Broken Dragon Fortress was built on the northern plain at the junction of Star and Exeter. The main body of the fortress is located on a high ground, only a few hundred meters away from the border between the two countries stipulated in the "Fortress Peace Treaty".
The Third Continental War more than three hundred years ago created the legend of Sara, Kaipeng and Midir, the "Three Heroes" of Western mankind. But after the war, the relationship between Exeter's hero Sara and the stars
The breakup of friendship and brotherhood between the two Oathkeepers Midir, which made countless historians and bards sigh with regret, also brought about the rebellion between the two countries, the Dragon and the Star.
So on the border between the two countries, the Broken Dragon Fortress—a building with both political significance and military purposes was born. Twelve years ago, the famous "Fortress Peace Treaty" between Xingchen and Exeter was here.
Signed.
The northern plain that stretches for several miles is the only place between the two countries where they can bypass the snow-covered needle forest and send a large number of troops to the border. However, the defenders of Broken Dragon Fortress can attack any enemy on the plain who comes from the Exeter side and exceeds the limit.
The team of ten people can be seen clearly; on one side of the star, the Cold Castle of the Arlend family and the watch city of the Zemuto family are in the southwest, and the lonely old tower of the Fores family is in the east.
They can rush to the fortress at any time. If any castle is in danger of falling under siege, the Broken Dragon Fortress can also give a timely warning.
Broken Dragon Fortress is not an isolated fortress. It is composed of the largest and strongest star-shaped fortress on the highlands, eight medium-sized fortresses guarding the surrounding areas to protect each other, and twelve simple outposts farther away. To attack
Going down to the Broken Dragon Fortress means rushing through countless ditches and horse resistance, removing the crossbow threats in the eight medium-sized fortresses one by one, and then following the only three narrow slopes to the main body of the fortress, braving the star-shaped protrusions.
The bombardment of magic energy guns on the wall launched an siege against the fortress wall more than ten meters high in the limited terrain.
If the army bypasses the fortress and goes directly south to an important town in the stars, then this fortress, which can accommodate ten thousand people, has sufficient supplies, and can attack at any time, will instantly become a major threat like a thorn in the back.
When the forty-one-year-old Charmaine Lombard, the Grand Duke of the Black Sand Territory of Exeter, looked up at this easy-to-defend and difficult-to-attack giant on the north side of the fortress in the moonlight, the Broken Dragon Fortress gave him a particularly strong sense of threat.
strong.
Ever since he fought a fair duel with his brother in front of his father and the entire family twelve years ago, and pierced his heart with a sword to win the inheritance of the Black Sand Territory, Charmaine Lombard's ambition has grown uncontrollably.
For example, taking the glory of the co-king king into the arms of the Lombard family, turning the royal capital of Exeter into the Black Sand City, or bringing the northern territory of the stars under its control, allowing the ancient northern territories scattered in the two countries to be restored.
Become one.
The Grand Duke himself wore a thick robe, lined with heavy chain mail, and rode on a strong northern horse. The knights behind him held flags with an iron fist pattern representing the Lombard family painted on them. Not far behind them, densely packed troops were stationed.
In the military camp, from time to time, small groups of sentries or infantry units who received tasks would leave the camp and cross the border without caring.
A strong and heroic gray-helmeted knight, Lord Tuleha, one of Exeter's "Five Warlords", galloped from the front, reined in his horse in front of Lombard, and bowed respectfully on his horse.
Lumba nodded expressionlessly.
"Whether it's caravans, hunters, supplies, or the opponent's patrols, we have cleared them all and set up patrol scouts. If Arlend and the other two families from Cold Castle come to help, we will know immediately..." Gray
The knight in the helmet, Tuleha said solemnly: "Do you really want to attack?"
"Of course! We have more than 13,000 troops, including light cavalry scouts, heavily armored knights, elite light-armored axemen and two-handed heavy swordsmen, enough archers, and we have also prepared magic guns, sling crossbows and other siege equipment.
"The one who answered him was a knight in plate armor behind the Grand Duke of Lombard - the Grand Duke's supporter and number one vassal, Count Levan: "We have an advantage in both quantity and quality. It is easy to defeat them!"
"That was a field battle - but as long as they stay huddled in the Broken Dragon Fortress for a day, it will be difficult for us to win easily." Tuleha shook his head: "Since the last fall, they have strengthened their fortifications. I suspect they have destroyed half of the country.
