27 Eriks Reques (1/2)
Timothy's army had been forced marching for days. They only stop to sleep for a while, and then back to marching again. They even march at night. Despite all these hardships, the Tulosans were still closing in. Every day, the distance they bought by burning the bridge shortens. Every single day, the Tulosans were getting closer to them. But Timothy had a plan.
The path they took was actually not the shortest one. Timothy took the path that will pass through a forest south of Mercus Plains. He knew that he needs to delay the Tulosans using the terrain. Timothy also planned to set up guerilla forces that will disrupt the enemy's march.
”Your father is a medicus right?” Timothy asked James who was behind him. They were not on horseback because all the horses were being used either as a mounts for the scouts or as supply carriers ”If I'm not mistaken, he's one of the leading experts in the study of medicine”
”Yes” James answered. ”Why?”
”Do you think your father would accept an apprentice?”
”It's Princess Lucia right?” James correctly guessed .He thought for a while ”I think he would. But my father is a little strange. I don't think it will be good to let the Princess be his apprentice”
”Why?” Timothy gave a confused look. James' father was a good medicus and Lucia wanted to learn. What could go wrong?
”My father is strict when it comes to teaching. He will not consider the princess' rank and will not hesitate in reprimanding her.” James revealed a shy smile
”That's good. That means he's serious. ” Timothy disagreed ”Don't worry, Lucia won't mind. In fact, I think she would want a strict mentor”
”Are you sure? Tim, she's a royal of a rich Kingdom. Why would she let a mere commoner reprimand her?”
”Trust me” Timothy smiled and put his hand on James' shoulder ”She's different”
Timothy then heard the sound of a horse approaching. He turned and saw that it was Erik. Timothy could see his grave expression. Erik then dismounted and gave Timothy a salute.
”Tim, they're near.” He took a map from his pocket ”Our scouts reported that their vanguard is currently in this location.” He pointed at the location of the Tulosans ”Most of their cavalry went ahead of their infantry”
Timothy examined the location on the map. It was near the entrance of the forest. At this rate the enemy cavalry would be able to harass them from behind. Timothy believes that the cavalry won't attempt a full-scale attack. But if the enemy cavalry were able to harass them from behind, then their strength would be slowly nipped away on their way to Knightsend. They still need to break the siege of Knightsend so every loss of manpower was fatal.
”Tell Prefect Adrian to take all our horses and form a group of guerillas from the veterans. Set up traps around here” Timothy pointed at a choke point ”Remind him to retreat if the enemies give chase. They must not engage the Tulosans.”
”About that Tim” Erik smiled and put his fist on his chest ”I volunteer to lead the guerillas”
Timothy immediately frowned after hearing those words
”Erik”
”I know Tim. I am the heir of the Connel family so I shouldn't put myself in danger. But you need me. You know I'm the only one capable of accomplishing this task.”
”Do you think Prefect Adrian can't do this job? But you could? Aren't you getting full of yourself Erik?” Timothy's reply was as sharp as a whip. He didn't want to use Erik's safety as a reason for refusing his request.
”Thank you for your concern Tim. But you know that you can't refuse me”
”I refuse. You're not ready to lead an army yet. ” Timothy said firmly
”Come on Tim. We both know that you're just looking after me. You're afraid that something will happen to me” Erik teased ”But we both know that only I can do this”
”I can also lead the guerillas. But why am I here?” Timothy questioned him.
”Because”
”Because I can't risk myself” Timothy interrupted. ”If I die, then the army would lose the only thing that's keeping it intact.” Timothy lectured. He twisted their conversation a little, because he was a little afraid of Erik's argument. It was true that apart from him, only Erik had the ability to lead the guerillas. This was a complicated task which involves timing, precision and adaptability. Erik was only second to Timothy when it comes to leadership and cunning. But he can't risk Erik.
”You're still the most eloquent person I know Tim.” Erik grinned ”Unfortunately, you can't twist our conversation this time. Apart from you, I am the only person capable of doing this.”