The peace on the Palinkabakama continent has been maintained for nearly a hundred years. Although the wolf clan dormant in the wild areas of the southeast still had conflicts with the alliance of kings from time to time, due to the alliance's strict defense and attacks, no large-scale war had occurred for a hundred years. In comparison, the pirates who have been wandering on the sea, although they are suffering from scabies, have also caused the alliance a lot of headaches.
I am not saying this just to show off to the pirates. No matter how unwilling they are, everyone can only admit bitterly that this is indeed the case.
Pirates are erratic on the sea, coming and going without a trace, waiting for opportunities to attack coastal areas and loot property and people. In the past long years, it is not that the Alliance of Kings has not imagined solving this stubborn problem on the continent once and for all. However, due to the inability to form a strong maritime force, many times they can only passively defend where pirates may come ashore, in order to block them on the coastline as much as possible.
Even if it is as powerful as Apodoli, it is no longer the first choice for pirates to plunder, but it cannot fundamentally eliminate pirate intrusion. Because, although Apodoli has a powerful army, he also has wealth that pirates covet.
The vast coastline of Apodoli is difficult to guard against, which is one of the reasons why pirates dare to take risks. The pirates were not stupid and never tried to penetrate deep into the hinterland and plains to fight the kingdom's soldiers. Most of them were in groups of one or two hundred people, and their movements were secretive. They took advantage of the dark moon and high winds to kill and set fire to loot villages and towns. Before the Guards cavalry arrived, they whistled away with the trophies they had obtained through despicable and cruel methods, leaving only the cavalry with no ambition to kill the enemy sighing on the coast.
In the nearly thirty years since King Savoul Orzin came to the throne, the chances of pirates daring to go ashore have become even slimmer. The young soldiers of the kingdom have almost forgotten that their ancestors had fought against cunning and evil pirates. I learned about the last battle from the mouths of those veterans. They always said regretfully: "If we caught up with that battle, we would never let them escape."
There are very few veterans who have fought against pirates. Although they have never failed in a battle, they still blush after hearing the words of the young warriors. Because, after all, they have never won. They all longed for a chance to prove themselves and wash away the shame of being warriors with a victory and the blood of pirates.
Apodoli's soldiers hated pirates and were equally eager to kill their enemies and achieve meritorious service. However, there are also many people who have doubts about this. They don't want to go into battle enthusiastically, but always achieve nothing and return to camp dejectedly.
The old guys were saying, "Trust me, boys. If you're a Guardsman, you won't see pirates wherever they come ashore. The name of the Guardsmen is like a whip on their asses. The pirates couldn't even catch up with the fastest wind. The only time I participated in the encirclement and suppression of pirates fifteen years ago was the result. If you want to make meritorious deeds, you have to think of other ways. At least I haven't yet I have seen Apodoli's soldiers kill a real pirate."
The young soldiers who were looking forward to the battlefield were all dejected after listening to the veterans' words. But he still asked unwillingly: "Why do we only attack them when we receive news of an attack somewhere? Do we train hard every day just to run behind them? Why can't we face them head-on on the coast? ?”
The veterans were overjoyed when they heard such silly things. "Do you think that our legion commander and several knight captains are not smarter than you? If that were the case, there would be no pirates long ago. Don't you know that the west and north of our country are adjacent to the sea, legion Even the fastest horse can take many days to run around the coast non-stop. There are countless places where pirates can land. Placing all the kingdom's legions on the coast is hard to guard against. If you are unlucky, even the shadow of the pirates will disappear. You won't see it. Forget it, young people, that's not something you should worry about."
Those soldiers who were full of vigor and eager to kill the enemy with their spears had no choice but to accept the advice of the veterans.
The soldiers of the Guards can no longer worry about how to prevent pirates from harassing and plundering Apodoli at the most correct place and time. As the head of the legion, Prince Mars and his knight leaders had to think about it.
What is unexpected is that the Guards have received orders to strictly guard the coast.
