Chapter 104: Ivan Attacks and Adrian Prepare for the Future

Ivan stood at the head of the army. He saw the castle that installed dread into anyone who saw it. Towering thick walls that looked like they could withstand anything. Thousands of men lined them. Huge gates, reinforced with iron making it nearly impossible for anything to break through. Ivan looked back at his force. They stretch as far as the eye can see. He knew they had the men to take it but it was a case of how many would die in the process.

Ivan walked back. He had hoped his father would be here to help lead but the man was out of commission after his fight with Mansa. It was a crazy sight when Ivan first saw it. He had known his father as a great warrior who no-one could beat and yet he was put into such a state. Ivan knew that it was his job to take over. He had discussed with his advisors over and over about the plan. His father had been told the plans and agreed on them. It had all led to this. Reaching for his waist, he blew a loud horn that echoed throughout the lines of soldiers and equipment.

Harun stood atop the walls. He saw the gift that the Grand Prince had brought for him. 15 siege towers. Numerous trebuchets, ballistas and siege rams. Thousands of soldiers. Despite all this facing him, Haruns still believed they could defend. They had two levels of walls to be breached and as long as it wasn’t a total wipeout on the first set, then they had enough time to full back.

Harun heard the distant blow of the horn. It signalled the start of the war as the Principalities forces began to move. He watched as the siege equipment moved forward. He saw the piles of ammunition that had been prepared for them and knew he was in for a long wait before the conflict began.

That being said he also had his own plan. "PREPARE TO FIRE!" He turned behind him and as his own artillery pieces in the courtyard. The men below nodded, loading it with boulders. He watched as the siege equipment came closer before coming to a halt. "LOOSE!" Multiple shots flew over the castle walls, flying over the open field.

He watched as they fell slightly short, slamming and exploding into the ground. "TOO SHORT!" He called out, and the men nodded, reorganising themselves. Harun turned back to face his enemy and saw their own shots being taken. He watched as the tens of boulders flew towards him. He heard as they slammed into the walls below or the building behind. He watched as the distant ballista shot towards the towers holding his men. He saw as the large arrows lodged themselves into the thick walls.

It was an immense level of firepower, but Harun knew he had to have faith in the castle. It had been created to withstand and it had to do that. A second volley of shots took place and once more the same results happened. It was a terrifying sight, but Harun kept his calm. Getting the all-clear from his men below he nodded to himself.

"LOOSE!" His voice exploded across the courtyard as once more fire was returned. He watched it glide in the air. He held his breath watching. Finally, they began to fall. He watched as the Grand Prince’s men began to panic and move. He watched as then of them were hit directly and disappeared.

"A HIT! SWITCH AMMUNITION!" Harun called out quickly. He watched as the Grand Prince’s forces moved to reorganise themselves and get out of range. Volleys kept hitting them, not letting up even with the mass reorganisation, but Harun didn’t care. He looked down at the new ammo being set alight. The smell of oil spread in the air below and Harun smiled. He watched as they flew over him, five balls of fire gliding through the air.

Upon impact, a mass fireball was created as the floor set alight. Harun watched as the distant soldiers burned alive, throwing themselves to the ground or stripping in hopes of getting rid of the fire. Harun stood steadfast watching all this. He knew it was going to be a long while before either side made a move.

It had been a long day for Adrian. He had made all the conditions perfect for Alfred’s arrival. With Nasr confirmed dead he could really work up the people. Get them to despise his rule with no risk to himself anymore. First, it was the spread of rumours. Rumours of a new wave of recruitment. It would take a while for them to truly catch, but once they did the people, already tired of war, would get angry. Next, it was the preparations to cut off all the food to the city. He had received word that the Kingdom would arrive in a week. It would be a slow and gradual affair, but if he could by the time half the week is over, have the city almost empty of food, then the people would be able to live but completely disillusioned.

He summoned his people one final time. Adrian stood in Nasr’s office. It held the highest point of the Palace and overlooked everything. It was a room fit for a ruler. He could imagine the past when those who rule were strong sat up here, planning the future of their kingdom. He found it ironic that he was the one here now, planning its very destruction.

"I’m sorry for calling all of you here at such late notice, but as you all know, we are at the final stage. Many of you have been loyal to me for many years. I know, you know, that this loyalty isn’t out of some undying respect for me but personal benefit. I respect that. it why we have been able to stay under the radar for so long." Adrian’s words got small smiles from those around. He also smiled in response but quickly put on a stern face.

"That being said. Things will have to change now. I don’t expect loyalty to me, but if you wish to survive but also rise, it’s not a question for His Highness. We have already proven ourselves as competent allies and subordinates, but out of respect for all of you, I will give you the chance to move on. I will get the King to write any references or supply you with compensation that you need."

Adrian didn’t truly want to lose any of them but he knew that he had to offer a way out at first if he was to keep them tied to him. They had to know he treated them as equals. It was different for them with Alfred. He was king, they could never be his equals. Everyone looked at one another but didn’t move.

Ahmed was the first to walk forward, "You have allowed me to rise from a lowly servant in the service of a count to a man who tricks Kings and Sultans. I see no reason to stop now." Ahmed gave a polite bow and Adrian’s smile bloomed under his mask.

His assistant was the next, "I am your right hand. It is only right I stay with you." It was short but said enough. Following all others said the same. They had a variety of reasons. Some still enjoyed the personal gain they achieved when working for Adrian, whilst others held true loyalties to him after so many years. No answer was upsetting to him. He wanted all of them to stick by his side, even if it was for selfish reasons.

Adrian nodded hearing the last talk, "Thank you all. You will soon be put into contact with the old snake of the Kingdom. Never look down on this man. You have talents and skills, but this man embodies all of you at once. He is the most dangerous man in the Kingdom." Adrian gave a serious warning, his voice holding fear and respect in it. " He only wishes to see your loyalties and skill. Nothing too dangerous."

"That being said, I do not know what His Highness has planned for me yet, but I assume he will keep me here for the time being. I know the Sultanate better than anyone alive and am the only one who can have its working run smoothly after the invasion. We know what we have to do. You’re all dismissed." They all gave polite bows to Adrian before leaving the office. Adrian once more looked out the window. He took off his mask and stared at his reflection in the mirror.

He no longer felt anger when looking at his disfigured appearance. They had all died or were about to. He had gotten his revenge. It didn’t matter anymore. All he had to do now was faithfully follow. Looking past his reflection at the city below he thought about his old ambitions. He had once pictured himself sitting on the throne. Overthrowing the Sultane and taking its place, but he knew it was impossible.

He had the skill to take the seat, but he didn’t have the ability to rule. He wasn’t like Alfred who could inspire loyalty with his appearance alone, nor Snowid who inflicted overwhelming dread and respect into his vassals to keep them in line. He only had his brains. He didn’t have anything else. It wasn’t enough. No one would truly respect him if he sat on it.

Despite his failed ambition, he held no regret. He learnt other ways to rule. One which didn’t require a crown or throne. He was content if his name was never known. He was satisfied knowing it himself.