RhaegarRRL
patreon
Chapter 466 Bells of War
🕑 Added 2020-04-16 19:26:58 +0000 UTCAuthor's note: Hello all :). New chapter up and another one this week. Let me know what you think!
PDF/EPUB: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32241245
Chapter 466 Bells of War
She moved through again, Sean said, taking a sip of his ale.
Warm light filled the inn, most of the patrons already drunk out of their minds.
It was good that they usually went into the dungeon at a late time. Less competition.
Sophia nodded, glancing at the mark on her hand. Nothing had come out and killed everyone, she thought and looked around the room.
Wooden beams covered the ceiling, a few supporting beams reaching up from between the chairs and tables. People young and old occupied the inn, most of them adventurers, a few of them cooks, caretakers, guild workers or travelers and merchants. Some looked sullen, showing fresh scars and injuries, the scent of blood in the air.
Others rejoiced, lifting their mugs high as they sang one song or the other. A rare find or an especially successful day within the dungeons suffocating tunnels. Or perhaps they were rookies, excited to delve into the dark for the first time in the coming morning, not yet introduced to the pain and fear that accompanied the dangerous and often paralyzing work.
She wondered if what Ilea had said was true. Beings so powerful they could kill everyone here. Sophia had heard their call, had felt the chill, the need to run. Monsters just like the woman who had placed this cursed mark.
She had played with the thought of leaving, of running away as far as she could. Seeing the Abominations was one thing but to think there was even worse down there?
The gold kept her here and the fear of Ilea somehow sensing that she had fled. Would she come and hunt her down? She doubted it. And yet there was a small part of her that cowered in terror, just thinking of the healer.
She sighed and sipped on her ale. The mug hadnt been cleaned properly and the ale here wasnt great. Still, it would help soothe her thoughts.
What could she be doing down there? Do you think she is fighting those creatures we heard? Sean asked.
I dont want to know, Sophia said. She was thankful at least for the gold, able to upgrade her room with some pleasantries that she would have otherwise done without. Her plan to retire and buy a small bar in Utach had moved closer by ten years after her recent encounters. The money wasnt close to enough yet, forcing her to keep this profession. For now.
I think its quite exciting, Sean said. What I wouldnt give to be there and watch it, he mused.
Did she infect you? I really hope you stay sensible, Sean, otherwise Ill have to find myself a new group. And so many are just terribly incompetent.
She downed her mug when another bard started with the Lilith song. If only they knew.
_____________________________
Dale woke up and grabbed his sword, loud pounding coming from the door below.
Abby turned to him, barely awake. Whats going on, honey?
Im not sure, he said as magic flowed through him, waking him up immediately. He had few days off and since the Elven attacks, there had been nothing to warrant such an intrusion.
Alainas door was open, the girl looking out with a confused expression. Rhett slept through the commotion, as expected.
Everything is fine, he whispered to the girl before descending the wooden stairs.
His house was simple and comparatively small. Officers in his position could certainly afford more but he had been more interested in a secure location and close by guard stations. The price had been higher but he could sleep more sound at night and that was worth every piece of gold.
Abby made them feel at home regardless, decorating the house with beautiful colors, paintings, curtains, furniture, and even a small training room for the kids, library included.
He sighed and kept his blade at the ready. Who is there!?
Captain Langston! There is an emergency, all officers and guards are called upon! a womans voice said through the heavy door.
Dale unlocked the three locks and deactivated the enchantment he had someone install last year.
The woman was armed and armored, a warrior close to level one hundred. He had seen her before, knew she was stationed at the nearby guard station.
Whats going on? he asked, looking around the street but not finding anything amiss.
Im not sure. The gates are closed and- she said and was interrupted by ringing bells.
Dale opened his eyes wide and nodded to her. Ill be there, go now. Hurry and fulfill your orders, he said, turning around and rushing back to his room.
The bells, whats happening? Abby said, already half dressed as she looked at him with worry.
I dont know yet. We might be under attack, Dale said as he put on his clothes and armor, the motions quick and efficient. Take the kids and go to the cellar until further notice.
He fastened his sword to his belt and hugged her. Youll be safe.
Abby nodded. Dont try to be a hero, Dale. Promise me.
I promise, he said but averted his eyes, rushing down the stairs and outside into the night.
