Chapter 469
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Chapter 469
Parrying the Defiled weapon aside, Mila caved the Champions face in with the rim of her shield, her lips curling in a silent snarl as the corpse slumped at her feet. Plunging her spear into her fallen opponents chest as an afterthought, she flicked the gore out of her hair and sought out another worthy foe to fight, perhaps even one deserving of Paragon, but after two hours of fighting, the Defiled horde had been whittled down to a meagre few and the battle soon won. It wasnt really a proper battle, more of a skirmish really, since the Enemy had barely outnumbered the Imperial forces and Mila had only been called on to join the fray when it was clear there were no more Defiled lurking in the shadows.
Disappointing. Why was it always Rain getting caught in the midst of historic events? Lucky...
Grief and remorse hammered home as Milas chest tightened and throat closed, her thoughtless remark stirring up waves of shock and self-recrimination. The heady rush of battle drained from her veins and she stood in silent contrition as the last vestiges of resistance were mopped up on the mud-churned fields of Sinuji. Though shed been here for two months now, it felt like only a few days had passed since she first laid eyes on these fields, with the fort standing on one side and an armoured force of disciplined Defiled on the other. Even having seen them with her own eyes, the phrase disciplined Defiled still sounded absurd to Milas ears, an oxymoron which wouldve once been the punchline to a joke. While the Enemys agents could be patient and cunning, fearless and adaptable, they were more akin to feral animals reliant on instinct and ferocity, daunting, but still less than human. Now, a new breed of Defiled had arisen, a smarter, calmer, more controlled Defiled, and though Mila had already faced their like in Sanshu, she never understood the implications of such a force until after reading Colonel Hongjis report on the battle of Sinuji.
For millennia, the Empire had survived largely due to two factors. First, the Defiled fought each other more often than they fought the Empire, and second, though most Defiled tribesman were comparable to a standard Imperial soldier in raw strength, they were often undernourished, poorly equipped, and utterly lacking in discipline. This, alongside other advantages such as fortified positions and superior tactics, allowed Imperial forces to defeat Defiled hordes five to ten times their size with relative ease, but now things had changed. With proper discipline, training, and equipment, fighting these new, elite Defiled would be akin to fighting rebel Imperial soldiers, only these rebels had millions upon millions of battle-ready recruits to draw upon instead of a paltry one percent of the Empires population.
In her spare time, Mila would often think about how she would use a force of fifty-thousand heavy infantry to battle against Fort Sinujis garrison of thirty-thousand, and no matter how she approached it, her chances of victory rarely dipped below fifty percent. Replace ten-thousand heavy infantry with heavy cavalry, and her chances rose significantly, for these paltry fortifications could hardly pose a threat to well-trained soldiers. Two warriors standing at the base of the walls could easily boost a third over, even in heavy armour, and send their comrade up to establish a foothold on the ramparts. Using this along the foremost wall, the defending forces would quickly be overrun, even quicker if the attackers had siege equipment like ladders or ramps.
In short, the Imperials were preparing to defend against the Defiled using the same old tactics, but the Enemy had already adapted. If Gens elite force had spearheaded the assault alongside their feral allies, it was possible they could have overrun the fort with the first wave, or at least taken the outer walls. From there, their superior numbers could have been brought to bear against the Imperial forces, instead of having the majority stuck on the plains with no one to fight. If someone of Milas calibre had been in command, then Baatars reinforcements would have arrived to find Sinuji already razed to the ground and all its inhabitants dead or dying. Blasphemous as it might sound, the Empire could no longer afford to treat the Defiled as an unruly mob of powerful savages, for these Enemy soldiers were a fighting force similar, if not superior, to any army the Empire had to offer.
Fortunately, or unfortunately for Mila, neither Gen nor his Defiled elites had been seen since their orderly retreat from Sinuji some nine weeks ago. Aside from this single instance, there were no other reports of Runic armoured Defiled soldiers appearing anywhere else, and since battlefield protocol dictated any and all Enemy artifacts were to be destroyed on sight, there was no proof of this elite fighting force aside from reports and hearsay. This wasnt to say peoples didnt believe the reports, but most citizens and soldiers of the Empire failed to grasp the severity of the issue much like Mila had at first, so until they marched out in force again, the elite Defiled soldiers would remain an unsubstantiated threat to most.
True, fifty-thousand heavy infantry were but a drop in the ocean, but it demonstrated a threat which could not be ignored. In one year, the Enemy armed and trained fifty-thousand soldiers while still consolidating their position in the West, but this was only the beginning. Once the logistics were hammered out, then production rates would increase exponentially, so even if their Runic craftsmen couldnt work any faster, a million strong army of Defiled wearing steel armour and carrying steel polearms was nothing to sneeze at. Worse, unlike most nobles who placed self-interest above the Empires continued survival, the Enemy was wholly united in their goal to murder, torment, and pillage until none stood against them. There would be no internal conflict or bickering over profits and reputation, no maneuvering for influence or quarrels over status, just millions of Defiled working towards the destruction of the Azure Empire, a thought which kept Mila awake at night.
