Amber Bay had not fallen silent in the dead of night because of the war. On the contrary, it presented a bustling, vibrant scene utterly unlike the grim atmosphere at the Carnford Frontline.
Within the bay, hundreds of lanterns and torches lit the docks and nearby waters as brightly as day, their leaping flames reflected in the rippling waves.
Ships from the south were entering the harbor in orderly succession. Guided by pilots, they slowly drew alongside the piers. Heavy gangplanks were lowered, and dockworkers and auxiliary soldiers who had long been waiting immediately stepped forward, beginning to unload crate after crate, sack after sack, barrel after barrel of vital supplies.
Weapons, armor, gunpowder, food, gold, and silver. Aside from supplies, some ships also carried personnel: seasoned reinforcements and mercenary squads Duke Schmidt had recruited from his family lands and the southern mercenary markets. Their numbers were not especially large, but every one of them was hardened and capable. Bringing southern equipment and combat techniques with them, they were swiftly assigned upon disembarking, led by waiting officers to designated camps to rest and prepare for deployment to the frontline units.
At court, the Empress Dowager naturally proclaimed in grandiose terms that "all sides must work together to support the Northern Territory's shield," earning herself a reputation for "putting the greater good first."
Yet in private, the obstacles arranged at Empress Dowager Katerina's behest were everywhere. The official post roads leading to the Northern Territory "just happened" to require repairs, the transfer of provisions involved "cumbersome procedures," and lords everywhere were "willing but powerless"... There was virtually no substantial aid.
Most other southern lords merely watched from the sidelines. Some were preoccupied with protecting themselves, while others were more than happy to see Karl and the Sauron wear each other down.