Alistair and most of the officers had gathered already, plans of the city sprawled out on the tables in front of them. Barrier mages and healers were positioned around them as well as a few dozen high level guards.
They have taken out our scouts and patrols, only two managed to return, heavily injured. The lack of movement suggests a siege. Why they are here is as of yet unclear, one of the officers explained.
The Shadow we hired took out a camp and killed a noble. Retribution perhaps? another officer suggested.
Lord Harken isnt known to be unreasonable, nor particularly sentimental, Alistair said as he touched his chin, looking at the map. Defensive protocols have been called. Every guard, mercenary and adventurer is under martial law for the time being. Residents are advised to stay in their homes or offer their service to the nearest guard station.
Are we sure its Harken? It could be Nipha or even Kroll, there are plenty of armors and flags to be scavenged, someone suggested.
We dont know as of yet. Im sure we soon will, Alistair said. We havent directly attacked anybody else but Lord Harken in the past months. The numbers dont add up however. Why would he send so many?
Baralia armor? Dale asked a nearby officer he knew.
Yes. They are surrounding the city, have cut off supply lines and are building camps. Trees are being felled as we speak, he said in a hushed tone.
How do our supplies look? Food and water? Alistair asked.
Sir, the stocks have been mostly filled. The extensions you ordered half a year ago will give us a few more weeks at least, an unarmored woman replied.
Did we call for aid? Dale asked.
Alistair looked at him and shook his head. Not yet. Not with the extent and the enemy unknown. We cannot drag our allies into a war, not so soon and with so little information.
She will help, Dale said, ignoring the looks he was getting.
The device Ravenhall supplied doesnt let us send specific requests. Nor do I think she remains within their walls for much of her time, he said.
Dale nodded and balled his hand into a fist, very conscious of the mark left behind by Ilea.
Alistair was right. He knew too little as of yet. Nor was Riverwatch defenseless by any means. He had prepared his guards and the hunters for a day like this. Another Elven attack was just a matter of time or a ravaging party of monsters that got the confidence to attack the city.
The fact that they were humans disappointed him more than he had expected. Still, humans at least were familiar, their tactics and capabilities known.
The Hunters will remain within city walls for now, until we gain a better understanding of the situation. You know what to do, move out, Alistair said.
Indeed they did. Dale nodded and turned away, signaling to a team of ten high level guards from his station. The southeastern section of the wall was their assigned position and they had already taken it. Dale would be there to command his guards as well as lead them.
He still remembered the chaotic scramble when the Elves had attacked during the tournament a few years past. The response now was calculated, prepared. Everyone had a position to be at, knew what to do. The same would be true if fire rained from the skies and Elves were running through their streets. A siege hadnt been expected but they had prepared for it nonetheless.
Dale subconsciously rubbed the mark on his hand, a lifeline that made him calm down. No matter what happened, he had a way to call down upon their enemies a monster and a friend.
______________________________
Preparations were going well. Most of their scouts had been taken out and the production of siege engines was starting already. Every supply line was cut off.
With such a high population, Harkens advisors assumed the siege would be over in one or two weeks. A lack of food led most people to rebel.
If our assumptions are incorrect, we can still poison the river, one of his officers said.
Their command had been relocated to an unassuming tent with a good view of the city. Long distance fire or ice mages could otherwise endanger him and his advisors. They had a disturbing lack of information on high level individuals in Riverwatch. Something they would remedy immediately upon taking control.
Our goal is to take the city, not reduce its population to a graveyard, Lord Harken said. With all the refugees and slaves they have taken in over the past years, it should be simple enough to starve them out and force them to surrender.
What about offensive measures? another officer asked.
They were eager to show off their magic and best engineers. He wouldnt stop them. Glory through battle and genocide were a fine balance, one he would have to consider many times in the coming weeks.
Focus on the walls, government and guard buildings. We are reasonably certain that the general population will remain within their houses. Do try not to damage them to an unreasonable degree, he commanded.
Enough to spread fear but not enough to spread unwavering hate.
Yes, sir, the officer said, a wicked grin on his face. Most of the others shared his disposition.
Too young. They do not know the cost of war, nor will they learn from this siege. Once we return to the ashes of Baralia, they will understand.
Any sign of Shadows? he asked.
None so far. Our troops have worked mostly uninterrupted. The Hunter division created by Alistair Gallian has so far remained within the city.
