Iron Powder and Spellcaster

Walk, camp, rest, walk...day after day.

The exhaustion and boredom of marching can be glimpsed through Winters’ records:

On the first day, while walking along the south bank of the confluence river, crows pecked at floating corpses, but nothing happened.

On the second day, as we continued eastward, the weather turned colder and nothing happened.

On the third day, we walked across the river at Alpad, but the water was up to the horses' knees. We set up a fort on the north bank of Tushe Field, but nothing happened.

On the fourth day, the march continued without incident.

On the fifth day, we marched without incident.

On the sixth day, nothing happened.

No records were written on the seventh, eighth, and ninth days.

On the night of the tenth day, Bud, Andre, and Mason quietly sneaked into Winters' military tent.

Under the dim light, several people began to piece together the small maps into a large incomplete map.

If you want to see a small scale map of Legion, they are not level enough.

Fortunately, their immediate boss was John Jessica. Lieutenant Colonel Jessica was accustomed to giving large-scale tactical maps to his subordinates to illustrate and explain the terrain.

The map is the route.

After watching for a long time, Andre came to the conclusion: "We are heading northeast."

"Nonsense, the key point is why go northeast?" Mason propped his chin and unconsciously rubbed his stubble with his thumb.

"The River Styx, it's all because of the River Styx." Winters was so sleepy that he yawned. He pointed to the open space outside the map and said: "The pontoon bridge is gone, so we can only go upstream and find a narrow place to cross the river."

Andre also yawned. He stood up and stretched his stiff muscles, and asked impatiently: "How far do we have to go to get back to Plato?"

Winters raised his hand slightly.

"call out."

"call out."

Two tiny cracks in the air.

The small circle representing [Bian Li] on the map has an extra steel nail, and another steel nail flies into the ground outside the drawing.

If you are an unfamiliar officer, you may think that Winters is showing off your skills when you see this scene.

But several people in the military tent knew that Winters was trying to force his spirit.

The more tired he becomes, the more frequently he uses magic outside of combat.

The phantom pain made the groggy Winters wake up slightly. He held his forehead and whispered: "From Styx Camp to Bianli, I remember that we walked for eighteen days when we came."

Bud thought for a moment and replied: "Yes, it's eighteen days."

"Eighteen days, considering the marching speed of the baggage train, I would rather count more than less, so it is 200 kilometers."

"almost."

Winters found paper and pen, and said as he wrote: "After the Styx River, there is no man's land, another 100 kilometers. Add it up, it's 300 kilometers."

"Just calculate it as 300 kilometers, there is no need to be so precise." Mason also picked up the rope ruler and started measuring with the help of Bud.

Mason and Bud were in charge of measuring, Winters was in charge of accounting, and Andre was in charge of watching the fun.

Several people finally concluded that they are still about 210 kilometers away from Matoupo Town and about 98 kilometers away from the Styx River.

"It's not that far." Andre estimated optimistically: "Twenty days?"

The other three people all turned their attention to the river that was not within the scope of the map, but was right there - the River Styx.

It is 210 kilometers, and the journey by force will not take more than four days. If you have a spare horse, it can be faster.

But marching is not a horse race. The problem is not the distance, but the terrain.

Rivers, hills, and swamps are just minor troubles when they come, but they are roadblocks when they leave.

The other roadblocks are relatively easy to deal with, but Kurvalea - River Styx is the key.

The Jessica Brigade came along the supply route, which was the theoretically shortest route.

Because the Platuan people plan the supply line in a simple and crude way: the shortest line segment between two points, use a charcoal pen to draw a straight line on the map to Bianli and Matoupo Town, which is the supply route in principle. The actual route is based on this straight line. correction.

The intersection of the supply line and the River Styx is where a pontoon bridge once existed.

Although that intersection was not the best location, relying on early reconnaissance and planning, well-trained engineers, and a large number of prefabricated components, the Platoan army was able to build bridges in locations that were not suitable for bridges.

But what was possible at that time does not mean that it is possible now. The retreating Plato army did not have as much room as when it came.

Several centurions guessed exactly the same: the original pontoon bridge was destroyed, and with the existing resources alone, the Plato engineers were unable to build another pontoon bridge of the same size.

Therefore, the Plato army must go upstream to the crossing point where the water is shallower and narrower.

Then you have to take a detour.

"I don't know." Winters shook his head and said, "Where is the bridge? We don't know. Are there any pursuers behind? We don't know either."

"It's annoying!" Andre complained loudly: "Hiding it, not telling us anything, we have to guess it ourselves!"

