Lydia's summoning also indicates that Rod's mission at the Top of the Cloud Fortress has come to an end and he can prepare to leave. And after getting the news from Garling, Rod didn't say anything more, on the contrary, he quickly began to reorganize his manpower and prepare for the next action. But before that, the first thing he had to deal with was John's business.

At John's request, Rhodes released the cavalry captured during the battle with Lijie, most of whom chose to go home, but a very small number of cavalrymen remained, who were John's subordinates and therefore wanted to stay with him. Rhodes nodded his head in agreement after listening to John's explanation, and after John assured them of their loyalty and that their prejudices against the North were not so deep. After all, as a nobleman, it is impossible for him to have only mercenaries and no private soldiers. If classes such as infantry and archers can be mined from mercenaries, then cavalry is a complete military profession, and most of the mercenaries do not know how to ride or cavalry tactics. Raising horses is a very expensive and energy-consuming job, and the mercenaries don't earn enough money to spend on their own, so how can they raise horses? Although these people are from the south, considering the current tension between the north and the south, no one knows whether there is water in their willingness to stay, but as long as they can stay, Rhodes naturally has a way to let them fit in.

In the end, sixty-three cavalrymen remained, a number that both Rhodes and John were very happy with. Sixty-three cavalrymen was not a lot, nor was it a few. And with the support of these sixty-three cavalrymen, John had the capital to put down roots beside Rod. If Rod wants to turn his face and deny people or repay debts, then he can also use the strength of these people to respond. Instead of being alone, there is not even a helper. As for Rhodes, the number of these sixty-three cavalry is within his control, although their total number is already nearly a quarter of his mercenary guild's command, but the individual strength of these cavalry is only in the early twenties to twenty-five, so even if they have any ghost thoughts in their hearts and plan to make trouble, they have enough capital to clean them up.

This can be seen from this. So far, both sides have been wary of each other, and Rhodes trusts John, but he doesn't trust his men that much. He didn't want his fortress to be ruined. John was equally skeptical of Rod's assurances. Even so, John assured him that he would discipline his men strictly, and as an outsider who had surrendered, he knew that his position was precarious, though so far. Neither side has built a foundation of trust. But that doesn't mean there won't be in the future, both he and Rhodes have to take the initiative to express themselves, so that their ties will be strengthened. So John assured Rhodes that his men would obey his orders. will not betray Rhodes, let alone make trouble. And if any of them make trouble, Rhodes can pull them out of the gang and cut them down, without even blinking an eye!

In response to John's assurance, Rhodes also responded, he would also restrain his subordinates and treat everyone as fairly and fairly as possible. But Rhodes was the victor after all, and he didn't have to be like John. In response to Rod's response, John did not protest anything. After all, he also knows who he is.

Rod didn't hide these things from General Garcia, and the interesting thing is that this commander, who looks sloppy on the surface, also pretended not to see it at this time, anyway, there are just a hundred cavalry, and if he releases it, he will let it go, this time General Dade's big fish has been caught in his hands, so it's nothing to let those small fish go——— but it is only limited to the soldiers of the cavalry team captured by Lijie, as for the 3,000 infantry led by Dade. Garcia said that he couldn't let go.

This is not surprising. Most of the cavalry led by John had suffered a lot of damage in the ambush commanded by Lijie, and they were all wounded. Even if these soldiers were put back, there would be no major problems. However, General Dade's 3,000 infantry surrendered voluntarily in accordance with the commander-in-chief's orders, and they were not wounded or sick, and if they were to be put back, it would be equivalent to giving the reformers an infantry regiment again............ Such an idiotic thing, John will not mention it, and Garcia will naturally not put it.

After cleaning up these things, Rhodes ordered Lijie to take a part of the mercenaries to the Frozen Lake first, and prepare to complete the second five-star mission. The other part of the mercenaries was responsible for sending the wounded soldiers to the fortress to recuperate. As for John, this time Rhodes also asked him to follow the others to the Frozen Lake, after all, he will also be under his leadership in the future, through this mission, let John understand his combat methods and style, which is also beneficial for the future cooperation between the two sides.

And after putting all this in order, Rhodes began to go north alone and go to the Golden City.

For him, the state of affairs on the northern front has come to an end.

But for others, this is just the beginning.

Victory!!