Or stationed far enough away not to rouse our suspicions. Keep up patrols and double the guards, especially facing away from the city. They wont break through, not with our numbers, Rowan said.
The officers nodded. They would get their blood and for now they were satisfied, their ambitions focused on the free city. It would prove a challenge to keep them in check.
It wouldnt hurt to let them loose for a little while either. Transgressions will be punished, unnecessary murders and rape as well as pillaging. They werent animals and right now he did feel like he was inside of a nobles collection of exotic beasts.
War brings out the worst in people, he thought and scowled. Gentlemen. I must remind you that our laws still apply. Every transgression will be punished. The citizens of Riverwatch are to be treated like our own slaves. The guards and soldiers however, are our enemy.
Let them show their claws. I will know after this who is to be trusted and who will break or lose control.
Resume your positions, he said and watched as a few attendants moved the pieces on the map.
_________________________________
Dawn had yet to come when the first trebuchets and ballistae propelled their payload into the city and its walls.
Keep your heads down! he shouted, his own body enhanced enough to easily dodge the stones and even the large arrows.
The wall shook when a steel tipped enchanted arrow slammed into it. The thing nearly burrowed through the whole thing.
Not just the projectiles are enchanted, the machines too, he thought as he glimpsed the soldiers loading in another arrow. This isnt just a war party.
A few of their own bowmen tried to reach the distant machine, only a few higher leveled rangers able to close the distance. A translucent shield flared to life, blocking the attack without impact.
Mages too, protecting their siege weapons. This is a prolonged operation.
Water and ice mages, ready! he called out, seeing a few flames burst to life in the thicket. Arrows, boulders and flaming chunks of wood followed. Not enough to overwhelm the defenses, just to test them, strain their resources, their mages.
Most of the nearby houses had already been dowsed in water to prevent a large scale fire. The citys expansion had been more important than planning in regards to a siege, leading to a lot of structures standing close to each other.
A few of the slower projectiles were taken out by ranged magic of their own, some damaging the wall. The sound of shattering glass resounded before screams filled their ears.
Two mages took care of the growing fire.
Dale rubbed his temple, confused why the woman who screamed hadnt relocated to her cellar yet. People dont even take an army in front of their city seriously. Not until the soldiers break down their front gates.
Hold your ground. Group three, switch with group seven, theyre coming up right now, he said and ducked, an arrow flying past. Dale looked but didnt find who had shot it. High level rangers too. Trying to take out officers.
The extent of the siege would show as soon as the suns were up. He already assumed it to be more than expected but he held on to some hope. The slaves we rescued simply dont warrant such a respsonse. Did he come himself? For his son?
Reports are in, captain! a runner called out from below.
Dale jumped down from the wall and joined the young man who was barely two years older than his son.
Formations are holding, the walls are continuously damaged. Earth mages are to patrol and reinforce the defenses. Due to all supply routes being cut off, the gates are to be closed off too, the runner said. Hunter squads are preparing to hit enemy targets and siege engines are being moved closer to the walls.
Good, finally something we can send back, Dale said as he spotted a catapult being moved closer to the wall. He would prefer enchanted cannons but this is what they had. Alistair hadnt approved the expensive machines, to their current detriment.
So far it seemed the enemy didnt have that kind of power either, otherwise their walls might have very well been breached already.
Dale would prefer a battle that was a little more personal, face to face with the enemy. The uncertainty of who was even attacking them and how strong they were exactly worked on not just him but every guard that manned the walls, as it worked on most of the population.
Whoever commands them knows what theyre doing. Either that or they are being overly cautious. A siege like this wont work. Not if they dont plan to spend the next two months sitting in the forest.
Already it was clear that the enemy wasnt out to destroy the city or kill its population. Unlike the Elves.
They are here to take what is ours, the city you call your home! For every life they take, we will take ten! Dale shouted, happy to see his little encouragement timed up perfectly with the first flaming boulders sent back to the enemy lines.
A few guards cheered but the optimism was short lived. Water and ice manifested and quickly quenched the flames, mages of an unknown number still remaining hidden within the line of trees.
Smoking them out wont work, he thought and sighed.
The suns were finally coming up, the sky mostly clear other than a few clouds and swaths of smoke.
Dale now understood why the enemy had waited until now to show their numbers. His eyes opened wide as he walked among the top of the wall.