Winters also couldn't hold back his anger: "It should be reported to some extent. If you don't say anything, it will make people panic."

What Andre complained about was the Plato army, but in fact the Veneta army was almost the same.

To prevent leaks and panic, operational intentions and intelligence were strictly sealed. Never inform the next-level officer until the last moment.

Most of the time, soldiers go into battle without knowing the ins and outs.

Military maps are even more secret among secrets.

Going back thirty years, drawing maps and charts was still theoretically the prerogative of the clergy, because "mortals have no right to depict the world created by God."

The Palatine Army stipulates that centurion-level officers are not allowed to use or consult small and medium-scale military maps, but they can consult and use large-scale tactical maps.

But in actual operation, the centurion couldn't see any map at all - there was no need for the centurion to perform strategic maneuvers anyway.

The reason why Winters and others have maps is because Lieutenant Colonel Jessica drew them for them.

As for drawing maps for his subordinates, Jeshka was the only one in the Plato army.

"It should be kept secret." Bud said something fair, and he started to pack up the map: "The meeting is over, let's go back and have a rest."

The oil lamp was extinguished.

In the darkness, Andre's indignant voice could still be heard: "Walking, walking, walking, there is nothing but walking every day. I don't know where it will take us, so why don't we have some Hurds to entertain us."

His wish came true.

On the eleventh day, Jessica's brigade encountered Hurd's light cavalry.

Few people saw the figure of Hurd Cavalry, but most people heard the clear sound of gunfire.

As soon as the sentry's trumpet sounded behind him, several Dussac at the end of the team immediately jumped on the saddle and ran towards the source of the gunfire.

As the nearest officer, Winters was the first to arrive at the end of the team. He could only see the backs of several Dussac getting further and further away.

"Who is going?" Winters asked sharply.

"Mr. Mitchell." A Wolf Town militiaman replied: "And Vasya, Dusak from their tent has gone."

Andre arrived quickly with more than two dozen Dusak.

"What's going on?" Andre asked.

"The bugle went off, and I don't know anything else," Winters replied.

During the conversation, Pierre and others had crossed the hillside and were out of sight.

"Don't be stupid!" Andre swung his riding crop and ordered loudly: "Go over and take a look! Follow me!"

Before he finished speaking, Andre took the lead and rushed towards the hillside. The other Dusaks did not hesitate and urged their horses to follow.

Lieutenant Colonel Jessica was the third officer to arrive on the scene.

The lieutenant colonel's single eye scanned the surrounding areas and saw nothing but desolation. He asked Winters in a deep voice: "Hurd?"

"I don't know." Winters shook his head: "Second Lieutenant Cellini just brought someone over."

"No more than a few sentinels at most. Let your people continue walking without stopping."

The sound of hooves rumbled from far to near as the cavalry squadron assigned to the vanguard galloped over.

The hussars passed by the Jezka Brigade at lightning speed and headed straight for the hillside behind.

"Kill all the Hart barbarians!" some militiamen shouted at the hussars.

Logically speaking, his voice should be completely drowned out by the sound of horse hooves.

But the cry reached the hussar's ears.

A hussar took off his beautiful uniform hat and waved at the militiamen of the Jessica Brigade, as if to say, "Look at us."

The ranks of the militiamen suddenly burst into cheers.

Lieutenant Colonel Jessica sighed softly: "You will live and die... You will live and die."

"What did you say?" Winters didn't hear clearly.

"It's nothing." Lieutenant Colonel Jessica glanced at Winters and ordered: "Let your people continue walking. There is no need to prepare for defense. The Herds will not catch up so quickly."

Winters nodded and used the loudspeaker to give an order to his team: "Continue to march! No staying!"

The hussars in gorgeous military uniforms also disappeared behind the hillside. The leading troops had no time to wait for them and continued to move forward resolutely.

About an hour later, a cavalry figure appeared again behind the Jashka brigade - it was the Palatine cavalry.

"Five people." Pierre led three horses and reported to Winters: "They were all killed."

"Well done. You captured these two horses. You can keep them for yourself."

Pierre saluted and turned to leave.

Five Hurd's light cavalry crashed into the Jashka brigade and were all killed.

As for Plato, only the sentry rider who fired the gun and the six Dusaks who arrived first actually participated in the battle, while the others followed behind to eat ashes.

The hussars pursued for some distance, but soon withdrew.

Andre chased after him, but in the end he didn't get anything, and he only got angry.

