279 Battle of the Bridges 2 (1/2)
Vanadian Camp Near Stony Bridge
”We cannot attack as long as the Wismarine Navy guards the bridge. We must wait for our navy to crush them.” William said to Arthur, Layfare and Cohir. The cold of the late night penetrated into the tent despite the thick fur coverings. And despite having tens of thousands of Vanadians and Wismarine desert warriors in their camp, it was a silent night, one that William was uncomfortable with.
Cohir poured some fermented milk into his cup. The smell wasn't nice and if not for diplomacy, William would have asked the Wismarine to put it away.
”I understand. But we are late on schedule. Gremlin Bridge has fallen to the Cantonese and Inkish.”
”This is not a competition.”
”Ah but life is a competition. We get stronger because of competition. In the desert either you compete for food, women and water or you die.”
”This is not the desert.”
”Life is a desert. Either you blow the wind or the wind blows you. My warriors are strong with the axe. The Ironpeople will flee when they hear the sound of our hooves.”
William sighed. He leaned back and was about to scratch his head when he remembered that he doesn't have arms to scratch anymore. ”You saw the damage the Wismarine navy caused ours. You saw it. They have Hellfire and they just sank dozens of our ships.”
”That fire weapon is scary, yes. But if we rush our attack, we could overwhelm them in one go. You know Ashkara right?”
”Your God.”
”No, our great leader. It was said that Ashkara led our people into war. The desert was drenched in blood that day. There is strength in courage.”
William was too tired to argue. He looked at Arthur who was slouching as always. ”You alright?”
”No. I am not alright.” Arthur gazed outside from the slit of the tent. William followed Arthur's eyes and saw the Bridge not far from them. Lights from forts lined like fireflies in a dark night. ”You two argue but the attack tomorrow is inevitable right?”
”Yes, afraid so. It is just a matter of deciding whether we wait for the navy to attack first or we storm the bridged first.”
”I personally think we should attack first” Cohir again said. The aged tribe leader then shrugged. ”But you are the one in charge so I will listen. Let's throw glory away to the navy then.”
The way Cohir said that was devoid of mockery. The Wismarine's only felt it a shame to throw away a good charge, William could see. ”Then it is settled. We will coordinate with the navy and tomorrow we will wait for them to make their move before attacking. You can leave now. It is late and you need to rest. Especially you Arthur. I need the Artillery crews to be well organized.”
Arthur flinched and then looked at him. The prince nodded weakly as he exited the tent. Cohir also made a farewell salute before going his way. William closed his eyes, too tired to think or worry about tomorrow. It would be a deadly struggle. He saw the Wismarine Navy batter the combined Castonian, Borondian and Vanadian navy just this morning. It was jarring and surprising seeing the Vanadian navy lose a battle.
He then noticed that Layfare was still in the tent. The Hadean Princess was rummaging through the bowls, plates and cups in the other table. She turned around holding a tray of food.
”What is this?” Wiliam asked after she had brought the tray to his front.
”You haven't eaten.” She looked at his stumps. ”Well you can't eat alone.”
Layfare forked a chunk of grilled mutton, held it near William's mouth and raised her eyebrows.
William wanted to refuse this humiliation but his growling stomach prompted him otherwise. He bit the food and ate.
”I could send for a servant. Thank you. You can go now.”
”Are all Castonians as cold as you?” She was holding a spoonful of mashed potatoes now. William had no choice but to eat.
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”I am just saying that you don't have to do this. I have servants. I could command a random soldier to do this.”
”But what good would that do?”