Lines and lines of soldiers stepped out of the thicket, sunlight glinting off their armor, spears, halberds. The dark red of Baralia stepped out into the open, flags, bows and robes. Clean, well fed, armed and armored.
He watched as a series of projectiles came flying out of the forest behind, ten times as many sources as had fired during the night.
A line of soldiers and mages stepped forward, protected by shields of both steel and magic. Bows and spells were readied before they rained into the wall and beyond.
His men hunkered down next to him, impacts sending debris and dust over the edge, houses bursting into flame as walls collapsed. Horns resounded outside as another volley of spells rained onto the city.
The few shields and counter spells barely managed to stem the flood. A few guards were coughing.
Acid, poison and smoke magic spread over the walls, forcing some of them to jump down and abandon their positions.
Dale turned his head at a loud explosion coming from the gate. It hadnt been covered by stone yet.
Explosions rattled the heavy wood as it splintered. To the gate! he called out and rushed towards the entrance right as it flung open.
Ten or more people rushed in, teleporting as they slit throats and engaged in close combat. Vowed, he thought as he blocked an attack, stepping back as he took in his enemies.
Three of them, slaves, their tongues cut.
The gate remained open. Theyre not rushing in, just demonstrating their power.
Dale focused on the now, his pride giving in at the thought of his family enslaved, his city taken and his people killed. The mark on his hand dissolved and vanished as he deflected the blows aimed at him, a throwing knife grazing his armored shoulder.
Two of the rescued Vowed appeared at his side, a few guards joining them to stand against the enemy. I do hope its not too late, he thought and ignored the projectiles raining down from above.
Close that fucking gate! he shouted and activated his skills, rushing the closest Vowed, his blade cleaving through an arm before he ducked under a slash, coming up with another slice that slit through the slaves stomach.
Dale turned and sliced through his neck with a clean swing. He ignored the messages and rushed to a wounded guard, intercepting a death blow. His shout was lost in the chaos of battle, exploding debris and spells impacting around them.
Comments
sharkattack
I wonder when they reset their class, whether they start at lvl 0 or whatever base minimum they were born at?
Alan McBrayer
We've seen a few "Saturday chapters" get posted on Sunday and this will likely be a harder to write chapter than normal so yeah probably not tonight
Alan McBrayer
Something just occurred to me about elves. The elves that Ilea killed after the taleen dungeon had a significant variance between the levels of there two classes. It's been hinted or stated that elves start at a much higher level than humans. I wonder if they are born at a high level in only one class and their 2nd class starts like a human's 2nd class.
Alan McBrayer
Also it takes a long time to get to 300 and there isn’t much incentive to do so. After 200 you become virtually ageless and you are set for life if you don’t mind living modestly. At 250 you’re strong enough to become a lord. It would be hard to justify going out and fighting challenging battles when you have a wife and kids at home.
Reid Palmquist
To all the people asking about why there aren't many level 300s or who think there should be keep in mind most likely died in the war against the ascended. We're basically in a dark ages period for humanity and even most of the elves and probs dwarves for various reasons such as the taleen bots and dissapearance of the actual taleen.
E.W.
Probably not, this is a pretty big moment after all
Caanbo
Nothing will be posted to night?
quantumsoma
I know it's going to be a while until she hits the 500 evolutions, but here's an idea for an upgrade to Armor of Ash: Armory of Ash. The idea is that she can create weapons out of ash that get all of the same bonuses as her armor, plus maybe attack bonuses. She wants a sword? Ash sword. She wants a chainsaw on a chain? Ash chainsaw on a chain. Also, an idea for a third class skill: Spiritual Bond. Allows her to choose one being to form a companion bond with (presumably restrictions based on willingness/soul resistance or whatever). Benfits of bond increase with skill level. Just imagine, flying around with a Baby Basilisk.
Han Pol
Well the Shadowhand takes people of all the human lands, as shown by the barbarian mage who joined. Also it seems like Nobles don't wanna risk their own power by training really strong people outside their own family. and will likely prevent people from rising higher then them. So the constant infighting among the nobles will likely kill many of them while many adventurers who gain a high level will likely get ennobled at one point or another. Likely marrying into a family that is already noble.