After he came back, he complained to Winters: "The Huds are like rabbits, five of them run separately. The boy Pierre chased two of them alone. I was afraid that he would suffer a loss, so I followed behind. What happened to that boy?" I don’t know how to give one to me!”

"The Herd sentry has already reached us, and the large army will not be far away from us." Winters gently stroked Qiang Lun's mane, and he heard clearly now: "You will live or die... after being pushed to In this position, it’s only life and death..."

"Eh? What? Did you hear what I said...I'm talking about Mitchell!"

…

Twenty kilometers southwest of the vanguard, on a hillside.

Regardless of cavalry, infantry, or engineers, all the officers of Plato's army were present, and the two generals were surrounded by the officers.

"Great! Terdun, Haidong, and Suz are all here! The rest are just odds and ends, not worth mentioning! Just in time for a good fight!" General Arpad laughed and put his hand into his breastplate I wanted to touch the wine bottle, but I didn't touch anything.

Arpad shook his hand with some discomfort and said with high spirits: "We still have to fight, otherwise we won't be able to leave. We need to give him a hard blow and knock out the front teeth of the Hurd Barbarian so that they can figure out who is the hunter." , who is the prey.”

"General Arpad and I have discussed it." Sackler spoke at a steady pace and spoke clearly: "The situation now is very similar to when we were outside Bienli City. If we don't repel the pursuing troops, even if we want to retreat, we will not be able to retreat. We can’t escape. The only ones biting behind us are the vanguards of the Hud tribes. This battle can be fought."

Sackler pointed to the river valley and woodland in front of him: "This is very good, let's start a battle with the Huds here."

…

Thirty kilometers west of where Plato's army was located, several men were arguing in the Chinese army's tent on the east side of the sea.

The Chinese military tent in the eastern part of the sea is extremely simple, even simpler than the Palatine officer tent.

If a Platuan walked into this place, he would be disappointed.

Because there are no such extravagant and corrupt things as the gold wine cups, silver chopping boards, and beauties in vulgar clothes that are common in the imagination of the majority of Plato people.

There wasn't even a table or stool in the felt tent.

There was a woolen blanket on the floor, and about twenty men were sitting on the floor, forming a circle regardless of their rank.

[Note: The following conversation is in Khedic]

Suddenly, the curtain of the felt tent was opened, and a beam of light shone into the tent, blinding people.

Two men with similar looks walked into the felt tent.

The man who came in first was tall and walked steadily and firmly.

His bones were as solid as hammered lead, he had thick-knuckled hands, and calm brown eyes.

The men who came in late contained a kind of enviable vitality in their bodies, which was called the magic of youth: no matter what injuries they suffered, they would heal after a sleep; no matter what setbacks they encountered, they would be able to crawl away after wiping away their tears. stand up.

Other men in the felt tent also had this kind of magic: they were not afraid of falling, not afraid of bleeding, crying hard, laughing hard...but that was all in the past.

Now, every move they make is done with care, as each wound takes a long time to heal.

Every time they opened their eyes, they could feel that there was less life force in them than the last time they opened their eyes.

Time brings wealth and brings power, they comfort themselves in this way.

But they know very well: bullshit! I would like to switch and become young again.

So they look at the young men with jealousy—jealousy that they won't admit.

The young man also has a pair of brown eyes. The brown eyes are like two awls, shining brightly under the short and even eyebrows.

The two men walked into the tent, and the tent suddenly became quiet.

The noisy men were blushing and pursed their lips tightly, waiting for the owner of this place to break the silence.

"Mighty white lion, you are finally here." An old man with gray beard and gray eyes stood up and hugged the white lion enthusiastically: "I and the leaders of the tribes are waiting for you."

The "gray eyes of wisdom" white lion also embraced the old man warmly and gave him a golden eagle statue: "I give this eagle spirit to you. May your eyes always be as sharp as an eagle."

The old man accepted it with a smile.

Afterwards, the white lion hugged and gave gifts to each leader in turn.

Giving gifts is an important custom among the Hed people. The gifts are of no importance, but of course the more expensive the better.

The more precious the gift, the higher the status of the giver and the more important the recipient.

After the entire process was completed, the white lion also sat in the circle. The young man following him - his brother Little Lion - was sitting next to him.

Sitting in this circle means that you can say anything.

As soon as Bai Shi opened his mouth, it was like lighting up a whole gunpowder storehouse: "I want the women and cubs of the Chihe tribe that were kidnapped by the tribes to be returned."

Others' reactions were either dull, angry, or interested, and they all wanted to speak.