We are equipped with magic guns and city-defending crossbows...Forcibly attacking the city will only bring huge casualties."
and.
Tuleha thought secretly in his heart: As long as those two people are still in Broken Dragon Fortress, even if they are facing a ragtag group of people, they still deserve to be extremely vigilant.
Count Levan, who was wearing plate armor, had a firm expression: "We have mobilized so many troops, it is impossible to return without success... If we can capture Dragon Broken Fortress, I think we can accept some casualties."
"Our enemy is not only the fortress, but also the weather..."
Several people turned their heads and saw the wise generals and counselors of the Grand Duke of Lombardy, Viscount Cambida coming from the rear on horseback: "The severe cold will come earlier than in previous years. It is not a good time to march. The delivery of supplies is not optimistic. Once the city is attacked,
It's not going well, the war is stalemate... If we wait until spring, we will be more confident about taking the fortress."
"It is precisely because of the lack of supplies that we have to fight quickly!" Count Levan still insisted: "Winter operations are our advantage! The Star People were hit harder by winter - it was at this time that we captured Twelve years ago
Fortress."
"That winter was the warmest in decades!" Tuleha shook his head solemnly: "And they were too busy to take care of themselves at that time. There were no reinforcements in the north, but we gathered the armies of seven archdukes."
"Besides, we won't be able to resupply on site until we break the fortress and move south."
The Grand Duke of Lombard slowly raised a hand to stop the argument among his three subordinates.
"What happened next?" The Grand Duke's voice was dull and hoarse, and it had the power to calm people unconsciously.
"His Majesty Nunn's envoy has arrived, and we can't hold him back for too long - after all, we are sending troops in the name of revenge for His Highness Morar." Viscount Cambida leaned over and bowed: "Furthermore, I heard that the Star Prince
On the way, will be there soon."
Lombard pondered and asked: "Olesiu of Welland and the Trudida family of Reconstruction Tower haven't responded yet? They are both the Grand Duke of southern Exeter, so they should have enough interests to send troops."
"They must have received the news from the Prince of the Stars," Viscount Cambida replied seriously: "Although they have the interest to swallow up the northern territory, their hesitation and hesitation will not be less than that of other Grand Dukes."
"We...I'm afraid we have to rely on ourselves."
Half a moment.
Grand Duke Lumba exhaled, looked at the Broken Dragon Fortress opposite, and sighed:
"On their own?"
"Sasere - that woman only has more than 800 people, but there are at least 300 elite veterans of the Star Legion among them. They are both good at galloping and strong soldiers in attacking and defending cities. You have fought against her, and you know it very well.
"
"Mu has just arrived with more than two thousand people. Although most of them are garrison soldiers who have never seen blood, that man is too terrifying. As long as there are five hundred loyal sword and shield soldiers who are not afraid of sacrifice, he can be on the battlefield.
Create huge trouble."
"There are also thousands of vassal troops arriving from the north. Although they have become separated from the fortress because of Arlend's imprisonment, and have even withdrawn most of them, Arlend's only daughter is still in the fortress. According to the scouts,
After checking, there are at least 500 people staying."
"Without the troops of other Grand Dukes, it will be very hard for us to take down Dragon Broken Fortress."
Grand Duke Lombard's words made the three of them silent for a while.
"Three thousand people are crowded into a fortress," Count Levan frowned: "With the poor supply level in the north, how long can they last?"
"That fortress was built to the standard of 10,000 people. It has enough reserves to last until the extreme cold." Viscount Cambida shook his head:
"With all due respect, as the siege party, our supply pressure is much greater than theirs - twelve years ago, the whole of Exeter was behind us, and now, because that damn prince is coming to apologize... we are with
Just like the northern border, it is isolated and helpless."
"In less than two weeks, the severe cold will be approaching," Tuleha also nodded, agreeing with General Zhi's words: "I don't recommend attacking by force until we have a good opportunity."
"When that prince arrives, we will no longer be able to send troops!" Count Levan said unwillingly: "In another ten years, the stars will slowly recover from their weakness, and other countries will also be freed from their own troubles.
,and……"
He paused.
If Nun VII does not survive until that time...
Exeter, maybe it’s time to choose the king.
"Are we going to give up this opportunity?" Count Lewan said bitterly.
None of the three spoke.