Standing on the city wall, looking triumphantly around the wilderness in front of him, Box's heart was filled with excitement and glory. He lowered his head and looked back at the medal of honor and the letter from the Southern Council in his hand, and couldn't help but smile smugly and excitedly. In fact, even Box himself did not expect that his battle plan would be so smooth——— using the two fringe legions to contain the forces of the Flower Field and the Cloud Top Fortress, while he personally led 20,000 cavalry straight to the Thorn Garland Fortress, he admitted that this plan was very risky, but now, he succeeded!!

The five-hundred-man Fortress of the Wreath of Thorns had fallen to him without even having time to react, and Calendst was now in their hands, much to Box's unprecedented satisfaction and honor. He was able to stand here and occupy this land, all relying on his own strength and planning! Those northerners can't do anything in the face of his thunderous offensive!

Thinking of this, Box excitedly shook the letter in his hand, in which the Southern Council vigorously commended Box and awarded him the Medal of Honor. In this letter, the Southern Council also asks Boxy to protect Karenster, and they will take this opportunity to ask the Council of Light for help to get them involved. If all goes well. It won't be long before they realize their dreams and completely escape from that tyrannical ruler and form a whole new country!

At that time, he may become a lord of one side, or even a hero of the whole country, and maybe he will be awarded the rank of marshal!

Come to think of it. Box felt that the sky in front of him was so blue, the earth was so green, and everything was so dazzling and colorful. The sun is shining so brightly overhead, and that wonderful future is already in sight. He could already imagine himself back in the south, with countless petals falling from the sky, the people chanting his name, beautiful maidens rushing to bring him flowers and fragrant kisses, and he standing proudly in the carriage as a victor, receiving the cheers and adoration of the people. The nobles of the Southern Council were also respectful to themselves, and they lined up to welcome their return, while presenting themselves with swords and insignia representing the marshal's qualifications......... Thinking of this, Box couldn't help but shudder. Subconsciously biting his lip.

If all of this can come true, then it would be wonderful!

At that moment, the sound of eager footsteps interrupted Box's imagination, which made him glare angrily at the place where the sound had come from, and then he turned away, and at the same time a herald ran up the wall, panting, and his face pale. There was unspeakable panic in his eyes.

"Report to the general. We have spotted enemy forces in the direction of the Filas Wilderness! ”

"Enemy troops?"

Hearing the news, Box's heart sank.

"How many people? Whose flag is being fought? ”

"It's the banner of the Fifth Northern Legion [Sword Lion]. That's about 25,000 people! ”

"Twenty-five thousand?"

Hearing the news, Box couldn't help but be dumbfounded.

How is this possible? The Filas Wilderness is not far from Calendor City, how could an army of 25,000 people not get any news in advance? What are the reformists doing!? Didn't they always swear that the royal party had not even figured out which army to mobilize? Who can tell him where the 25,000-strong Northern Legion came from?!

Those rice buckets who don't learn and don't know how to do it!!

After swearing viciously at the Southern Council, Boxes quickly calmed down, and there was no point in talking about it now. There are 25,000 people on the other side, but there are 20,000 of them themselves, although the city of Calendester is a little dilapidated, but as long as they repair it properly and then defend it to the death, then they can still hold it, as long as the Council of Light can stop the further actions of the royal party during this time...............

Knock knock!!

While Box was meditating, there was a sudden rush of footsteps, and then another herald hurried up the wall, even more embarrassed than the first, and saw that this herald was panting and sweating, and could not even stand on his feet, but even so, he quickly saluted Box.

"Report to the general, our spies have found 20,000 enemy troops gathering in the direction of Dagger Valley! Ask for instructions! ”

"Bell."

The badge of honor in Box's hand fell to the hard stone floor, and he stared blankly at the herald in front of him, opening his mouth, but he couldn't make a sound for a long time. The bright and glorious future of his fantasy was rapidly moving away from him, and in its place was a dark, drowsy, irresistible darkness like a storm.........

For what.

Why did the royal party make such a big move, and he didn't receive any news?

Why do they move so quickly?

How could they have mobilized so many people in such a short period of time without being detected?

What is this all for?!

The wind on the city wall made Boxy shiver, and then he came to his senses, although the wind was very warm, but the blow on Boxy made the general feel as cold as winter. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down before giving the order to the soldier in front of him.

"Quick!! Immediately send someone to ask for help from the council, saying that Calendor is surrounded by the royal party and we need more manpower! Quick, go!! ”

The herald was ordered to leave, and it was only then that Boxy took a deep breath and looked back at the ground in front of him.

I don't know if it's an illusion, but at this moment, Box feels that the earth is dark.

It was like a prelude to a storm, depressing and breathless.

()w

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