It was a small comfort knowing that if the Enemy succeeded, they would then turn their weapons upon one another once they ran out of foes to fight, but otherwise, the future seemed bleak indeed.
Though she yearned to ride forth and join battle against the soldiers of the Enemy, the westward patrols on the front lines had been suspended indefinitely. While the armoured elites were nowhere to be found, the Defiled savages were marching out of the western province in full force now, with entire tribes numbering between ten and a hundred thousand strong making their way across the plains. Were Mila or any other Captain to set out, their hundred man retinues would stand no chance of survival if caught out by their numerically superior foes, and though the Central plains were flat and open, the tall grass would continue to grow and flourish all throughout the winter and offer cover to the wily Defiled. As things stood, the Enemy would launch a suicidal attack on Fort Sinuji every few days, caring nothing for survival so long as they could draw the blood of their enemies. Most failed to do even this, but still the Defiled came on, driven eastward by the Fathers lies and machinations to their unsightly and inevitable deaths.
This... purge, of sorts, made a ghastly sort of sense, for it had long been known that the Defiled were gathering in the Western Province. All the Defiled mind you, millions upon millions of corrupted souls congregating for what the Empire had thought would be one final push, but now it was evident there was a method to their madness. Instead of an all-out assault, the Enemy was biding its time to establish a foothold in the West, a base to train soldiers, manufacture weapons, and Mother knows what else. These tribal savages were merely here to keep the Empire on the back foot and prevent them from realizing the Enemys true goals, a sacrifice readily paid to alleviate the burden on the Defiled soldiers training in the West.
The Enemy was not here for mere bloodshed and torture, but to conquer and subjugate.
How else to explain the Enemys actions? Over a year had passed since the west fell, long enough for every living Defiled tribesman outside the Empires borders to make their way here, but still there was no sign of the expected concentrated Enemy attack. Forts, fortresses, and citadels had sprung up along Centrals western border, but theyd been designed to fend off massive hordes of Defiled, not smaller, elite forces comparable to Martial Warriors. Given their numbers, the Enemy would have no choice but to spread out their offensive, but matters would be entirely different if faced with ten elite armies a million strong each. One such army could easily sneak by and break through a section of the wall before reinforcements arrived, and then scatter into thousands of roving warbands to nip at the soft underbelly of the Empire. Farms, mines, production centres, supply lines, there were thousands of ripe targets to strike at within twenty kilometres of the border, a number which increased exponentially the further east one travelled.
Sure. Though she could easily break free from Yans grasp, Mila didnt want to be left alone, so she went along willingly, but she still asked, Where are you taking me?
To my camp. Remember how I borrowed Rains bathtub? Well, its filled with steaming hot water and were both in dire need of a wash. Grinning over her shoulder, Yan added, Plus, Charoks cooking dinner and I figured you should share your delicious meals.
Yan knew Mila needed the company, and all this was to spare her pride. Comforted by her friend and future sister-wifes goodwill, she squeezed Yans hand tight which elicited another look of mock anger. Theyd grown closer than ever of late, supporting one another through these difficult times, and Mila only wished Song were here too so Yan could get to know her better. They didnt get along much, though it wasnt for Yans lack of trying, the first time Mila had ever seen Song be wilful and obstinate. Jealousy over Du Min Gyu no doubt, though why the two of them were so enamoured with the old man, Mila would never know. Mama was a thousand times better than a stinky geezer, and even Baatar would make for a better role model, but both Yan and Song gravitated towards Great Teacher Du as if he had the answers to all the questions which plagued them.
Well, Mila would keep an open mind, for the sake of her friends. In truth, it wouldnt come as a surprise to know Yan shared the same depressing thoughts about Rain, but the former orphan was much better at dealing with her dark moods than Mila was. Since there was nothing to be done, Yan simply carried on with her life as if nothing were wrong, writing letters to Rain almost every day while honing her skills in combat and command on the front lines. Her dream was to become a great general of the Empire, and she would stop at nothing to achieve it, a woman driven to succeed no matter the odds stacked against her. In this, Yan was much like Rain, while Mila was inferior to them both, for when had she ever known hardship before now?
