Steep, narrow mountain paths were challenging environments when moving supplies. Even if our army successfully fought its way through the pass, food and other supplies would need to be transported through it continuously to the soldiers on the other side. As the army fought a strenuous battle beyond the mountains, they’d come to rely upon the constant back-and-forth movement of supply wagons. However, those wagons would each have to traverse a difficult road—one which might not even be wide enough to allow them to pass each other in opposite directions. This restriction on the supply train would limit the size of the army it could support.
There was a tale of a famous mountain range crossing by a certain “lightning” general who was able to pillage the settlements on the opposite side to feed his army, but that wouldn’t be an option for us. Even if we were willing to go to such lengths, it was doubtful there’d be much to pillage—the Noza family ruled over barren land.
I would’ve used the pass if it proved to be strategically advantageous, but there were other routes into Noza Province that weren’t blocked by the mountains. Since the land to the north and south was wide open, it made little sense for us to enter via the more treacherous route. At the very least, I wasn’t fond of the idea.
“If they’re ready for us, then I’d advise against an approach through the mountain pass,” Dimitri said. “A pincer attack from both north and south will be enough to bring Noza Province to its knees. The question is how we bring the war to its conclusion.”
“We lost about three hundred soldiers when we captured the royal capital,” I said.
“Indeed,” Dimitri agreed. “Battles broke out in two districts of the city.”
“The Noza family has eight thousand soldiers, all of which are fully geared up for a war. This won’t be easy.”
Just as Dimitri had said, there were many different strategies we could use to suppress our enemy. The problem was that we could easily lose one or two thousand of our soldiers in the process.
“We could start by advising them to surrender,” Dimitri suggested, taking the words out of my mouth.
“I was thinking the same,” Kien agreed. “I’ve known Bolafra Noza long enough to know he’s a coward. He’ll surrender more readily than you’d expect. He thinks himself all high and mighty as the head of a chieftain family, but he never did enjoy a fight.”
Kien’s assessment was so unflattering that I had to wonder what had happened between them in the past.
“Quite so,” Dimitri agreed. “I heard that he spent the entirety of the previous crusade looking for an opportunity to flee.”
“I was right to trade places with him on that battlefield,” Kien said. “He was positioned to face the Tyrelme army head-on, so I took that risk in his place. If I hadn’t, I’ve no doubt he would’ve let them through.”
Apparently, a lot had happened during the crusade.
“Okay,” I agreed. “We’ll start by inviting him to a discussion. It costs nothing to send a letter, and we’ll need to wait while our soldiers move into position anyway.”
“We can hold our discussion on Yutan Pass...though we should let him set the conditions, or he’ll be wary of us,” Kien said. “He’s a true coward. If fear gets the better of him, he’ll refuse to meet with us at all. Let him make the arrangements. I’ve no doubt he’ll choose Yutan Pass anyway.”
I wasn’t so sure. Kien could ride an eagle despite his large size, but I doubted Bolafra Noza could do the same. The eastern boundary between Noza Province and the rest of the kingdom ran along the peaks of a mountain range, making it an inconvenient meeting spot for anyone who couldn’t fly.
Even if Bolafra Noza was a qualified sky knight, that didn’t mean he could actually ride an eagle. Flying always entailed some risk, and there were countless sky knights who’d grown rusty and decided never to take that risk again, despite having been skilled in the past.
“Then that’s that. Maybe we should write the letter now while everyone’s here.”
“Fine by me,” Kien agreed.
“In that case, Tillet, could you summon a maid to assist us?”
Tillet left her spot in the corner of the room. As she walked out, she grumbled, “I’m not your servant.”
I hoped she’d gone to fetch that maid. She obviously wasn’t happy, but I didn’t think she’d disobey an order.
“Was that a royal sword?” Dimitri asked.
“Yes. I brought her just in case. She could prove useful if the situation calls for infiltration and sabotage.”
“I see.”
The door opened with a click, and an aged maid appeared.
That was quick. She must’ve been waiting outside.
“Here’s your maid,” Tillet said.
The maid looked down at her feet as she avoided making eye contact with anyone. “How may I be of service?”
“Sorry. I know it’s a bother, but could you please bring us parchment and an envelope? We’ll also need writing equipment and wax to seal it.”
“Um, I’m afraid the envelopes here all bear the family’s seal...”
“That’s quite all right.” I smiled in an attempt to make the maid feel less nervous.
“I’ll f-fetch them at once,” she said before leaving the room.
“You asked her awfully politely,” Tillet pointed out. “Nothing like the arrogant tone you use with me.”
“Sorry. I’m never trying to be rude, even if it sounds that way sometimes. I respect you in my heart, so don’t let it bother you.”
“Listen here...” Tillet began, but then she stopped herself.