"Don't speak yet, I haven't finished speaking yet." White Lion continued: "Women with children must be handed over by all tribes; women with husbands and brothers must be handed over by all tribes; and the remaining women must be handed over by all tribes. , the tribes can take it away."

[Note: The brother here refers to the husband’s brother]

A leader with broad shoulders and round waist spoke: "White Lion, let me ask you. If a piece of gold falls to the ground, who should it belong to?"

"Healthy eaters, I answer you, whoever robs it will own it."

"A group of women ran into the wilderness, and whoever took it would return it. The tribes attacked each other. Today you take a sheep from me, and tomorrow I will take a cow from you. Whoever can take it will return it to the one who takes it away. They can only take it back, but not give it back. "

"That's the case." Bai Shi sat upright solemnly: "I've already started to snatch it."

As soon as these words came out, the expressions of nearly half of the leaders changed.

"Have you already started to rob it?" The healthy eater suddenly became furious.

"That's right."

The other leaders watched the confrontation between the two in silence.

"You want to start a fight?"

"If you don't give it to me, I'll hit you."

"The Two-Legged Man is to the east!"

"So what? The tribes are fighting each other, and whoever can take it away will get it."

"The Two-Legged Man is just to the east, and you're robbing me?"

"The Two-Legged Man is on the east side, you didn't rob me?"

Gray Eyes laughed loudly and comforted the two of them: "The strong white lion! The eloquent white lion! They are just a few women, healthy eaters, please return them. Where are the fire-warmers?"

"The fire-warmers are robbing people."

"Did you hear that? Just return the women of the Chihe Tribe. The tribes are not gathering here to attack each other."

Teldun and Haidong voted in favor, and the nervous little lion relaxed a little.

"The tribes will hand back all the women and children of the Chihe tribe, and I will give you my share of the spoils as a gift in return."

"Okay." The healthy eater also nodded.

Suzi also voted in favor,

Everyone clapped their hands and swore an oath, and the matter was settled.

The purpose of discussions in the Hird's tent is to resolve the most acute conflicts.

Therefore, it is common for the leaders of the tribes to say whatever they want, grab their clothes and shake their fists, but they cannot kill people.

After leaving the felt tent, you can fight or kill as you like.

There was silence in the tent for a while, and then the owner of this place, Haidong Khan [Grey Eyes], said: "Chiefs of the tribes, please listen to me. The body should have a mind, and the clothes should have a collar. This is good."

This was a serious matter, a major matter, much more important than a few women. The heads of the tribes all pricked up their ears.

"This is not a big council, and you and I are not electing the Great Khan, but we are electing a war leader to lead you and me to defeat the two-legged people. The tribes are like the arrows, scattered one by one, each An arrow is easy to break. If you and I can work together, it will not be easy for anyone to deal with you and me."

A single one is easy to break, but a group of them is difficult to destroy. Every Hed person has heard the story of the broken arrow, but it is easier said than done.

"You and I must elect a war leader. After being elected, we must hand over the power of life and death to him. Only in this way can we win the war. Otherwise, it will be like before, where the pasture turns green again and again, and the two sides The leg people have bullied you and me again and again. The borders of the tribes have retreated to the River Styx, do you and I still have room to retreat?"

Do you want to hand over the power of life and death? The leaders of the tribes hesitated.

Only the white lion looked calm.

Finally, he said seriously with gray eyes: "I'm too old, I can't lift a sword, and I don't choose. You choose someone else, and I hold a bow and ride a horse and follow him to the battlefield. Don't worry, you and I are not the ones who choose." Khan, just until I win this battle.”

The leaders of the tribes looked at the white lion.

White Lion said happily: "My subordinates suffered many casualties, and I don't choose either."

"Then what else is there to say?" The dieter said: "I don't choose the white lion, I don't choose the gray eyes..."

A series of rapid shouts interrupted the healthy eaters: "Khan! The Two-Leggs have sent an envoy!"

The gray eyes looked very strange. He stood up with one hand and walked outside the tent.

The other leaders followed suit and walked out.

"What do they want?"

"They want peace."

I'm sorry for missing a chapter. Expect to be repaid in one large chapter. The disadvantage of being a company dog ​​is that my efficiency is fine during the weekdays, but my efficiency plummets on weekends.

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Thanks to the brightest book friends Deneb, Luan Hao Niu, Book Friends 20201116143237600, Holding the CD and giving it away, Sengoku Nadeshiko, and Lihua Kongxiang for their rewards. Thank you all.