Having identified her problem, Milas steps grew light as she made her way to Yans camp, looking forward to her first hot bath in weeks. While Colonel Hongji had loosened the constraints around fires in camp, in traditional Sentinel style, Milas retinue had no servants or camp followers, which meant that if she wanted a hot bath, she would have to prepare it herself. As for Yan, even though she was proud of her roots among the people, she adhered to Centrals customs and kept a full staff of servants around to keep her looking immaculate even after weeks in the field. Her short dark hair was perfectly styled and her indecently tight tunic and trousers were immaculate save for a few errant drops of Defiled blood, causing many an admirer to turn and watch her saunter pass. In comparison, Milas Sentinel leathers were ragged and torn while her hair was tangled and encrusted in blood, so the gazes which fell upon her were less appreciative and more cautious or even fearful, but she paid them no mind.
What did it matter how other men saw her? All Mila cared about was how Rain saw her, and it warmed her heart when his beautiful amber eyes lit up in appreciation or burned with longing. Granted, they did the same when he looked at many other women too, but it didnt matter so much when his gaze was focused on her, and she found herself aching to see him again. I wont be coming back to the front lines, Mila announced, and Yan raised her eyebrow in question. After the new years celebrations. Theres plenty of work I could do around the forges, so Im going to stay in the citadel with Rain. As difficult as it would be to see him in pain, Mila could no longer stay away knowing hed need her support.
Ill miss having you around, Yan replied, taking Milas declaration in stride, But Ill feel better knowing youre there to keep him company and answer his endless litany of questions. Grinning, Yan pulled Mila closer and whispered, Youve always been best at keeping him grounded, which is what he needs now more than ever. Lins boundless optimism is sweet and all, but it might put too much pressure on him and make him expect too much too soon. Youve always been the voice of reason, so make sure he can walk before he tries to run.
You could do the same, you know.
Perhaps even better than Mila could, but Yan shook her head. If I stayed by his side, hed drive me away with all his incessant nagging. He wont let me give up on my goals to look after him, and if I insisted on staying, hed feel like he was letting me down, but you? He wont think twice about relying on you, because in his eyes, youve already achieved all your goals, or will soon enough. Divine Blacksmith? Check. Brilliant tactician? Check. Peak Expert? Only a matter of time. All thats left is loving wife and nurturing mother, and youll excel in those roles too.
Cheeks blushing at the high praise, Mila felt compelled to reciprocate, and soon it became a battle of compliments, one Yan won handily thanks to her vulgar humour, so similar to Rains. It wouldnt be a problem if they were in the privacy of their home, but Mila couldnt bring herself to speak so brazenly while walking through camp. The explicit and salacious compliments only increased in obscenity and volume as they entered the bath, and soon Milas cheeks were redder than her hair as she begged Yan to stop describing her body in such lewd terms, but the infuriating woman merely grinned and raised her voice to continue. Soon enough, Alsantset and Tursinai strode in and added their voices to Yans, leaving Mila too mortified and embarrassed to step foot out of the bath.
Almost an hour later, Tursinai finally admitted shed erected a sound barrier after Yans first joke, and Mila was so grateful, she couldnt even muster the strength to be angry. Struggling not to join the three women in their laughter, she hid her smile and sighed with relief. Though Rains recovery would be long and arduous for everyone involved, none of them would have to face it alone. This, more than anything, gave Mila the courage to return to his side and help him through these trying times, because as tough as this was for her, she couldnt even imagine how difficult it would be for him.
No matter. Soon, a new year would be upon them and they would do away with the old, a year which future historians would mark as the year of Falling Rains new beginning along the Martial Path.
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 469
Parrying the Defiled weapon aside, Mila caved the Champions face in with the rim of her shield, her lips curling in a silent snarl as the corpse slumped at her feet. Plunging her spear into her fallen opponents chest as an afterthought, she flicked the gore out of her hair and sought out another worthy foe to fight, perhaps even one deserving of Paragon, but after two hours of fighting, the Defiled horde had been whittled down to a meagre few and the battle soon won. It wasnt really a proper battle, more of a skirmish really, since the Enemy had barely outnumbered the Imperial forces and Mila had only been called on to join the fray when it was clear there were no more Defiled lurking in the shadows.
Disappointing. Why was it always Rain getting caught in the midst of historic events? Lucky...
Grief and remorse hammered home as Milas chest tightened and throat closed, her thoughtless remark stirring up waves of shock and self-recrimination. The heady rush of battle drained from her veins and she stood in silent contrition as the last vestiges of resistance were mopped up on the mud-churned fields of Sinuji. Though shed been here for two months now, it felt like only a few days had passed since she first laid eyes on these fields, with the fort standing on one side and an armoured force of disciplined Defiled on the other. Even having seen them with her own eyes, the phrase disciplined Defiled still sounded absurd to Milas ears, an oxymoron which wouldve once been the punchline to a joke. While the Enemys agents could be patient and cunning, fearless and adaptable, they were more akin to feral animals reliant on instinct and ferocity, daunting, but still less than human. Now, a new breed of Defiled had arisen, a smarter, calmer, more controlled Defiled, and though Mila had already faced their like in Sanshu, she never understood the implications of such a force until after reading Colonel Hongjis report on the battle of Sinuji.
