(Third-person perspective)
In Yohn Royce's dimly lit room, a sense of dejection filled the air. He carefully read the survivors' reports, which recounted their catastrophic encounters with the Druid beasts. As the details unfolded, he discovered that they had not only lost 35 fishing boats and approximately 400 fishermen soldiers, but they had also once again succumbed to the unpredictable power wielded by the elusive Druid.
Lord Royce frowned, tossing the battle report aside in astonishment. The story of survivors adrift on the wrecked ship, rowing with scraps of wood, painted a picture of utter defeat. The question that lingered in his mind was whether this magical spectacle was a sign of the Druid' imminent arrival, or whether the Druid were already on the island.
An ominous thought lingered in Lord Royce's mind. This vortex seemed to be a natural force summoned by the Druid; could it be a signal that their elusive enemy was approaching? This uncertainty gripped him tightly. But every corner of the island was scouting; was this possible? They couldn't have landed before receiving the news. Even if they had, he should know where things were happening.
Lord Royce sighed heavily and summoned his advisors. They gathered together, awaiting their lord's instructions, and the air in the meeting room grew tense. Lord Royce, his face etched with worry, voiced his concerns.
"What if the Druid summoned the vortex?" he asked loudly. "Does that mean he's already close to our shores, or worse, that he's already set foot on our island without our knowledge?"
One advisor said.
"That's impossible, sir; if they've already landed, we've heard about it long ago."
"That's what the other person said."
"Some reports from Citadel and outposts were a little late, but there was no news of an invasion."
Upon hearing this, Lord Royce immediately felt relieved and stood up aggressively from his seat. He fixed his fierce gaze on the advisor and said...
Mark the Citadel and strongholds on the map!
As the advisor pointed out the key points, Lord Royce's eyes widened. He turned and punched the advisor in the face. Lord Royce was enraged.
"How could you be so incompetent! Half the people on this island have left their reports, how dare you not notify me? Didn't you see they're already here? I don't know how they did it, but they cut off our communications, they must be on this island."
He turned to the other lords and knights and spoke.
"Immediately, in this very instant! We must begin the march and send out all available scouts in every direction; they are coming for us!"
Aermir did the same thing as on the other two islands; he took all the male members of each noble family and gave them two choices: iron or black. As usual, most chose black, and he immediately sent them to the eastern coast of the Eastwatch-by-the-Sea and betrothed all the female heirs to North nobles who had sworn allegiance to him.
For most men, abandoning their surname to marry is a great disgrace, even for a Citadel or a stronghold. Of course, many men would do so without hesitation, but there are none among the knights and paladins of Aermir. They do so to pledge allegiance to their lord, and most of them share the same thought: they will have offspring and then return to serve their lord when they are able. Some may find this strange, but they are never loyal to someone who can Regeneration limbs, create hell, or command beasts. They serve the incarnation of Old Gods, and you cannot forget the power he provides to his soldiers; the honor of becoming a servant of the Old Gods is the most important thing to most of them. It will surely ensure their place in history.
Aermir has already taken control of half the island and is preparing to advance on the real threat. In conquering the eastern half, he lost only 300 men, 20 of whom were knights. Thanks to his healing, enchanted gear, and buffs, his men fight like otherworldly monsters.
Just as he had anticipated, the glory-hungry North lords had him lead the vanguard, while he was stalling for time, fueling their even greater desire. Now it was time to face the enemy's main force, and he would use his swordsman army to pin them down in the center.
Aermir transformed into a black dog and walked toward his tent; as he approached, the guards around him did not stop the dog, for he looked very much like Berus. He crawled into the tent and transformed back. His double was still wearing armor, and when they saw him, he knelt down.
"As you wish"
They stood up and awaited orders, Aermir said.
" Osric, take off your armor. The North Lords will be holding a war council."
Aermir summoned Berus, who curled up in a corner and began to sleep. Aermir's double, Osric, stood in the corner after removing Aermir's armor, as if he were merely the lord's personal guard. Osric was one of the first graduates of Aermir's military academy; he hadn't even been knighted yet, but his physique was perfectly suited to impersonating Aermir. He was also a formidable warrior, which proved helpful when he fought alongside the Sith.
After Aermir told the lords about his plan, they joined forces with Jory Flint's troops and marched towards the enemy. The united army advanced in firm ranks. As they advanced, the air was filled with the clatter of armor and the thud of boots.
Aermir donned Druid attire, while Osric donned rune armor, riding at the head of the procession as Lord Drasil. Behind them followed lords and soldiers from various families, their banners fluttering in the wind.
There are three routes to the west of the island: two along the coast and the other through the valley. Aermir knew that the other side of the valley was an excellent ambush spot, and just as he suspected, the army in the Vale was already in ambush. He had 1,200 rangers in his army, and he summoned their two captains Dick the Fletcher and Sir Anguy, to his tent.
"As you can see on the map, they are stationed on these two hillsides. We will continue to advance slowly, so that the enemy scouts will think we are coming from the valley road, but you two and your troops will use these narrow paths to eliminate the troops lying in ambush there after the battle begins. Now, we will feign a retreat to lure the enemy into the valley."
"Yes, sir."
One of Aermir's greatest advantages in the war was his ability to scout and map better than the locals. Thanks to this, he could spot ambushes miles away and easily find alternative plans.