AN: Hey guys, I am out of the country for the next week or so, just wanted to let you know that post times might be inconsistent until Friday the 26th though I will try my best to have them be at close to the usual time.
Archduke Goldenmouth wasted no time as he made his way to the alchemist's quarters. One of the things he was worried about was if the poison had in any way affected him despite not being in contact with it. Despite his efforts he had not yet gained [Poison Resistance] and considering he was lower level than the frog even with the frog being dead the poison could prove very harmful to him even in its raw state, though he doubted it could kill him.
“My Lord, let us assure you that we understand the gravity of the situation but unfortunately we can’t work any faster.” One of the grandmaster alchemists wasted no time once the archduke arrived. “These repeated interruptions in our work aren’t helping.”
“I’m sorry to hear about my peers interrupting your work and let me assure you that I will be having words with them.” Goldenmouth said as he pushed his Legendary Skill hoping to calm the people present. “As for the reason for my visit, it is, sadly, to add more work for you.”
The alchemists frowned despite the effectiveness of the archduke’s Legendary Skill. The archduke took this all in stride however as he approached an open table and after ensuring there was plenty of space he deposited the body of the frog, along with the top layer of soil from his estate on the table with care.
“Duke Hearthbound has exited the dungeon and the Republic has procured the toxic frog corpse from him.” The duke nodded towards the frog and did his best to suppress the smile. With his Skills he could feel the attention of the alchemists slipping away from his words as they all focused on the frog. “It is my hope that this will aid you in your efforts to provide suitable poisons for our champions.”
Three different alchemists instantly got to work processing the new reagents they had been provided with. The remaining bid a more respectful goodbye to the archduke before they returned to their previous tasks. Thankfully one of them even took the time to give the archduke an antidote that could counteract any of the effects from the passive exposure to the airborne toxins of the frog.
With the frog corpse passed on, the archduke now had another mission. It was time to remind his fellow council members not to disturb their grandmaster craftsmen without a good reason while also getting an update on how the generals were reacting to the news that Ajax and Aurexion were returning to the war.
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“Both champions are being relocated?” The prince frowned when he heard the news. “That would leave us as the only champions on this battlefield. Is the Republic trying to use us as bait?”
“Their generals insisted that this is a reaction to a credible battle being close to breaking out.” Evelyn relaid the same answer she had been told when she asked the same questions once the orders came down. “They were insistent in assuring us that reinforcements are on their way and will arrive within a day.”
“Ajax and Aurexion.” The prince’s mood instantly improved. “The timing lines up. I have to admit I am interested to see how much they have both grown over the past month.”
“We can’t be sure it is them but there is a good chance it is.” Evelyn agreed with the assessment. “Depending on how much control Ajax has over his boosting Skill their return may quickly lead to the end of the war.”
“Have the people prepare for a fighting retreat.” The prince announced as he entered the command tent. “Get our supplies stored and start breaking down the camp.”
“Your Highness, we cannot simply abandon this front.” The Republic general was sweating a little dealing with the powerful foreign royal. “I can assure you the Republic isn’t using Gryndor as bait.”
The general wasn’t dumb, he wasn’t the best strategist, seeing as he was assigned to the army where he would have the least control considering the presence of Gryndor’s champions and elites but he had a sharp mind and he was equipped to handle the political challenges that came with overseeing this part of the army.
The prince putting up a privacy field did nothing to calm the general’s nerves as he knew the prince had a reputation for causing international incidents. Not only that but the Republic had been a little pushy about asking Gryndor not to trade the champion they had prisoner for the two squads of the beastkin had of theirs.
“I know the reason for relocating both champions is that Ajax and Aurexion are on their way here.” The prince’s words surprised the general. “But they won’t be here for a while yet. There is a good chance the beastkin will notice the two champions that are leaving this position as we speak and that will embolden them to attack.”
“Their movements are being hidden with the utmost care.” The general objected.
“All it takes is one mistake, one small lapse in coverage and their departure is known.” The prince shook his head. “Best to plan assuming their departure is noticed. Have the army prepare for a fighting retreat. If the enemy does attack we need the battle to be delayed as much as possible so that Ajax and Aurexion can join before the fighting comes down to just us champions.”
“Very well.” The general let out a defeated sigh as he had to admit the prince did have a point, before calling for the messengers who started to spread the orders to the rest of the army. “But we can’t give up too much ground.”
“We can afford more than you can expect.” The prince said with his usual grin. “You’ll find getting it back a lot easier once Ajax and Aurexion join us.”
The camp turned into a flurry of activity over the next three hours as the champions departed and everyone was getting ready to retreat further while also being ready for an attack.
“Your Highness, our scouts spotted movement.” one of the commanders of the elite soldiers reported to the prince. “The fighting should start within the hour.”
“Let's see if we can’t prolong that.” The prince whispered to himself as he dismissed the commander reporting before he and the rest of Gryndor’s champions moved in range to monitor the approaching army.
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“High General, forces one and two are moving to engage.” A raven beastkin reported the intimidating tiger beastkin.
“What? Who gave the order?” The high general wasn’t pleased by the news as he had a sneaking suspicion he knew who it was that gave that order.
“The prince did, my lord.” The commander reported.
“What is that boy thinking?” The high general was more than aware that the prince was no longer a boy yet when he pulled stunts like this it was difficult not to think of him as such.
“There has been a report of the two Republic champions leaving the camp.” The commander ignored the rhetorical nature of the high general’s question and instead provided context.
“What?! The high general was surprised by the news. “Get me the twins here now.”
A number of questions were going through the high general’s mind as he processed the news. Why would the Republic be relocating two of their champions from the army that had the least number of champions already? Were they giving up on the entire region? Were they trying to sacrifice Gryndor’s champion as a ploy to get the other nations to send more support?
Secretly the high general very much hoped it was the second scenario as the Republic would be in for a big surprise. Unfortunately both of those scenarios seemed a lot less likely than what he believed to be the reason for the champion’s departure.
“You called for us, old man.” Two wolf beastkin, a man and a woman appeared. Both of them were champions and both of them were still sporting some wounds from their last fight over a week ago but they had mostly healed.
“You’ll be joining me as we head to join the prince.” The high general waved with his claw for them to follow him as he started heading towards the supply tent.
“Won’t we be seen long before we get there?” The female champion asked.
“The rest of our support forces will be staying here, it's just the three of us that will be going.” The tiger beastkin clarified and he entered the supply tent and motioned for the officer on duty to grab what he needed.
“We’re making a move on Gryndor?” The male wolfkin licked his lips in anticipation. “Is that smart?” From the tone of the last question it showed that while he didn’t think it was a good move it was one he was excited about.
“I think the prince is walking into a trap set by the Republic when they moved their two champions.” The high general explained as the three of them departed the camp, their travel speed was high enough that they should be able to make it to the battle in less than eight hours on foot. “I think the human prodigy and his dragon are about to rejoin the war.”
Those words sent a shiver down the back of both wolf beastkin as despite not having seen the dragon or his bond yet both of them had heard how devastating the pair had been, especially in their last fight.