The news was sent back by a small merchant fleet risking their lives. They discovered traces of pirates while driving a caravan sailing ship out to sea. If not for a sudden heavy fog, they would never have been able to escape the fate of being discovered and pursued by pirates, and they would not have been able to bring back this important news.
Prince Mars had just returned to the camp after attending the royal meeting and immediately received a report from Captain Philo. He immediately summoned the captains of knights stationed in various places and his trusted captains, and held an emergency meeting in his tent.
There was a huge map placed in front of him, which detailedly marked the locations of the brigades of each legion. He stared at the twists and turns of the coastline, silent.
Several group leaders also remained silent. Everyone had the same idea. They were fed up with the pirates' cowardice, but there was nothing they could do. If you are not keenly aware of where pirates are landing in advance, it will be very difficult to stop them.
The commander of the Mars Legion crossed his arms on his chest, and his commanders held their breaths. He asked: "Is the news true?"
Captain Philo nodded solemnly and said: "Yes, Your Highness, it has been confirmed. The people who reported the report all have good credibility and reputation, and they are not people who are suspicious and make up random things after hearing the slightest hint of trouble. So, The news that they saw pirates is credible.”
He nodded and turned back to the map, then asked, "How many ships did they see?"
"Because in the heavy fog, they couldn't tell the exact number. What they saw was no less than ten large ships and more than twenty small ships."
He smiled and said: "Let's assume that there are ten large ships and twenty small boats. The big ship can carry one hundred and twenty people and the small boat can carry twenty people. Then there are at least a thousand pirates."
"Yes, Your Highness," said Vislak, the leader of the Thunder Knights. He is a dark and muscular soldier, known for his swiftness and bravery in combat. "If you take into account the enemy ships obscured by thick fog, the number of pirates may be twice or even three times more."
He nodded noncommittally. "Did anyone see the pirate flag?"
"Yes, Your Highness. They said that the flag on the pirate ship was embroidered with a three-clawed iron anchor and shark's fins. That is the flag of the pirate Babaya, nicknamed 'Black Shark'." Philo nodded and said .
He smiled. "Babaya? If what I heard is correct, he offended our country thirty years ago. Is he not dead yet?"
Porus, the leader of the Lion Knights, smiled and said: "Thirty years ago, it was the battle led by Commander Kadir. Velasquez and I were still ordinary soldiers under the prince's command, and Philo was just an ordinary soldier. Squadron Leader. Many years have passed, and I never expected to encounter the Black Shark Pirate Group’s ship again.”
Philo also smiled and said: "Although that time, under the leadership of Captain Reiano, we won the battle and severely damaged Babaya's pirate group. It was also one of the few direct confrontations with pirates. Of course, From then on, even in their dreams, they would wake up if they heard the name of the Guards."
He smiled and said: "I don't have the honor to personally participate in that great battle with you. But I have also heard many legends about that battle. It is said that Babaya suffered a serious injury in that battle. Injured. After that, he rarely appeared on the beach in Apodoli."
"Yes, Your Highness. If I don't offend you, Your Highness was not born yet at that time. It was your uncle who led us to kill the enemy - the commander of the Qadir Army at that time, who was several years younger than you are now, Your Highness. . And the one who killed and wounded the pirate leader Babaya was also the commander of the Qadir Army. However, Babaya should not have died. He was stabbed in the left rib by Prince Qadir with a sword, but he did not die. And after two After ten years of siege and suppression, although they have long been the public enemy of the mainland, they have not been completely eliminated.
He gathered some small groups of scattered pirates, and even established his own reputation among pirates. Instead, he became the most powerful pirate group. Some say that including the pirates who nominally obeyed his orders, Babaya's men totaled more than 20,000 people. Maybe not that much, but it is a troublesome force after all. This may be the reason why he dared to wander to our coast again. "
He sneered: "It's just wishful thinking. It seems that the lesson from thirty years ago still failed to hurt him. Everyone, I am looking forward to it - Babaya escaped with luck last time. This time let me complete my uncle It’s unfinished business. Now let’s see if he has the courage to go ashore.”