A duke is just below royalty in power right? So if this guy is part of a massive empire with a huge population that's really rich and trains slaves wouldn't his main force have an equivalent number of 200's to shadowshand at least? Shadowshand is powerful but it's a collection of the outlier 200's around Elos looking for stable mercenary work and not joining a country, and most human 200's in Elos would have come from soldiers and other positions supported by a country and remain loyal (e.g. Dale, eventually), so the amount comprising Shadowshand should be miniscule. Also, considering the absolute confidence of Baralia they must have a sh*tload of them compared to the other countries, but they unexpectedly lost to quality (I imagine Lys has a bunch of 300's to blitz them, seeing as the country is hella old and those guys don't die unless they go full Ilea). Like comparing standard soldiers (200) to mounted knights (300), I think Baralia thought they could deal with their knights with numbers.. ~conjectures Anyways, so I'm kind of expecting a huge fight for her ... but at the same time I'm confused on why they are having a hard time with Riverwatch? I guess Harken is trying to keep total casualties in the low two digits, because otherwise he'd lose more than he gains by reclaiming slaves and if he's careless then skirmishes can cause him reasonable losses. Ilea will still destroy them but I reckon most of the other elders or anyone below 400 without her stupidly high staying power would be pressed pretty hard to not fall to huge numbers using formations, just like the ??? demons did in Ravenhall.
What makes people believe that there are so many 300+ people out there? The Shadows are an elite group that even the empire makes concessions towards. The only confirmed people with that kind of power within that organization are the elders. There were something like 6 or 7 them (?) plus Ilea. Expecting a random (high ranking) noble to have several of them is, given anything we've seen so far, delusional. Also part of the world-building is literally that humans are alive because nobody cares enough to wipe them out.
People aren't bitching, but joking since it's a cliffhanger...
quantumsoma
I really hope there are some 300+ people in the invasion force. I'm almost certain there are people higher level than her around, but they most likely don't advertise the fact. Betwee the Empress and her guards, the 'high level' teams that are invading Baralia, and the ENTIRE OTHER UNEXPLORED CONTINENTS, I wouldn't be surprised at all if there were some ??? humans out there that either simply don't care about the tiny blotch of humanity shown so far, or have already founded dynasties on Elos (Empress of Lys, maybe ???)
Zarik0
Can people stop bitching the author for the "slow release" i get it okay we get used to the fast fat delicious release and we pay/support for this and my heart hurt like you for not getting my dailie fix of ilea (this author is just a monster in speed and quality writing 1 chapter per day or more) but he explained why its "slow" now and boy we get some serious shit IRL at the moment so back down now untill the release come at the previous "normal" speed please.
Han Pol
Also congratulations to getting back or exceeding the number of patreons before the number of reduced chapters came, . chapters like this make it well worth to support you.
Blaublue
Yes, the Rot Specters will attack the city Sophia is in and she'll wait as long as possible before activating her Mark so as not to inconvenience Ilea
Venalitor
It would be really hard to bring one of them with their abilities. . . That Undead Gem Sorcerer though? Feasible? Make an ash platform under it and carry it while fighting it to the battlefield.
Venalitor
That is if they need anyone more than Ilea. Alistair hasn't sent a call yet.
Venalitor
“We haven’t directly attacked anybody else but Lord Harken in the past months." - I doubt Alistair would they they 'attacked' Harken. He might say 'engaged' though. He hired a Shadow to defend against Harken's aggresion, so it wouldn't make sense for him to use offensive language. I wonder what Ilea could do to that army if she flew through it at top speed with a series of ash scythes around her like an Unreal Tournament Warthog, but more.
tibbish
*brutalize and instill PTSD on the seige
Connor Bruha
Thanks for the chapter, can't wait for Ilea to break the seige.
Kris
Awww good chapter.. waitin for the next is such a tease.😂😂 we were so spoiled with so many chapter a week.
foldedcorners
I figured this would happen; not just with Dale, but with all marks Ilea gives out.
Nate
I feel edged. ):
Baldur Norddahl
There is a cost for everything. You do not call for allied nations to come save your city unless you really need it. Ilia might not think like this, but everyone else does. There is going to be a huge debt afterwards.