"No," Charmaine Lombard breathed out a breath of mist and stared at the fortress ahead: "We are Northlanders."
Lumba thought of his brother.
I remembered the look in his eyes as he held his sword with blood on his hands and died with a heroic laugh.
"Northlanders never wait for opportunities and never give up opportunities."
Grand Duke Lombard turned his head, his unsmiling face showing a chill that was colder than the weather:
"We create opportunities."
——————
The moon has set in the west.
Ahead is the Broken Dragon Fortress, its majestic star-shaped outline is already vaguely visible in the moonlight.
Thales looked at Sonia and Ada who were watching warily from a distance, then turned to Katerina, who was surrounded by the elite warriors of Broken Dragon Fortress, and behind her were two vampire warriors who were found only after the war.
"Are you sure you want to leave now?" Thales frowned and looked at Caitlina in front of him: "Maybe the Blood Magician is waiting on the way back."
Katerina still had that indifferent expression and shook her head: "Now is the best time to leave. At least the blood magician does not dare to stay too close."
"It's too risky," Thales said seriously: "You know, the Blood Magician came for the black coffin..."
"Believe me, since the Blood Magician has appeared and caused such a big trouble, someone will take care of her whereabouts and purpose...such as your secret department," Katerina said coldly:
"Although magicians are terrifying, there are still forces in the world that can restrain them."
"You mean the legendary anti-magic weapons?" Thales pondered, and said: "But after all, they are rare in number, there are only a few of them..."
"You are still young, and you don't know many secrets yet." Katerina's words made Thales scratch his head: "You only need to know that every time a magician appears in public, it is an adventure, and there will be many problems in the future.
A long period of silence and hiding - it’s not just the legendary anti-demon forces that threaten them.”
The two looked at each other for a second.
"Well, if you insist," Thales sighed: "You know, the Jiji around you have all died in the battle, and Serena may still be hiding in the dark, watching with eagerness. And after all, the person you are escorting is
Legendary anti-demon armed force..."
Thinking of Hestad and Simon, Katerina's eyes darkened, but then she raised her head.
"I long for the appearance of Serena," the Queen of Night showed a look of hatred: "As for the Dark Night Black Coffin-maybe many forces want to get a legendary anti-magic weapon, but please rest assured, there will be no one who understands its value and origin.
, except for the terrifying magician, absolutely no one has the guts to break into the black coffin of the dark night."
No.
Katerina secretly thought in her heart: Maybe except for those relatives who led the feast.
After all - guarding the Black Coffin of Dark Night is the oath of all the vampires.
Thales rolled his eyes: Is it another secret that he doesn’t know?
He nodded.
"Although our bad luck today is all due to each other, including blood debt, hatred and human affection, I still hope," Thales said seriously: "We don't want to become enemies. Of course, it is best not to see each other again in the future."
Cortrina looked at him steadily for several seconds.
It was so long that Thales raised his eyebrows.
"You know," Katerina said silently, "Maybe we can really become allies."
Thales' eyes widened.
"I heard what Serena said," the Queen of Night said calmly: "The pattern of the continent has changed. You are in contact with the Suye Dynasty, and Exeter has made good friends with Humble - since the stars are destined to be enemies with Humble, then we
There is a common enemy."
Thales frowned.
Almost forgot.
This is a queen.
"After we reach an alliance, we can win over the mer leader of the Misty Islands. In that way, it is not impossible to drive away the whaling ships of Humble and the Trade Federation, and turn the South Terminal Sea into our inland sea."
"Think about the eternal oil that was embezzled by Humble and the Trade Federation-"
"Please, because of your dear sister," Thales breathed out and shook his head with lingering fear: "I really have a deep fear of the word 'ally' now."
"For your own good and my own good, can we talk about this when I'm older?"
Katerina, who was inexplicably interrupted, was stunned for a moment, and her opened lips had no time to close.
Seeing those lips, Thales somehow remembered their taste.
Ahem.
Thales patted his head and drove away the messy thoughts.
He has enough troubles that he has no time to take care of himself.
The Queen of Night, who had always been unsmiling, suddenly raised the corners of her mouth slightly.
Thales was a little surprised - it was the first time he saw the unsmiling Cortrina smile.
"sorry."
Thales raised his eyebrows: "What did you say?"
Just listen to Katerina's slow voice: "When you stretched your neck over... my original plan was to suck all your blood dry."