The three regiment leaders all looked at each other and smiled. They said: "In a head-to-head confrontation, the Guards will never take them seriously. They are not worthy of being our opponents at all. However, they are very cunning. In the subsequent attacks, They are all dispersed into several small teams, the largest of which does not exceed 500 people. Generally, a team only has one or two hundred people, or even only 30 or 50 people, and moves very quickly. Every time we get news, it is timely. It’s too late, they always get away with it. It’s really abominable.”
He also nodded and smiled: "This is what we are worried about. Although we were warned in advance this time, after all, the news was a few days ago. We don't know where the pirates are now, and we don't know if they are really there." Dare to launch another attack. When and where they will land, we are not even sure whether they are really going to land on the coast of Apodoli.
Or, simply passing by our coast, heading north or south, of which we know nothing. If the entire legion is pulled out early - regardless of whether this will be useful. At that time, when the army moved, the earth shook and the mountains shook, and the people and money were wasted. Just because we look like we are facing a powerful enemy will make us laugh at the pirates. And with such a huge momentum, it is bound to scare the snakes and make them give up their dream of landing. Once you let them go so easily, there will be endless troubles. "
He walked to the table and stared at the map in front of him and said softly: "If this 'black shark' really has the guts to land on our coast again, where will he choose?" He held his sword and pondered.
Philo pointed at the map and said: "On one side of the coast, there are many large and small villages, towns and cities. According to the greed and cunning of pirates, they will definitely choose a rich and prosperous place to attack, and they can escape quickly after they succeed. They must have calculated correctly. The town's security forces came to deal with the cunning pirates, but they were unable to do anything."
Velasquez smiled and said: "But in this case, we can't predict their actions at all. Because there are too many prosperous towns and villages in Apodoli."
He nodded and said: "We can neither take the lives and wealth of Apodoli subjects lightly, nor gamble with the noble reputation of the Guards. All soldiers are ordered to be fully armed and on standby at all times. At the same time, every five days on the coastline, Send a squadron to guard ten to a hundred miles away. Commander Philo, how many squadrons do we need?"
Philo exchanged glances with the other two regiment commanders and said, "Your Excellency, the regiment commander, if according to your planned arrangements, excluding those places with steep coasts, deep water and heavy waves that are not suitable for landing, each squadron will monitor and control a hundred miles of coast. We need at least twelve to fifteen squadrons. Even so, it is not certain whether such a force can cover that large area of coast without missing a beat. The gaps between each squadron are too large. Once they discover the pirates who have landed, or Under attack, it will be very difficult for the squadrons to take care of each other. Should we inform other regiments so that they can also prepare."
Mars turned around and looked at several Guards veterans in the camp. He sneered: "Even if you send nine squadrons, you have already given them a thumbs up. Now, I order: Any squadron that discovers pirates or is attacked shall be dismissed." The two neighboring squadrons must quickly send half of their troops to assist, and the two squadrons further apart should send one-third of their respective troops to rush to the rescue. The remaining troops should also maintain vigilance and search for the current area. Only when we are sure that we will not be invaded by pirates will we be allowed to abandon our defense zone and join the battle to eliminate pirates. And we will wait for the legion’s backup.”
Both Velax and Porus said: "This way we are indeed prepared." Philo just nodded and said nothing.
"Captain Velax, your division is stationed in place to protect the safety of the royal city. As for the other legions, there is no need to notify them. Nine squadrons are sent out at the same time. Isn't such a large enough formation? Porus Regiment Commander, send three squadrons from your regiment to monitor and guard the northwest coast. Commander Philo, your soldiers should pay attention to the central area, where the terrain is flat and is most conducive to the advancement and retreat of pirates. You must be more careful."
The three regiment leaders responded in unison: "As you command, Your Highness."
He waved his hand and continued: "Submit our battle plan to the Supreme Council. Let's all go back and prepare. All squadrons must be ready tonight and set off immediately. Also be careful not to alarm the residents along the way. After all, we are with the pirates. The battle is the responsibility of the Guards. In two days, the legion will also advance to the Houtangedan Plain area, and the legion camp will be stationed in," he pointed at the map, "Mazir Town."