For millennia, the Empire had survived largely due to two factors. First, the Defiled fought each other more often than they fought the Empire, and second, though most Defiled tribesman were comparable to a standard Imperial soldier in raw strength, they were often undernourished, poorly equipped, and utterly lacking in discipline. This, alongside other advantages such as fortified positions and superior tactics, allowed Imperial forces to defeat Defiled hordes five to ten times their size with relative ease, but now things had changed. With proper discipline, training, and equipment, fighting these new, elite Defiled would be akin to fighting rebel Imperial soldiers, only these rebels had millions upon millions of battle-ready recruits to draw upon instead of a paltry one percent of the Empires population.
In her spare time, Mila would often think about how she would use a force of fifty-thousand heavy infantry to battle against Fort Sinujis garrison of thirty-thousand, and no matter how she approached it, her chances of victory rarely dipped below fifty percent. Replace ten-thousand heavy infantry with heavy cavalry, and her chances rose significantly, for these paltry fortifications could hardly pose a threat to well-trained soldiers. Two warriors standing at the base of the walls could easily boost a third over, even in heavy armour, and send their comrade up to establish a foothold on the ramparts. Using this along the foremost wall, the defending forces would quickly be overrun, even quicker if the attackers had siege equipment like ladders or ramps.
In short, the Imperials were preparing to defend against the Defiled using the same old tactics, but the Enemy had already adapted. If Gens elite force had spearheaded the assault alongside their feral allies, it was possible they could have overrun the fort with the first wave, or at least taken the outer walls. From there, their superior numbers could have been brought to bear against the Imperial forces, instead of having the majority stuck on the plains with no one to fight. If someone of Milas calibre had been in command, then Baatars reinforcements would have arrived to find Sinuji already razed to the ground and all its inhabitants dead or dying. Blasphemous as it might sound, the Empire could no longer afford to treat the Defiled as an unruly mob of powerful savages, for these Enemy soldiers were a fighting force similar, if not superior, to any army the Empire had to offer.
Fortunately, or unfortunately for Mila, neither Gen nor his Defiled elites had been seen since their orderly retreat from Sinuji some nine weeks ago. Aside from this single instance, there were no other reports of Runic armoured Defiled soldiers appearing anywhere else, and since battlefield protocol dictated any and all Enemy artifacts were to be destroyed on sight, there was no proof of this elite fighting force aside from reports and hearsay. This wasnt to say peoples didnt believe the reports, but most citizens and soldiers of the Empire failed to grasp the severity of the issue much like Mila had at first, so until they marched out in force again, the elite Defiled soldiers would remain an unsubstantiated threat to most.
True, fifty-thousand heavy infantry were but a drop in the ocean, but it demonstrated a threat which could not be ignored. In one year, the Enemy armed and trained fifty-thousand soldiers while still consolidating their position in the West, but this was only the beginning. Once the logistics were hammered out, then production rates would increase exponentially, so even if their Runic craftsmen couldnt work any faster, a million strong army of Defiled wearing steel armour and carrying steel polearms was nothing to sneeze at. Worse, unlike most nobles who placed self-interest above the Empires continued survival, the Enemy was wholly united in their goal to murder, torment, and pillage until none stood against them. There would be no internal conflict or bickering over profits and reputation, no maneuvering for influence or quarrels over status, just millions of Defiled working towards the destruction of the Azure Empire, a thought which kept Mila awake at night.
It was a small comfort knowing that if the Enemy succeeded, they would then turn their weapons upon one another once they ran out of foes to fight, but otherwise, the future seemed bleak indeed.
Though she yearned to ride forth and join battle against the soldiers of the Enemy, the westward patrols on the front lines had been suspended indefinitely. While the armoured elites were nowhere to be found, the Defiled savages were marching out of the western province in full force now, with entire tribes numbering between ten and a hundred thousand strong making their way across the plains. Were Mila or any other Captain to set out, their hundred man retinues would stand no chance of survival if caught out by their numerically superior foes, and though the Central plains were flat and open, the tall grass would continue to grow and flourish all throughout the winter and offer cover to the wily Defiled. As things stood, the Enemy would launch a suicidal attack on Fort Sinuji every few days, caring nothing for survival so long as they could draw the blood of their enemies. Most failed to do even this, but still the Defiled came on, driven eastward by the Fathers lies and machinations to their unsightly and inevitable deaths.
This... purge, of sorts, made a ghastly sort of sense, for it had long been known that the Defiled were gathering in the Western Province. All the Defiled mind you, millions upon millions of corrupted souls congregating for what the Empire had thought would be one final push, but now it was evident there was a method to their madness. Instead of an all-out assault, the Enemy was biding its time to establish a foothold in the West, a base to train soldiers, manufacture weapons, and Mother knows what else. These tribal savages were merely here to keep the Empire on the back foot and prevent them from realizing the Enemys true goals, a sacrifice readily paid to alleviate the burden on the Defiled soldiers training in the West.
