Chapter 446 (1/2)

Chapter 446: Here Comes the Giant Beast

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

Longsong Stronghold was bisected by a branch of the Redwater River; to the West laid the residential area and to the East laid vast farming lands.

Unlike the other big cities that were set in the suburbs of farmlands, the towering city wall of the Stronghold encircled both the residential area and a portion of the farmlands. It was built to defend against human beings, and not demonic beasts. However, even if the city was under siege, Stronghold would still flourish and be able to supply its people.

As such, the outer wall of Longsong Stronghold was split where the river divided the two sections of the city. Between the divide in the walls hung several massive chains which were the width of a man’s arm. If an enemy decided to attack from the river, the hemp cords holding the heavy chains would be cut and send them crashing into the water to stop the enemy below.

Fortunately, the inner land of the Western Region had rarely been attacked by any fleets. So, these cables had almost never come into use, and would not this time either. Out on the water, Roland’s fleet pushed through the storm. Around twilight, they were able to see the silhouette of the fortress in the distance. Strands of the beacon’s fire could be seen flashing above the city, slashing through the inkiness of the ever gradually darkening sky.

“The enemies have already reached the lord’s castle and there are some militias fighting with the guards at the north gate of the city wall. It looks like they can’t hold up any longer.” Lightning, who had carefully investigated the situation in the city, continued giving her detailed report to the prince, “There are around 200 people attacking the castle. The first round of attacks failed. The enemies have weapons similar to our flintlocks, but they look completely different.”

“Is Petrov alright?” Roland inquired, showing concern. Roland currently cared most about the safety of his agent.

“He’s fine, other than being a little frightened. But… ”

“But what?”

“His family was killed,” Lightning answered, her mouth twitching. “His Excellency Petrov warned his father and asked him to get to the castle. However, his other family members were taken as hostages, including the Countess. They were being held by the four families in exchange for surrender and subsequently they were executed one by one.” The little girl paused for a moment before continuing, “I took an opportunity to fly into the castle to tell him that you would be coming soon and he had only one request.”

Roland nodded and asked, “What is it?”

“Blood for blood.”

There was an unwritten rule among nobles where people with bestowed titles were exempt from being murdered in times of battle. In the case of the family of Earl Honeysuckle, most of his loved ones had been honored with a knighthood. However, the four families had betrayed that rule. Not only did they hate the Honeysuckle Family because of the benefits of Roldan’s support but they were also being driven by a new political power.

In light of this, Roland was almost certain the power behind them was the new king, Timothy Wimbledon. He now realized there was no room for mercy and that he needed to crush them. Supporting the king and executing rebels was very different from helping the church slaughter nobles. The prince looked towards Stronghold and coldly gave the order, “Go straight into the city and take the dock!”

*******************

Ayt heard the sound of footsteps below the city wall.

He raised the flintlock numbly, aiming it at the dark hole below. This was the only path to climb up the city wall from within. There had been several rounds of attacks since the enemies captured the city gate, but they were still not able to seize the northern part of the city wall.

The battle started yesterday at noon and had yet to cease. He hadn’t expected to be standing in the cold, brisk wind for so long. After watching his supporting comrades fall one by one into pools of blood, all he could focus on was fighting.

“Are they coming again?” Seeing a long-barrelled gun pop up next to him, Ayt tilted his head to the side and found that it was his unit leader, Bronzehill.

“I could hear them,” Ayt replied feebly, “but I have no idea how many there are in the darkness.”

“They don’t know how many of us are left either,” Bronzehill comforted him.

“So… how many are left?”