Scruffleupagas
In my head i associate the arrival of Ilea with Sylvannas going banshee form in the battle for azeroth trailer. https://youtu.be/jSJr3dXZfcg?t=120
Seb
I wish that I could dislike a comment
Morzul
Thanks for the chapter : D Cant wait for the next one
Amelgar
I'm entertaining the thought of Illea dropping one of the Specters of Rot in the middle of the army. Not very feasible sure, but an amusing play on the "human wars despite the threat of monsters" theme
fbt
ty for the update :)
A
How many people can Ilea ash-carry? A quick swing past Ravenhall to collect a Shadow strike force could impress the power of the new alliance on the wider world. And reduce the focus on Lilith being an army-ending force. Strategy is more Claire’s thing however, she’ll likely find out after it’s done.
Torbjørn Nilsen
Harthane again being to skilled at stoking the appetite of his readers. Thank you so much for your continued efforts man.
closeded
Edit: this was meant to be a reply, directed at the comment above me, the context changes entirely when it looks standalone, whoops. I guess I pushed the wrong button. Not bitching at the author, the author is cool, I'm bitching at Emilia's mindless fanboying. I don't even see any comments that fit her complaints. This reply to her would be the closest. I'm happy with the story, and I'm happy with the current pace considering the circumstances, but I think that you're forgetting that this is a transaction. If these same people were bitching on RRL, I'd agree with you, but as it is, the people you are complaining at paid for this.
Straven
Any chapter is always a good chapter regardless how many we get like you said, I'm just happy when the time comes and I get a notice there's a new chapter up.
Emilia Kosteila
I am really starting to think that you lot are very ungrateful ’cause like even 3 chapters a week is a lot to some stories that release just one chapter a week or two a month. Like I too am sad that there’s not more chapters but the dude has a life outside of writing and all that you all are here like addicts (Have to admit that I am a addict to these stories but still). Just saying go chill, watch Netflix or something!!! And that thing with Dale not using the mark is just plain simple. They expected the barralia but did not know it was them and what kind of forces they would send. Think about if it was just some few people that were send to scare them and that was it and Ilea or the shadow’s hand comes like ”WTF I came here for nothing” and next time they don’t come at all and the whole of riverwatch was destroyd. And THANK YOU for the chapter!!!
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Ivactheseeker
This. Quality takes time.
Knyko
The city never called Ilea, they hd quests for a shadow and Ilea decided to pick them up and visit Dale at the same time. As for the mark, it was given to Dale and not Alistair and Ilea explained why she did so(she trusts dale not Ali), so it makes perfect sense that he kept it to himself. Edit: Also, there have been numerous indications that Riverwatch was prepared and making preparations to face a normal siege, which further backs up him not calling for her. The moment they realised this was more than a normal siege is when he called for Ilea
just_a_potato
Maro might be nearby, and he might still have the one cliff wyvern corpse from before the sand elemental fight. Plus maybe the elves might get pissed that this army is disrupting their supply chain. Edit: OMG Weavy would probably love this.
Matthew D
I wonder if the brotherhood of vultures will make an appearance and protect the city... not like they will be needed once Ilea shows up
lenkite
I wish I hadn't read this chapter now. A bit antsy because of the cliff.
just_a_potato
Hmmm, I wonder if I have the self-control to not read until next Thursday so that I can experience 3 chapters of awesome at once... Nope.
Michael scott
Do you really consider 3 chapters a week to be low chapters. One my favorite stories was Steven king's the dark tower series. He went over 10 years between books.
Thanks for the chapter! I can't wait to see more action.
Drumic
I get not calling Ilea immediately, but why not notify their allies with the communication device. They mention that they cannot go into great detail but surely they have some kind of code e.g. 1 beep for small threat, 2 for medium 3 for send everything.
Chad Hagner
Gods! Now I have to wait for the next chapter! I can't take this low chapter hiatus!
Jack Trowell
He expected some kind of war party, let's be fair it was rather difficult to imagine that the guy had abandonned his own lands and country to forge a new territory there. The most probable was a revenge warband able to maybe be a danger after a siege, not something able to force the city if they wanted (at high cost but still). The fact that we know that they don't plan to do a full attack yet due to the cost (both in their own lives and in the potential slaves that would be killed by such an attack) should however give Ilea the time she needs to be there (it's still several hours even at her top speed IIRC).
Max R
PLEASE try and get the next few war chapters out there swiftly ❤️❤️❤️
Acquiles Vitorino de Melo Graça
And this yet again proves yet This is my favorite novel, writen by one of my favorite authors, who would be first place if not for me personally knowing this one guy that writes drama.