The Enemy was not here for mere bloodshed and torture, but to conquer and subjugate.
How else to explain the Enemys actions? Over a year had passed since the west fell, long enough for every living Defiled tribesman outside the Empires borders to make their way here, but still there was no sign of the expected concentrated Enemy attack. Forts, fortresses, and citadels had sprung up along Centrals western border, but theyd been designed to fend off massive hordes of Defiled, not smaller, elite forces comparable to Martial Warriors. Given their numbers, the Enemy would have no choice but to spread out their offensive, but matters would be entirely different if faced with ten elite armies a million strong each. One such army could easily sneak by and break through a section of the wall before reinforcements arrived, and then scatter into thousands of roving warbands to nip at the soft underbelly of the Empire. Farms, mines, production centres, supply lines, there were thousands of ripe targets to strike at within twenty kilometres of the border, a number which increased exponentially the further east one travelled.
Sure. Though she could easily break free from Yans grasp, Mila didnt want to be left alone, so she went along willingly, but she still asked, Where are you taking me?
To my camp. Remember how I borrowed Rains bathtub? Well, its filled with steaming hot water and were both in dire need of a wash. Grinning over her shoulder, Yan added, Plus, Charoks cooking dinner and I figured you should share your delicious meals.
Yan knew Mila needed the company, and all this was to spare her pride. Comforted by her friend and future sister-wifes goodwill, she squeezed Yans hand tight which elicited another look of mock anger. Theyd grown closer than ever of late, supporting one another through these difficult times, and Mila only wished Song were here too so Yan could get to know her better. They didnt get along much, though it wasnt for Yans lack of trying, the first time Mila had ever seen Song be wilful and obstinate. Jealousy over Du Min Gyu no doubt, though why the two of them were so enamoured with the old man, Mila would never know. Mama was a thousand times better than a stinky geezer, and even Baatar would make for a better role model, but both Yan and Song gravitated towards Great Teacher Du as if he had the answers to all the questions which plagued them.
Well, Mila would keep an open mind, for the sake of her friends. In truth, it wouldnt come as a surprise to know Yan shared the same depressing thoughts about Rain, but the former orphan was much better at dealing with her dark moods than Mila was. Since there was nothing to be done, Yan simply carried on with her life as if nothing were wrong, writing letters to Rain almost every day while honing her skills in combat and command on the front lines. Her dream was to become a great general of the Empire, and she would stop at nothing to achieve it, a woman driven to succeed no matter the odds stacked against her. In this, Yan was much like Rain, while Mila was inferior to them both, for when had she ever known hardship before now?
Having identified her problem, Milas steps grew light as she made her way to Yans camp, looking forward to her first hot bath in weeks. While Colonel Hongji had loosened the constraints around fires in camp, in traditional Sentinel style, Milas retinue had no servants or camp followers, which meant that if she wanted a hot bath, she would have to prepare it herself. As for Yan, even though she was proud of her roots among the people, she adhered to Centrals customs and kept a full staff of servants around to keep her looking immaculate even after weeks in the field. Her short dark hair was perfectly styled and her indecently tight tunic and trousers were immaculate save for a few errant drops of Defiled blood, causing many an admirer to turn and watch her saunter pass. In comparison, Milas Sentinel leathers were ragged and torn while her hair was tangled and encrusted in blood, so the gazes which fell upon her were less appreciative and more cautious or even fearful, but she paid them no mind.
What did it matter how other men saw her? All Mila cared about was how Rain saw her, and it warmed her heart when his beautiful amber eyes lit up in appreciation or burned with longing. Granted, they did the same when he looked at many other women too, but it didnt matter so much when his gaze was focused on her, and she found herself aching to see him again. I wont be coming back to the front lines, Mila announced, and Yan raised her eyebrow in question. After the new years celebrations. Theres plenty of work I could do around the forges, so Im going to stay in the citadel with Rain. As difficult as it would be to see him in pain, Mila could no longer stay away knowing hed need her support.
Ill miss having you around, Yan replied, taking Milas declaration in stride, But Ill feel better knowing youre there to keep him company and answer his endless litany of questions. Grinning, Yan pulled Mila closer and whispered, Youve always been best at keeping him grounded, which is what he needs now more than ever. Lins boundless optimism is sweet and all, but it might put too much pressure on him and make him expect too much too soon. Youve always been the voice of reason, so make sure he can walk before he tries to run.
You could do the same, you know.
