Ironvine Territory (Seventy-Nine)

Victor explained the principles and origins of Blazefire Gel to Knight Yellen. After listening, Yellen was deeply impressed by the Golden Sunflower Family's resources. Not even Great Oak Territory could develop and manufacture weapons like this.

Envy was one thing, but Yellen knew Great Oak Territory could not follow Two Rivers Territory's example. Its finest craftsmen worked at the shipyard, and even they lacked the necessary skills.

"With a weapon this fearsome," Yellen said, "what enemy could stand against us?"

Victor broke into a coughing fit. It took him a while to stop. "Sorry, Yellen. Something went down the wrong way.

"But you're getting carried away. Blazefire Gel is still far from perfected. It's much safer to transport than gunpowder, but moving it still isn't easy.

"It's also expensive to make. The six jars we fired were all we brought. We have none left.

"And it's not much use against tall stone walls or moving targets. Repositioning it is a nuisance, so most of the time it can only be used against fixed targets. Its uses are limited."

Yellen understood. On reflection, the weapon was not quite as useful as he had imagined. Still, it had done its job in this battle, and that was more than enough.

"Well, Yellen, we should press on. If you're interested, I can invite you to visit Two Rivers Territory after the civil war."

"Really? Thank you so much, Viscount Victor!"

Knight Yellen bounced on the spot a few times. He was eager to see Two Rivers Territory for himself.

Once they had cleared away the stumps left by the camp wall, Victor's party continued toward the Fourth Legion's inner camp alongside Baron Brown's convoy.

They reached a watchtower. The Fourth Legion soldiers stationed there had long since fled, leaving it deserted.

Michael climbed