Black Pine Territory (12)

Just as Santos led the main force of his army out of the camp, Markut finally arrived at the camp.

The rangers on guard around the camp saw Markut's small Cavalry and quickly surrounded them.

The youths under Markut's command, seeing the menacing rangers closing in, instinctively raised their weapons to fight back.

When the scouts of the Two Rivers Territory saw that these disheveled people still dared to raise their weapons, they immediately nocked arrows and surrounded Markut and his party in a circular formation.

This is a common tactic used by the Northland Barbarians: to surround and attack infantry or small Cavalry, using arrows to disrupt their formation during the attack and then charging in to kill them. This tactic is particularly effective against infantry formations, as it can continuously divide and force them to split up and be surrounded and killed at will.

However, this tactic is ineffective against enemies like Victor, who have a large Cavalry force. Victor can easily break down such attack formations by using Wall Charge. The Barbarian Cavalry during the flanking maneuver have poor impact, and the Two Rivers Territory Cavalry are better equipped. Dealing with such enemies is a crushing victory, as was the case when they surrounded and annihilated the remnants of the Blazing Fire Tribe.

However, the young men under Markut's command had never seen such a scene before. They held their weapons with trembling hands, but fortunately they still had the courage to face the enemy. They surrounded Markut, trying to protect him.

Upon seeing this, Markut quickly revealed his identity. "I am Lord Macut of Black Pine Territory. I want to see your general. I have a way to end this war."

Upon hearing Markut's words, the leading cavalry Squad Leader immediately ordered his men to cease their battle formation.

He rode forward and sized up Markut. The tall, thin young nobleman bore an 80-90% resemblance to the portrait that had been circulated in the army after the campaign. However, he was not sure if it was really him, so he decided to report to the Regimental Commander first.

"Sir, please wait a moment, we will report to the Regimental Commander now."

After speaking, the scout Squad Leader spurred his horse and rode back to his base. In Santos's Second Regiment, the Ranger Cavalry squads were directly under the regimental commander, so this Squad Leader could report directly to Santos.

The surrounding Cavalry stopped taking defensive actions and instead formed a defensive formation, surrounding Markut and his party.

Markut reassured everyone, telling them not to worry and that they would soon see the unit's commander.

A short while later, a small detachment of Cavalry broke off from the army and approached them. Markut knew that the commander of this Two Rivers Territory force had arrived.

"Lord Macut, it's great to see you again. It's been more than a year since we last met."

After carefully observing the middle-aged officer, Markut immediately remembered who he was: Santos, the commander of the garrison regiment of the Two Rivers Territory, when Victor led his troops to participate in the battle last year.

"Commander Santos, oh no, Regimental Commander, it's been a long time. Congratulations on your promotion."

Santos was also pleased to see Markut, since Victor's letter had not yet been delivered to him, and now it could finally be delivered to him in person.

"It's all thanks to Viscount Victor's appreciation that I've come to Black Pine Territory this time to carry out his orders. I also have a personal letter from the Viscount here, instructing me to deliver it to you."

Markut quickly took the letter from Santos and began reading it rapidly.

The letter was simple: Victor thanked Markut for his continued help. During his expansion, Markut had provided a large amount of cheap timber from Black Pine Territory to Two Rivers Territory and was willing to offer credit. The friendship between the two was also very precious.

Victor wanted Markut to persuade Viscount Perez to accept Count Colt's leadership and join him in fighting against the incompetent Grand Duke Mora, in order to bring wealth and honor to the Northern Frontier Allied Army.

With the strength of Black Pine Territory, let alone Iron Birch Territory, they couldn't even contend with Two Rivers Territory. They must not start a war lightly. In his letter, Victor bluntly presented the various data he had investigated about Black Pine Territory and compared them with those of Two Rivers Territory.

When Markut saw Victor's frighteningly blunt comparison report, he smiled bitterly to himself. As expected of Victor, he didn't hold back anything.

Markut said directly to Santos, "Regimental Commander Santos, I am very reluctant to fight against the Two Rivers Territory, and I am willing to obey Count Colt's orders, but I am not the Viscount of Black Pine Territory."

Santos understood what he meant. "Lord Macut, you are a good friend of the Viscount, and the Viscount believes that you are the rightful heir to Black Pine Territory."

Viscount Perez may be misled into refusing to communicate with us, and we are unwilling to fight the army of Black Pine Territory, which would damage our long-standing friendship.

Please allow me to Two Rivers Territory army to wipe out the treacherous villains who have deceived Viscount Perez. I hope to have your cooperation.

Markut reacted to Santos's words. "My father, Viscount Perez, has been unwell recently. His Raman Knights and Captain Alman have been refusing my orders. This campaign against you was their own doing. They have even placed my father under house arrest in the barracks."

I implore you and the army of Two Rivers Territory to help me rescue my father from these malicious individuals. I have also heard that the hospitals in Two Rivers Territory have excellent medical skills, and I will send my father Two Rivers Territory for treatment after the war. I entrust this to you."

Santos said to Markut with a serious expression, "Lord Macut, oh no, Viscount Markut, I will defeat these rebels as soon as possible and rescue the old Viscount. Is there anything else you need to tell me?"

After thinking for a moment, Markut told Santos, "Regimental Commander Santos, I have a good way to reduce the casualties of the Two Rivers Territory army. I can lead men through the passes in the Black Forest and into the heart of the Black Pine Territory. I would like to borrow troops from you to directly cut off the rebels' supply lines and demoralize them. This should help your army achieve victory."

Santos was overjoyed upon hearing this. "Excellent, Viscount Markut, I will send my Cavalry to help. As long as you can open the checkpoint, the rest can be left to them."

Santos didn't waste any more words and immediately sent someone to inform Mars, the captain of his Light Cavalry detachment, to lead his men to follow Markut and detour into Black Pine Territory.

Soon after, Markut and his men led their Light Cavalry detachment away from the main force and headed south of Black Pine Territory.

Santos was lost in thought, watching the departing Cavalry. The Ranger Cavalry captain beside him asked curiously, "Regimental Commander, can this Lord Macut be trusted? What if it's a trap?"

Santos turned to look at him. "Loras, do you think our remaining army can defeat Black Pine Territory?"

"Sure."

"What's there to worry about? I told Mars he'll be careful."

After saying this, Santos spurred his horse back to the main force. They needed to march as quickly as possible to engage the main force of Black Pine Territory and create an opportunity for the Light Cavalry detachment.