Thales was shocked: "What?"
"After all, we have already forged hatred in the previous battle." Katerina replied with a cold expression and continued:
"As long as I deal with Serena, then go back and eliminate your other subordinates and clean up the traces," Thales' scalp trembled as he watched the Queen talk about how she wanted to suck him dry: "Except for Kevin Dill, no one will
Know why the Star Prince died."
Thales looked in disbelief.
Is this...the farmer and the snake...
"But you were very tenacious and did not die of blood loss as I expected."
Katerina said coldly: "So, my attempt to kill you failed - about this, I think you have the right to know."
Thales' expression changed several times. He felt the weakness in his body and touched the two closed holes on his neck. Then he raised his head and looked at Katerina with surprise and anger.
"You..." Thales frowned and said angrily: "And Serena... you are truly a pair of good sisters!"
But Katerina just looked at him faintly, her eyes complicated:
"No, please take my honesty as the sincerity of alliance - I have not concealed anything from you, nor do I intend to conceal anything from you, and this is something Serena, who has been acting her whole life, will never be able to do."
The Queen nodded slightly: "If this can ease your wariness... and lay a foundation of trust for our possible alliance in the future."
Tails was stunned for a moment and didn't know how to reply.
"You told me: you once wanted to kill me," he frowned, "and then said, this is your honesty and you hope I can trust you?"
"Don't you think something is wrong?" Thales said mockingly.
"I believe you are mature enough to be able to tell whether I am being fake or sincere," Katerina said calmly, "You know, I don't treat you like a child."
Thales was speechless for a moment.
But when he thought about the experience of almost being sucked dry, he couldn't help but feel angry.
"By the way, speaking of this," Thales snorted and said vengefully, "Hey, was that your first kiss?"
Katerina's pupils suddenly shrank.
Her expression turned cold instantly, and she said in a cold voice: "What did you say?"
Her purple pupils shot straight at Thales.
Under the Queen's murderous eyes, Thaleston felt his scalp numb.
It wasn't until he saw the soldiers and two extreme masters around him that he felt a little more at ease.
"I mean - some readers want to know, ahem, no - many people in the Eastern Continent seem to care about this. Therefore," Thales touched his head awkwardly: "I want to know if I have offended you.
This is a good place to apologize..."
"No, of course not," Katerina said coldly: "Do you think I'm some teenage girl who's just in love?"
"First kiss? Childish!"
"I have lived longer than all your ancestors combined!"
This sentence sounds familiar.
Thales shrugged and scratched his head in embarrassment.
Oh, an iceberg queen like you also has a first love?
He looked at Cortrina's cold face and stuck out his tongue.
Your first love, well, all I can say is...that guy is really miserable.
"Okay," Thales sighed, then raised his head and said seriously: "I wish everything goes well."
Never see you again - he added in his heart.
Katerina stared at him silently, then suddenly stretched out her hand to him and handed out a bracelet with two fangs strung on it.
The fangs look fierce and simple, with thin blood lines on them.
Like a souvenir from a past life.
Thales opened his eyes wide and looked at her doubtfully.
"This is the token of the Corleone family, the Blood Fang..." Her Majesty Katerina said sternly: "If you figure it out one day... take it and come to me."
"But alliance with immortal species is not a good reputation among humans after all... Before you make up your mind, please be sure to keep it secret from others. I suggest you keep this token personally."
Thales frowned, but finally he sighed and casually grabbed the fang bracelet.
I threw it away when I got back.
Thales thought to himself.
"Be careful on the road." He said silently.
"Take care, little Your Majesty Thales," Katerina nodded expressionlessly, turned around and walked towards her subordinates and the black coffin:
"Don't forget, this is our inland sea."
Thales rolled his eyes behind his back.
The next moment, the Queen of Night and her subordinates disappeared from sight together with the black coffin.
Thales sighed for a second, then turned and left.
At this time, the secret voice unique to the Vampire clan flew into his ears faintly:
"But that's true..."
"It's my first kiss with the opposite sex."
Thales was so excited.
He immediately staggered!
Huaiya, who was frightened, quickly ran up to help him.
Isn’t it already agreed upon—isn’t this Xiao Baiwen’s world?
He sighed and looked at the darkness as Cortrina left.
Putting aside hatred, perhaps this queen has more in common with her sister than she imagined.