Perhaps even better than Mila could, but Yan shook her head. If I stayed by his side, hed drive me away with all his incessant nagging. He wont let me give up on my goals to look after him, and if I insisted on staying, hed feel like he was letting me down, but you? He wont think twice about relying on you, because in his eyes, youve already achieved all your goals, or will soon enough. Divine Blacksmith? Check. Brilliant tactician? Check. Peak Expert? Only a matter of time. All thats left is loving wife and nurturing mother, and youll excel in those roles too.
Cheeks blushing at the high praise, Mila felt compelled to reciprocate, and soon it became a battle of compliments, one Yan won handily thanks to her vulgar humour, so similar to Rains. It wouldnt be a problem if they were in the privacy of their home, but Mila couldnt bring herself to speak so brazenly while walking through camp. The explicit and salacious compliments only increased in obscenity and volume as they entered the bath, and soon Milas cheeks were redder than her hair as she begged Yan to stop describing her body in such lewd terms, but the infuriating woman merely grinned and raised her voice to continue. Soon enough, Alsantset and Tursinai strode in and added their voices to Yans, leaving Mila too mortified and embarrassed to step foot out of the bath.
Almost an hour later, Tursinai finally admitted shed erected a sound barrier after Yans first joke, and Mila was so grateful, she couldnt even muster the strength to be angry. Struggling not to join the three women in their laughter, she hid her smile and sighed with relief. Though Rains recovery would be long and arduous for everyone involved, none of them would have to face it alone. This, more than anything, gave Mila the courage to return to his side and help him through these trying times, because as tough as this was for her, she couldnt even imagine how difficult it would be for him.
No matter. Soon, a new year would be upon them and they would do away with the old, a year which future historians would mark as the year of Falling Rains new beginning along the Martial Path.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 469Parrying the Defiled weapon aside, Mila caved the Champions face in with the rim of her shield, her lips curling in a silent snarl as the corpse slumped at her feet. Plunging her spear into her fallen opponents chest as an afterthought, she flicked the gore out of her hair and sought out another worthy foe to fight, perhaps even one deserving of Paragon, but after two hours of fighting, the Defiled horde had been whittled down to a meagre few and the battle soon won. It wasnt really a proper battle, more of a skirmish really, since the Enemy had barely outnumbered the Imperial forces and Mila had only been called on to join the fray when it was clear there were no more Defiled lurking in the shadows.Disappointing. Why was it always Rain getting caught in the midst of historic events? Lucky...Grief and remorse hammered home as Milas chest tightened and throat closed, her thoughtless remark stirring up waves of shock and self-recrimination. The heady rush of battle drained from her veins and she stood in silent contrition as the last vestiges of resistance were mopped up on the mud-churned fields of Sinuji. Though shed been here for two months now, it felt like only a few days had passed since she first laid eyes on these fields, with the fort standing on one side and an armoured force of disciplined Defiled on the other. Even having seen them with her own eyes, the phrase disciplined Defiled still sounded absurd to Milas ears, an oxymoron which wouldve once been the punchline to a joke. While the Enemys agents could be patient and cunning, fearless and adaptable, they were more akin to feral animals reliant on instinct and ferocity, daunting, but still less than human. Now, a new breed of Defiled had arisen, a smarter, calmer, more controlled Defiled, and though Mila had already faced their like in Sanshu, she never understood the implications of such a force until after reading Colonel Hongjis report on the battle of Sinuji.For millennia, the Empire had survived largely due to two factors. First, the Defiled fought each other more often than they fought the Empire, and second, though most Defiled tribesman were comparable to a standard Imperial soldier in raw strength, they were often undernourished, poorly equipped, and utterly lacking in discipline. This, alongside other advantages such as fortified positions and superior tactics, allowed Imperial forces to defeat Defiled hordes five to ten times their size with relative ease, but now things had changed. With proper discipline, training, and equipment, fighting these new, elite Defiled would be akin to fighting rebel Imperial soldiers, only these rebels had millions upon millions of battle-ready recruits to draw upon instead of a paltry one percent of the Empires population.In her spare time, Mila would often think about how she would use a force of fifty-thousand heavy infantry to battle against Fort Sinujis garrison of thirty-thousand, and no matter how she approached it, her chances of victory rarely dipped below fifty percent. Replace ten-thousand heavy infantry with heavy cavalry, and her chances rose significantly, for these paltry fortifications could hardly pose a threat to well-trained soldiers. Two warriors standing at the base of the walls could easily boost a third over, even in heavy armour, and send their comrade up to establish a foothold on the ramparts. Using this along the foremost wall, the defending forces would quickly be overrun, even quicker if the attackers had siege equipment like ladders or ramps.In short, the Imperials were preparing to defend against the Defiled using the same old tactics, but the Enemy had already adapted. If Gens elite force had spearheaded the assault alongside their feral allies, it was