The Emperor and the Knightess

Chapter 35

“So what is your plan, Sir Poliana?” Donau asked.

“I am certain that this is where the ‘kelpie’ crossed the river, but it can’t be done now because it’s still summer. We will have to wait till fall when the water level is lower. We will check it then.”

Poliana took out the map and marked where they were standing. She murmured, “This might be it. We might be able to cross the river from this spot.”

“But only on a horse. The men won’t be able to cross it on foot, Sir Poliana.”

“I know, but his highness has more talented knights than me. I am sure one of them will be able to figure it out.”

“So for now, we have to wait till the water level becomes more acceptable, Sir Poliana.”

“Yes, but it won’t be too long. By the way…”

Poliana sighed deeply before continuing, “Donau, there is no need for you to suddenly address me so formally. Just act normally, as you have done before.”

“…You are so ungrateful.”

Lucius the First read the message sent by Poliana and took out his own map. He found the area Poliana mentioned and marked it.

The emperor wondered how he could use this information. The spot Poliana mentioned was about a one-hour horse ride from where the main Bebero military base was. Even if it was the right spot, it would not work if their enemy got ahold of what they’re planning.

There was a good chance this might not work but still, Lucius the First thought very highly of Poliana’s initiative. He now wanted to move her to a different department as soon as she returns. He knew that some of his men would be against the idea, but Poliana was too good to be left in the supply division.

The winds have quieted down and the water level was much lower. Finally, when the autumn arrived, Poliana and Donau entered the tent where the strategy meeting was taking place.

Their boots were covered in dirt and mud, making everyone around them frown. Sir Ainno was about to kick them out, but Lucius the First stopped him. He turned to Poliana and Donau, who looked like they were deathly tired.

The emperor said to them, “Hmm… I see that your journey was a difficult one.”

“We apologize, your highness, for not cleaning up first. But if we don’t report our findings now, we were afraid we might fall asleep and not wake up for days.”

Donau, Poliana, and even the horse looked like they were about to drop. Poliana walked up to the table and pointed at the map. The map was already marked with the area she mentioned in the message.

She reported to the knights that it was possible to cross the river. In fact, she has done it herself. There was one path in the river that had much shallower water level than the rest of the river. An armed knight on a horse could cross it without drowning. The path was surprisingly not slippery and as long as they avoided a few spots where the ground would drop suddenly, crossing the Koemong river was possible.

To make sure, Poliana and Donau tried crossing the river many times to the point that they had to borrow a horse from the villagers.

Lucius the First ordered them, “I will allow you to take a seat. You look like you need a break.”

Both Poliana and Donau collapsed onto their seats while Lucius the First returned to the topic on hand. Sir Bentier began to explain his plan, “This time, we should cross it early in the morning.”

The water level would be lower at that point and once they’ve crossed the first half of the river, their men could walk for the rest of the way since they would just be treading on sand. All they needed to accomplish now was to cross at least half of the river without being noticed by their enemy and by that time, it would be too late for Bebero. Sir Bentier’s plan was simple. The men should carry the boat to the river, cross halfway, then walk the rest of it while pushing on the boat.

The emperor contemplated. This strategy was going to be very difficult for the soldiers to carry out. Would they be able to carry the boat halfway across the river and fight their enemy after? What if they get attacked? Would they be able to cross it, push their boats and defend themselves at the same time?

Sir Bentier was known for being meticulous and careful, yet his plan sounded too risky. It was probably because there was no other way.

When Lucius the First voiced his concerns, all the knights answered, “Your highness, your men are stronger than you think! They can do this!”

What an over-confident bunch of people! The emperor knew he indeed had strong soldiers, but he was still concerned. What if the Bebero army rained some fire arrows on them?

When he asked this question, Sir Bentier answered, “We covered our shields with leather. We can discard any arrows that reach the ships onto the water. If all the men hold up their shields and move as one, we should be safe. Sir Rabi and I will be there to supervise.”

“Inno, you should go as well.”

“Your highness, please. I must stay by your side.”

“No, Inno. You must go as well. This battle is going to take everything we have, so you must go as well. If your presence can save even one more of our men’s lives…”

Lucius the First still seemed uncertain about Sir Bentier’s plan, which wasn’t much compared to their previous ones. It wasn’t really a strategy but more of a sacrifice. It wasn’t that he considered this strategy before, but he discarded it because he knew it would cost too many lives.

And even if his men crossed it successfully, they will be stuck with Bebero’s soldiers in front of them and the river behind them. The emperor was concerned, but Sir Bentier seemed very confident about it. He then explained to Lucius the First, “Your highness, our men had plenty of rest during the spring and the summer.”

But the truth was, the Acreian soldiers did not stay idle during this time. They made multiple attempts to cross the river, strengthened the dock and its base area, and they’ve built a wooden fence as well. They even helped the locals in their hunts.

Suddenly, the tent was filled with men arguing. They each had different ideas and plans for this battle. Lucius the First allowed a moment of free speech and sharing of ideas in this tent and once he did, the knights continued to argue loudly among themselves. It was especially worse because the tent was filled with young men. Most of them were good friends, so when they became excited, they argued informally even in front of the emperor.

Poliana, rubbing her tired eyes, stood up slowly. After getting permission to speak from the emperor, she made a suggestion as she pointed at the map. “Your highness, how about if you send your brave knights through this way?”

Bebero did not build any defenses on the crossable river area found by her. This meant that if the knights on their horses crossed it and got inside of the Bebero’s military base, they could defeat their enemy quickly and efficiently without sacrificing their infantry.

Poliana requested the two best Acreian knights for this job.

Sir Ainno and Sir Bentier.

Only

When their names were called by her, odd expressions appeared on their faces.

Lucius the First warned her, “It’s too dangerous. The horses cannot see very well in the dark. Besides, Sir Poliana, you are the only one who knows the way.”

Suddenly, Donau kneeled in front of the emperor and announced, “Your highness, I know it as well. If you will allow me, I will accompany Sir Poliana and become their guide.”

“Perfect, then we have a plan. Rabi, you will lead the foot soldiers across the river with the ships while Bentier and Inno will take the knights via the path Sir Poliana found. I will supervise the archers myself.”

The emperor then gestured to Sir Baufallo, who sighed and handed him a sword. Lucius grabbed it and announced to Donau, “As I promised, you are now my knight, Donau. Accept this sword and swear your loyalty to me and this kingdom.”

Donau, with his eyes tearing up, kneeled and did as he was bid. Sir Baufallo clapped although his face looked grim.

Donau was so tired that when he tried to stand up, he almost fell. Poliana helped him even though she herself felt like fainting. The knights in the tent glared at her angrily.

The next day, Lucius the First visited the area Poliana discovered and after examining it, he announced, “We will build a bridge here.”