War Begins

Two days passed. Roland's scattered Dragon Knights and Wyvern Knights had only just regrouped when news arrived from Apophis Breo's side that battle had begun.

Yet Apophis Breo was not panicked. Instead, he told Roland not to rush reinforcements over and to prepare first before setting out. Why? Naturally, because of Hidden Valley behind them! When Rivendell's elves learned that there was actually a human territory in the north taking the blows for them, King Elrond waved a hand and dispatched 500 elite Elf Rangers to provide support. Even the Beornings knew Fortress of Gundabad had sent out troops. If Hidden Valley, which watched Sauron's every minion, had no reaction at all, then the elves might as well have been using their eyes for decoration.

As it turned out, Apophis Breo had not even considered the elves, yet they sent reinforcements anyway. To the astonishment of everyone in Lion Territory, they stationed themselves at the eastern pass. Then Apophis Breo, utterly bewildered, received the commander of the elven force—Lindir... Yes, Elrond's adjutant, the very one Roland had beaten into a pig-headed mess outside Rivendell.

Soon afterward, the Orc vanguard Warg Riders reached the battlefield, making Apophis Breo look upon the elves with newfound respect. Their timing was impeccable!

The murderous Orc vanguard Warg Riders charged over, only to find an empty Lion Territory and a towering pass. Naturally, there was nothing left within Lion Territory. Whatever else Apophis Breo might have lacked, he was exceptionally good at clearing out a place before abandoning it! He had moved out everything that could be moved, and even cruelly sealed the wells, leaving only the sewage channels for the Warg Riders to stare at each other over. Had the buildings throughout Lion Territory not still carried the fresh scent of newly cut wood,