possible they could have overrun the fort with the first wave, or at least taken the outer walls. From there, their superior numbers could have been brought to bear against the Imperial forces, instead of having the majority stuck on the plains with no one to fight. If someone of Milas calibre had been in command, then Baatars reinforcements would have arrived to find Sinuji already razed to the ground and all its inhabitants dead or dying. Blasphemous as it might sound, the Empire could no longer afford to treat the Defiled as an unruly mob of powerful savages, for these Enemy soldiers were a fighting force similar, if not superior, to any army the Empire had to offer.Fortunately, or unfortunately for Mila, neither Gen nor his Defiled elites had been seen since their orderly retreat from Sinuji some nine weeks ago. Aside from this single instance, there were no other reports of Runic armoured Defiled soldiers appearing anywhere else, and since battlefield protocol dictated any and all Enemy artifacts were to be destroyed on sight, there was no proof of this elite fighting force aside from reports and hearsay. This wasnt to say peoples didnt believe the reports, but most citizens and soldiers of the Empire failed to grasp the severity of the issue much like Mila had at first, so until they marched out in force again, the elite Defiled soldiers would remain an unsubstantiated threat to most.True, fifty-thousand heavy infantry were but a drop in the ocean, but it demonstrated a threat which could not be ignored. In one year, the Enemy armed and trained fifty-thousand soldiers while still consolidating their position in the West, but this was only the beginning. Once the logistics were hammered out, then production rates would increase exponentially, so even if their Runic craftsmen couldnt work any faster, a million strong army of Defiled wearing steel armour and carrying steel polearms was nothing to sneeze at. Worse, unlike most nobles who placed self-interest above the Empires continued survival, the Enemy was wholly united in their goal to murder, torment, and pillage until none stood against them. There would be no internal conflict or bickering over profits and reputation, no maneuvering for influence or quarrels over status, just millions of Defiled working towards the destruction of the Azure Empire, a thought which kept Mila awake at night.It was a small comfort knowing that if the Enemy succeeded, they would then turn their weapons upon one another once they ran out of foes to fight, but otherwise, the future seemed bleak indeed.Though she yearned to ride forth and join battle against the soldiers of the Enemy, the westward patrols on the front lines had been suspended indefinitely. While the armoured elites were nowhere to be found, the Defiled savages were marching out of the western province in full force now, with entire tribes numbering between ten and a hundred thousand strong making their way across the plains. Were Mila or any other Captain to set out, their hundred man retinues would stand no chance of survival if caught out by their numerically superior foes, and though the Central plains were flat and open, the tall grass would continue to grow and flourish all throughout the winter and offer cover to the wily Defiled. As things stood, the Enemy would launch a suicidal attack on Fort Sinuji every few days, caring nothing for survival so long as they could draw the blood of their enemies. Most failed to do even this, but still the Defiled came on, driven eastward by the Fathers lies and machinations to their unsightly and inevitable deaths.This... purge, of sorts, made a ghastly sort of sense, for it had long been known that the Defiled were gathering in the Western Province. All the Defiled mind you, millions upon millions of corrupted souls congregating for what the Empire had thought would be one final push, but now it was evident there was a method to their madness. Instead of an all-out assault, the Enemy was biding its time to establish a foothold in the West, a base to train soldiers, manufacture weapons, and Mother knows what else. These tribal savages were merely here to keep the Empire on the back foot and prevent them from realizing the Enemys true goals, a sacrifice readily paid to alleviate the burden on the Defiled soldiers training in the West.The Enemy was not here for mere bloodshed and torture, but to conquer and subjugate.How else to explain the Enemys actions? Over a year had passed since the west fell, long enough for every living Defiled tribesman outside the Empires borders to make their way here, but still there was no sign of the expected concentrated Enemy attack. Forts, fortresses, and citadels had sprung up along Centrals western border, but theyd been designed to fend off massive hordes of Defiled, not smaller, elite forces comparable to Martial Warriors. Given their numbers, the Enemy would have no choice but to spread out their offensive, but matters would be entirely different if faced with ten elite armies a million strong each. One such army could easily sneak by and break through a section of the wall before reinforcements arrived, and then scatter into thousands of roving warbands to nip at the soft underbelly of the Empire. Farms, mines, production centres, supply lines, there were thousands of ripe targets to strike at within twenty kilometres of the border, a number which increased exponentially the further east one travelled.Sure. Though she could easily break free from Yans grasp, Mila didnt want to be left alone, so she went along willingly, but she still asked, Where are you taking me?To my camp. Remember how I borrowed Rains bathtub? Well, its filled with steaming hot water and were both in dire need of a wash. Grinning over her shoulder, Yan added, Plus, Charoks cooking dinner and I figured you should share your delicious meals.Yan knew Mila needed the company, and all this was to