblings... but he was likely dead. Or simply not present. It didn't matter.
If even one village lost a hundred people, the local food supply suffered. But ten villages? That would crush the economy. For the weaker noble clans, it was a death sentence.
At the castle, the lord watched with a sour expression as waves of refugees gathered in the town square.
"Send those muddy peasant slaves back where they came from!"
"Your anger is valid," his chief retainer replied calmly. "But we still haven't located the bandits behind the rumors. If real damage happens, even more will flee. Be grateful they've only come this far."
* * *
Elsewhere, Eleonora's team watched the castle from the forest edge.
"Scouts are out?" she asked.
"All on horseback. Light cavalry," Narrow confirmed.
"Their numbers are smaller now," she noted, eyes fixed on the walls. "That castle... not very tall. Two sentries at the gate, switching shifts day and night."
"Where are the bows?"
"Right here."
"What about night vision?"
"I can see a fly in the dark," the elf archer replied.
"Perfect. We'll shoot the sentries at midnight. Have the men build ladders. Move in small groups into the forest."
They worked in silence, chopping trees and tying together ropes. By nightfall, they had three makeshift ladders.
As planned, the elf archers drew their longbows, aiming silently. Though Eleonora couldn't see the targets from her position, the soldiers had already locked on.
"Hit," one whispered after the arrows flew.
Eleonora nodded. "Set the ladder."
Moving in pairs, they raised the ladders and retrieved the dead guards' equipment. Four soldiers quickly disguised themselves and split off.
"Narrow, command the outside team. If shifts change or the scouts return, take them by surprise."
"Got it."
"The rest of you, follow me inside. First, we open the gate. Ten soldiers will do. The rest—block the barracks doors."
She placed a firm hand on Narrow's shoulder.
"Capture the lord alive. We'll use him. The soldiers... don't need to live. I'll leave that to you."
"Understood. Is this a test of my skills?"
She gave a rare smirk. "If it weren't for your illness, you'd have served the Empire by now."
"You flatter me."
A report came in. "General, the gate's being opened."
"And the barracks?"
"Blocked. Wine barrels and food crates are stacked high."
"Perfect. Leave three men to guide the others once the gate's open. The rest, move in teams of five."
Under the sergeant's direction, they surged into the castle. Eleonora led Aniki's squad toward the lord's chambers.
As expected, the upper floors housed wealth and weapons.
"Top floor should be next," Aniki said.
"Either he's cautious... or just likes to look down on people," Eleonora muttered.
They reached the final room. Candles flickered inside. A man sat drinking from a clay cup.
"General, leave this to us."
Aniki's crew nodded, readied ropes and cloth, and burst in.
"What the—!?"
The man barely had time to react before a kick hit his gut, knocking him flat.
"Tie him up!"
"Wha—!"
"Shut it or die!"
Aniki pressed his knee into the man's chest, gagged him, and secured the ropes expertly.
"...You've done this before," Eleonora noted.
"Had to deal with some debt dodgers in the past."
One final punch to the stomach knocked the man out cold.
"Quiet at last. Let's take him downstairs."
When they reached the courtyard, the other team had already gathered the lord's household staff.
"All accounted for?"
"Only some rats left. Everyone else is here."
Suddenly, a commotion broke out by the barracks.
Narrow's unit moved in swiftly and subdued the trapped soldiers without bloodshed.
"I figured you didn't want unnecessary killing," Narrow said, already fitting stolen armor onto his men. "I'll handle the scouts when they return."
Soon enough, the scouting cavalry came back.
"Open the gate!"
The gate creaked open. The scouts rode in. The guards closed it behind them—and stayed inside.
"I have a report for the lord!" the house elder shouted.
Before he could finish, a spear pressed against his chest. He fell awkwardly from his horse, spraining both feet.
"What?!"
He gasped for air, then something struck him again. The soldiers beat him down—along with the rest of the cavalry.
Soon, they lay helpless in the courtyard.
Before them, the captured lord was thrown to the ground.
"Listen carefully," a tall woman said. Her voice echoed, calm and cold.
"If you follow my orders, I'll spare your lives and your wealth."
Eleonora stood tall, casting a long shadow over them.
"The army is disbanded. You're coming with us—to Teanuki."
Her forces arranged the prisoners, placed the lord and elder on horses, and moved swiftly. They needed speed to reach the capital.
* * *
At Teanuki's gates, a voice rang out.
"Halt! Who goes there!"
"I am Auguste de Kusnen! Lord of Kusnen Castle! I bring 300 soldiers to assist Duke Grandcud!"
Beside him, Eleonora pressed a dagger against his side—hidden from view. The lord and elder were drenched in sweat.
"I arrived in haste," he declared. "My troops need rest. Requesting entry!"
"...Lord Kusnen! Welcome! Welcome to the capital!"
As the gate opened, the lord nearly slipped from his saddle. His face burned with embarrassment, but relief washed over him.
"Well done," Eleonora whispered. "We'll tie you up later. By tomorrow, the innkeeper might notice. But we'll be long gone."
Notes:
• Dolbor - A kingdom ruled by Charles, known for its thriving commerce and strategic location. It is located east of the continent and is a key player in regional politics.
• Narrow - Male. A former Viscount's son who severed ties with his family to serve Eleonora. Wears an iron mask due to past leprosy, now cured. Skilled in military strategy, governance, theology, and heraldry. Speaks formally and is determined to prove his worth. Has a distant relationship with his family. His combat style is unknown, but he is entrusted with leading a platoon of 300 men.
• Kanara - A farming village located in Dolbor territory. It is a peaceful place where villagers live a routine life of farming and tending to their fields. The village has no walls, making it vulnerable to attacks. During the story, the villagers are forced to evacuate to the castle town due to the threat of Eleonora's invading forces.
• Teanuki - The royal capital of Dolbor, located in a bustling commercial area. It is a major port city with a castle overlooking the streets. The city is known for its economic prosperity and strategic importance.
• Kusnen Castle - A castle located in Dolbor territory, ruled by the lord of Kusnen. The castle has relatively low walls, making it easy to infiltrate. It serves as a strategic point for Eleonora's unit to capture and use as a base for their operations. The castle town surrounding it becomes a refuge for villagers fleeing from the conflict.
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