He watched the generals of the Guards prepare for their respective tasks, and he called the leader of the Storm Knights.
"Captain Philo, first of all, I will not interfere with your implementation of my orders. I know very well that you have always been an outstanding veteran. Better than I could have imagined."
Philo nodded slightly and said: "I am just doing my duty, Your Highness. Thank you for your trust, I can do better."
He waved his hand and said: "Of course, I believe it. So, if I want to know which squadrons you plan to send, wouldn't it be considered an offense to the most respected veteran of the legion? Although I know that as the legion commander , I have this power. But I still don’t want to make you unhappy.”
"Of course." Captain Philo said happily. For a moment, he even had a vague insight into the young regiment commander's heart. "It's not that only indifference means trust without grudges. On the contrary, I'm very happy to see His Highness's concern for the Guards. Such a leader is what makes the soldiers admire and love them more. I have already thought about it. . First, I plan to send out Roscott’s Fourth Squadron.”
"Well, Roscott is a calm squadron leader. Like his father who retired from the army and is retiring at home, he is a trustworthy person in the Legion."
"There is also Durm of the 7th Squadron. He is also highly respected by the soldiers and appreciated by the leader of the Guards. His Highness will definitely feel at ease if he is assigned to guard the coast."
"Yes. Captain Durm is a brave warrior. Although he has not actually been on the battlefield, I also believe that he will not bring shame to his noble family. After all, his grandfather and father both served in He has occupied an eye-catching position at the king's round table. Then, who else are you going to send?"
After careful consideration, Philo made up his mind. He said: "Your Highness, I also plan to send out the First Squadron. The First Squadron has always been the symbol of the Legion and has won countless honors. It has also always been the one relied upon and most trusted by successive Legion Commanders."
Prince Mars remained calm, but Philo could see that he was not at peace in his heart. He said: "Captain Philo, are you sure you want to send out the first squadron? Isn't that the squadron of Glenn who just joined the Guards? Not long ago, he lived a bohemian life that was incompatible with the army. It's hard for me to imagine that he has adapted to life in the Guards.
He had no merit and only relied on the king's favor to become the captain of the most prestigious No. 1 Squadron. Commander Philo, have you ever thought about how your soldiers feel? In their minds, this is so unfair. Let such people lead your soldiers into the battlefield, leaving their life, death and honor in the hands of those they do not trust. Are you sure you want to do this? "
Philo solemnly replied: "Your Highness's words are not unreasonable. However, I also have my reasons for doing this. The lack of experience of the Guards cannot be a reason to despise a person. The peace of Apodoli for too long has made us a few Veterans who have experienced many wars are even more convinced that only on the battlefield can one learn to be a qualified commander. Like His Highness, I do not fully understand Grain. However, I see those convincing and excellent qualities in him.
Glenn had all the makings of a great squadron leader. I dare say that he will never be content with his current position. As long as he is given a chance, his future will be very bright. Yes, I can see that. As for him not having the support of everyone in the First Squadron, that's not what we should worry about. He knows what to do. "
If all the Guardsmen respect and respect their regiment commander, of course that includes Commander Philo. However, he is also the only person in the Guards who dares to remind or even oppose Prince Mars' decision at the appropriate time.
At least, that was the only one until Grein joined the Guards.
Prince Mars was still as calm as before. He was also used to Philo's occasional small offenses against him. If he didn't understand the most mature and virtuous commander in the legion, purely out of loyalty to the Guards and his sincere love for him, he might not be able to guarantee that he would not be angry every time.
He nodded expressionlessly and said, "Since you insist, I just hope you didn't see the wrong person."
He walked out of the tent, and in the dark night, torches lit up the night sky. His orders had been faithfully and carried out without hindrance by his generals and soldiers. In the calm military camp, the restlessness and excitement could not be suppressed.
He looked at the bright star in the northwest night sky and suddenly sneered. He murmured to himself: "Will this shark come? Babaya, do you dare to come? Grain, what will you do? I will watch you!"