spare her pride. Comforted by her friend and future sister-wifes goodwill, she squeezed Yans hand tight which elicited another look of mock anger. Theyd grown closer than ever of late, supporting one another through these difficult times, and Mila only wished Song were here too so Yan could get to know her better. They didnt get along much, though it wasnt for Yans lack of trying, the first time Mila had ever seen Song be wilful and obstinate. Jealousy over Du Min Gyu no doubt, though why the two of them were so enamoured with the old man, Mila would never know. Mama was a thousand times better than a stinky geezer, and even Baatar would make for a better role model, but both Yan and Song gravitated towards Great Teacher Du as if he had the answers to all the questions which plagued them.Well, Mila would keep an open mind, for the sake of her friends. In truth, it wouldnt come as a surprise to know Yan shared the same depressing thoughts about Rain, but the former orphan was much better at dealing with her dark moods than Mila was. Since there was nothing to be done, Yan simply carried on with her life as if nothing were wrong, writing letters to Rain almost every day while honing her skills in combat and command on the front lines. Her dream was to become a great general of the Empire, and she would stop at nothing to achieve it, a woman driven to succeed no matter the odds stacked against her. In this, Yan was much like Rain, while Mila was inferior to them both, for when had she ever known hardship before now?Having identified her problem, Milas steps grew light as she made her way to Yans camp, looking forward to her first hot bath in weeks. While Colonel Hongji had loosened the constraints around fires in camp, in traditional Sentinel style, Milas retinue had no servants or camp followers, which meant that if she wanted a hot bath, she would have to prepare it herself. As for Yan, even though she was proud of her roots among the people, she adhered to Centrals customs and kept a full staff of servants around to keep her looking immaculate even after weeks in the field. Her short dark hair was perfectly styled and her indecently tight tunic and trousers were immaculate save for a few errant drops of Defiled blood, causing many an admirer to turn and watch her saunter pass. In comparison, Milas Sentinel leathers were ragged and torn while her hair was tangled and encrusted in blood, so the gazes which fell upon her were less appreciative and more cautious or even fearful, but she paid them no mind.What did it matter how other men saw her? All Mila cared about was how Rain saw her, and it warmed her heart when his beautiful amber eyes lit up in appreciation or burned with longing. Granted, they did the same when he looked at many other women too, but it didnt matter so much when his gaze was focused on her, and she found herself aching to see him again. I wont be coming back to the front lines, Mila announced, and Yan raised her eyebrow in question. After the new years celebrations. Theres plenty of work I could do around the forges, so Im going to stay in the citadel with Rain. As difficult as it would be to see him in pain, Mila could no longer stay away knowing hed need her support.Ill miss having you around, Yan replied, taking Milas declaration in stride, But Ill feel better knowing youre there to keep him company and answer his endless litany of questions. Grinning, Yan pulled Mila closer and whispered, Youve always been best at keeping him grounded, which is what he needs now more than ever. Lins boundless optimism is sweet and all, but it might put too much pressure on him and make him expect too much too soon. Youve always been the voice of reason, so make sure he can walk before he tries to run.You could do the same, you know.Perhaps even better than Mila could, but Yan shook her head. If I stayed by his side, hed drive me away with all his incessant nagging. He wont let me give up on my goals to look after him, and if I insisted on staying, hed feel like he was letting me down, but you? He wont think twice about relying on you, because in his eyes, youve already achieved all your goals, or will soon enough. Divine Blacksmith? Check. Brilliant tactician? Check. Peak Expert? Only a matter of time. All thats left is loving wife and nurturing mother, and youll excel in those roles too.Cheeks blushing at the high praise, Mila felt compelled to reciprocate, and soon it became a battle of compliments, one Yan won handily thanks to her vulgar humour, so similar to Rains. It wouldnt be a problem if they were in the privacy of their home, but Mila couldnt bring herself to speak so brazenly while walking through camp. The explicit and salacious compliments only increased in obscenity and volume as they entered the bath, and soon Milas cheeks were redder than her hair as she begged Yan to stop describing her body in such lewd terms, but the infuriating woman merely grinned and raised her voice to continue. Soon enough, Alsantset and Tursinai strode in and added their voices to Yans, leaving Mila too mortified and embarrassed to step foot out of the bath.Almost an hour later, Tursinai finally admitted shed erected a sound barrier after Yans first joke, and Mila was so grateful, she couldnt even muster the strength to be angry. Struggling not to join the three women in their laughter, she hid her smile and sighed with relief. Though Rains recovery would be long and arduous for everyone involved, none of them would have to face it alone. This, more than anything, gave Mila the courage to return to his side and help him through these trying times, because as tough as this was for her, she couldnt even imagine how difficult it would be for him.No matter. Soon, a new year would be upon them and they would do away with the old, a year which future historians would mark as the year of Falling Rains new beginning along the Martial Path.Chapter Meme
