Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 359: Request for help

Chapter 359: Request for help

Alpheo placed the letter down on the desk, its edges curling slightly from the tension of his grip moments before. He leaned back, his chair creaking faintly under his weight, and scratched his chin thoughtfully, his fingertips brushing against the faint stubble growing there, he liked to have his face cleans as such he always shaved at least once a week, not that much grew there anyway, perhapse in the future he would grow a beard, he still did not know.

The room was silent except for the soft tap of his fingers against his jawline. His gaze lingered on the letter. After a moment, he leaned forward again, the chair creaking once more as he reached for the paper.

Sliding it back into his hands, he unfolded it carefully, smoothing out the creases. His eyes traced over the words once more

I trust this letter reaches you in good health, though it pains me deeply to deliver such disheartening news. The battle between the rebel forces led by Inor and the Herculeian army commanded by the prince's son, Arnold, has concluded in a resounding defeat for the rebellion.

The rebels,had chosen to entrench themselves upon a fortified hilltop, constructing rudimentary defenses of stakes and ditches designed to neutralize the Herculeian cavalry's feared mobility. It was a strong position, and their strategy was sound. The Herculeian forces arrived late in the afternoon and, wisely, opted to encamp for the night, intending to engage in full battle the following day.