Robert Mullins
Summoning ilea is like deploying a nuke. Sure you could deploy it at the first sign of a threat but for all they know having ilea wipe them all out could turn a retaliatory action by a single Noble into a full scale assault by the entire country of baralia.
Deinos
Damn it'd be a huge cliff the moment I read the beginning
FunkyCredo
I like where things are going however Dale’s reasoning for not calling in Ilea feels very forced and synthetic. For starters it looks like he never informed Alistair about the mark which is pretty weird considering its strategic importance in the given situation. The city called in Ilea and co. for relatively minor issues in the past yet now Dale and co. are all hesitatant when faced with a full blown enemy army because “they need to know more”. That motivation doesnt really stand up to even basic scrutiny. If pride is the real reason than Dale’s emotions/feelings need to be played up more however I never got an impression from Dale of being prideful
Chopper
Three hours later: "God damn it Dale! I was in the middle of second breakfast!" ding - You have heard the angry ranting of a powerful healer, shit yourself for the next forty seconds.
Caanbo
Am with you but I will kill 🕷
Zacle
oh man the hype for the next chapter is real. A PoV chapter from Baralia once Ilea arrives would be cool as well.
Michael C
Fuck you. I want the next chapter right now..or I start killing puppie...... ...uhhhh I mean ...thanks for the chapter?
carebear90
Sorry, I really don't understand this whole "let's not call our allies yet"-thing. This is exactly the situation this alliance was made for. You called them for way smaller things before. Now you're fucking besieged by an army and are all like "welp... we don't know how big their army is, so let's wait and fight by ourselfs first until we know how badly we are screwed..." Is this some form of misplaced pride? At least Dale should know Ilea well enough to be sure she'd drop everything to help them in this situation. He even says so to Allistair. But no... they have to wait and let people die to siege weapons before he calls for her help. It's kinda stupid.
Han Pol
then it would still be as bad for the next chapter and maybe an even longer break. and breaks are bad.
Oh man this is the end of me, how can I wait till Saturday/Sunday now!!! Dale don't die on me buddy! Or illea WILL be a monster to your enemy's!
Chase Clawson
I don't remember for sure off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure we still have a month or so of reduced chapters left
It wasn't pride, it was lack of information, they attacked at night, so they couldn't know the extent of the enemy army, just look the first moment he knew he used the mark
It was not pride, they didn't know the extent of the enemy army's so they didn't know exactly what was happening, just look, the first moment Dale knew what the enemy was doing he used the mark
Ryan Frank
All aboard the hyyyyyyyyyyyype train.
Corwin Amber
Thanks for the chapter. I'm missing the multiple chapter days even more right now. When do you go back to your old schedule? :)
Severin Hans
I think it's a grey area, he didn't know if they needed the help until he had more information, and the moment he did he called for help.
Valter Anunciação
This is not the kind of chapter you release alone. Should have held it for 2 days so we had the action flowing without stops.
Michael scott
Dale should've called for Ilea as some as he realized they were under attack. However, maybe it's just that I know more than he does. He didn't know Harken brought his entire force. Well, he does now. I hope Ilea is flying so fast when she gets there that they all hear a high wistling sound. Then she just flies into the ground leaving a big hole. Like Superman.
Blaublue
Thank God Dale finally pulled the trigger on the mark.. She gave him this mark for this very reason, and the lives being lost are because he was too prideful to use it right away Added with edit: They already knew the night before that the enemy was preparing for a siege; that's not a random hunting party, and Baralia isn't stupid enough to try a siege with only a handful of low-lvl people
Arkeus
Well, he took some time to call for help. Makes sense, pride is a big thing.
Sebastian Prue
Can't wait to read the heat chapter! I hope it's a pov from baralia or Dale. I feel like seeing their view of Ilea would be phenomenal
SoggyBiscuit
Well, I hope Dale's family won't be blasted by the enemy siege weapons. But it just might happen, seeing as his house is close to a guard station and the stations were one of Harken's targets. Really looking forward to the next few chapters.
gah i'm too excited to wait, I can't wait for the old schedule again gah
Detrox
Damn, now I can't wait for the next chapter
agentjongon
Hype!
Albedo's Ahoge
Woot! Thank you.
Max R
woohoo tnx!!
