The loud name and status of the fort had no effect on its walls. Even the copper mine had more impressive fortifications. At least there were walls. Here, instead of walls, there was a high, but quite ordinary hedge. The sparse wooden towers only added to the overall effect of the insignificance of the fortification.
But behind these flimsy walls was an object of real value to the kingdom. One third of the annual silver production was done here. That's why they decided to storm the mine first, leaving such strategic materials as mithril or gold for later.
- How many guards are there? - Baron Ridil, the royal vassal appointed by the Archmage to command the capture of the main silver mine, turned to his deputy.
- Four hundred rebels and seven mages, Your Grace," he replied quickly.
Alexander did not bother to correct him. The information that Elos had hollowed out the fort's guards at the beginning of the rebellion and taken all the mages had been obtained by the vampire from the blood of the artifact hunters, and he could not explain his miraculous knowledge in any other way. So the only thing to do was to keep quiet.
- And we have almost a thousand soldiers and ten mages. Then we'll hit the gates now, and when they come out, you Knight Blood, hit them with something powerful," the Baron ordered.
- Your Grace. I would like to remind you that I am only an observer in the army, as you have reminded me more than once at the meetings with His Excellency. My function here is exactly the same. The mission entrusted to me by Archmage Dukun will begin after you take the fort, - the vampire, a little dumbfounded by the Baron's insolence, nevertheless quickly put him in his place, defining the boundaries of his duties.
"Maybe I shouldn't have spoken so harshly and in front of everyone. But I'm not baptizing my children with him."
The Baron, in response to this rebuke, only gritted his teeth, but dared not say anything. Blood was indeed an observer - the archmage personally ordered not to interfere with this strange knight and fulfill all his requests. The royal officers thought it was the bliss of the mages and even despised the "Valerian upstart", but the matter did not go further than talk in their circle. Archmage Dukun commanded the army and the king favored him.
So it was necessary to put up with such insolent antics of a handsome young man, who had gotten loose from permissiveness. Who was lucky enough to have such a stunning beauty as his mistress.
- Then we smash the gate with the artifact and then hit their army when they're ready to fight.
Why the defenders would necessarily have to line up for battle after the siege artifact shattered the gate, Alexander did not understand. The logic of the local military completely eluded him. Perhaps Leonid could explain what was happening, but the vampire leader was having fun on cold fall nights, fishing out those who wanted to get to the stiletto.
- Should we offer the defenders to surrender? - Alexander couldn't stand it and got in with his advice.
- And they will surrender to us at once! - snorted the Baron.
- Why at once? Promise them unimpeded passage to Zalon, but without weapons. Get the word out to the soldiers as well. They have no chance. They will agree. We'll avoid the loss of both men and time. And the fortress will have more food to eat. Don't forget, the main thrust of the current plan is to take the rebels by force. There's no need to fight.
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