They marched on the endless snowfield without stopping for half a month. The army was exhausted, but no soldiers complained, and no one was angry. On the contrary, everyone's faces were full of expectation.
After looting the treasure house in the Pit of Hell, the Kislev Northern Expedition returned to the country from the North with carts of gold treasures. As long as they reached the Great Wall, they would be safe.
At the same time, as long as you get there, there will be a place to consume. At least there will be wine and fresh bread. Further south, there is Blackhammer Castle, which is the largest military castle in the north. The legion will rest there. At the same time,
Countless businessmen will gather there, waiting for this group of soldiers returning victoriously.
They will trade the loot and exchange it for real currency, and there, they can visit the best brothels in the city and drink high-quality vodka.
Then, they will go to Erengrad and receive the most fervent worship from the local citizens. Just thinking of this, no one can complain.
"Tell me, Galt, how did you know about the task force? And how did you join them?"
Rhodes sat on a tall black horse and asked the wizard beside him in a rich voice.
Although the voice was not loud, it revealed an irresistible majesty.
Galt felt that the northern lord next to him was questioning him, but the wording did not mean any questioning. It was just his tone that made Galt feel a heavy sense of oppression.
Galt took a deep breath and tried to pretend to be indifferent. Then he answered casually——
"I heard about it accidentally from Brandi Otto."
After saying that, they didn't speak again for a while. Rhodes' silence made Galt feel uneasy.
However, seeing that the great lord did not press any further, Galt finally breathed a sigh of relief.
However, Rhodes already knew that the young imperial wizard in front of him was lying. He had never told Brandi Otto about the Hell Pit Assassination Team. This wealthy empire businessman had always been involved in the economic field, and military was not his specialty.
, I have never discussed this matter with him.
Geert's answer must be what he thinks is the most reasonable explanation, because he and Brandi Otto are both from Altdorf, the capital of the empire, and they are both nobles. It is well known that the two have a good relationship. Moreover, Brandi Otto is a Romanian
Everyone knows this about De's personal advisor.
Therefore, in Galt's view, it is not surprising that this is the best explanation.
Rhodes didn't ask further because he didn't want to and there was no need. For a liar, asking him will only make him weave more lies to cover up the original lie, which in the end will be tiring for others and himself. And for those who want to express their feelings, you
No need to press, he will tell you.
Therefore, Rhodes stopped asking. When the wizard wanted to say something, he would naturally say it. Of course, without him having to say more, Rhodes had already guessed something.
Two days later, the triumphant army arrived at the foot of the Great Wall. The city wall was as tall as ever and spanned the entire northern border like snow peaks. What appeared in front of everyone was a white city wall that was twice as tall as Altdorf, the capital of the empire.
At Black Crow Castle at the foot of the Great Wall, the tired soldiers tasted warm wine and food for the first time.
Rhodes ordered the troops to rest here for two days before setting out on the road. By the way, he also inspected the results of the construction of the Great Wall and the defense work of the walled city.
The local commander Warwick respectfully invited Rhodes to inspect the camp. Also accompanying Rhodes was Bear Knight Captain Sibes.
Just like its name, Black Crow Castle is dark and cold. In this castle where winter is almost eternal, cold and death are always present. There is no clear sky for most of the year, and haze, wind and snow are with this icy fortress all year round.
At the same time, there are many crows kept in the castle. During the war, these black birds are responsible for transmitting intelligence from the front line back to the capital, and also undertake intelligence liaison work from various places.
"It's as cold and hard as ever. Thank you for your hard work, guards of the Great Wall."
Commander-in-chief Warwick originally wanted to submit a work report and financial statements, but Rhodes refused. In front of everyone, Rhodes just threw the account books and work logs on the table, and then walked up to everyone and expressed concern.
Improve everyone's physical and mental state.
This small action seems simple, but it is actually done on purpose. Leaving the ledger and not looking at it does not mean that you really have complete trust, but just expresses your trust in your direct subordinates. This small action is seen by everyone, Rhodes' purpose
That's it.
Secondly, he put aside the financial accounts and immediately paid attention to the situation of the guards, which won the gratitude of the Great Wall officers even more.
The Great Lord of the North, who is also the real person in charge of Kislev, actually personally cares about the lives of grassroots officers. This is also a supreme honor for ordinary officers.
After exchanging pleasantries, Rhodes and Commander Warwick entered the office alone. As soon as they entered the office, the wooden door was closed. The atmosphere suddenly became serious and depressing.
"Boris, still haven't found it?"
Lighting his cigar, Rhodes worriedly asked about the matter that concerned him most.
Warwick also clearly felt that something was wrong in the atmosphere, but he did not panic because of it. He carried out the order of the man in front of him and adhered to the principle, and he had a clear conscience. According to Rhodes' principle of commanding the Great Wall garrison - as long as he does not violate Keith
It is in Lifu's interests not to be a deserter but to shoulder the heavy responsibility of guarding the Great Wall in the north. It would not be considered dereliction of duty. All those who enter the Great Wall to guard it, no matter what their previous life experiences are, at the foot of the Great Wall, everyone is an ordinary soldier and warrior. On this basis
, the local commander has the power to order anything to be done.
This is what Warwick did. When the beastmen invaded, he exercised his authority as the supreme commander of the castle and exchanged the minimum sacrifice for the safety of the Great Wall. This does not violate any principles in nature.
Of course, Rhodes is not here to blame this little border commander. If he were to blame, as the "culprit" for losing Boris, Warwick has long been thrown into the dungeon and never seen the light of day. But Rhodes continued
Let this old man garrison the Great Wall here. The original intention is to strengthen his own laws. In everything, the safety of the Great Wall and the safety of Kislev come first.
"Nothing has been found. The rangers go out on patrol every week, but so far they have found nothing."
Warwick answered calmly.
"Have you searched north of the Ice Frontier Forest? And at the foot of the Troll Mountains? Have you searched?"
Biting his cigar, Rhodes asked dully. The voice was not loud, but it was like a heavy hammer, hitting Commander Warwick's heart.
"The Ice Frontier Forest can only be traversed for two months in a year. The rest of the time, the forest is frozen. No one can traverse the land of death outside of summer. At the speed of the rangers, it is possible to traverse the forest.
It will take at least half a month to cross that forest, and another half month to turn back. In other words, even if we pass through the forest, we only have one month to search. The hope is very slim. Moreover, this is still after we are fully prepared.
and supplies, Boris was alone at that time and had no supplies on him, so it was impossible..."
"Just because an ordinary soldier can't do it, doesn't mean it's impossible for him to do it. Didn't you also think it was impossible when he slaughtered an entire Beastmen battle group by himself?"
Rhodes' words left Warwick speechless and silent again. He knew that the legendary lord who had experienced many vicissitudes of life in front of him was not blaming him for his military outing command back then, but blaming himself for not doing his best in the search work.
However, the efforts of ordinary people and the efforts of this northern lord are two different things... This is the most difficult thing for Warwick. No ordinary person is willing to risk passing through the Ice Forest, let alone the northern barbarians.
The Norscans roamed the territory, searching for a man who had little chance of surviving.
"Okay, Warwick, continue your work, don't draw conclusions easily. Human beings are a race that does not give in easily. We have created many impossibilities. Look at the city wall in front of you. Before it was built,
Everyone says it is impossible. However, we are still doing it, even if it takes a whole generation, we will continue to do it. Compared with building the Great Wall and conquering the pits of hell, you think what you are doing is more difficult than others
?"
Rhodes said coldly. Warwick's expression froze there, like a frozen statue, saying nothing. He couldn't say another word...