Chapter 43: Valkyrie from the Steppe

After supper, once Count Haringoth had sorted out his troops’ nightly affairs, they both sat down in the same camp to seriously strategize for what was to come.

Recalling Draxel’s tendency to talk incessantly, his non-stop chatter could very well top the charts in any conversation. Anticipating this, the young dragon Lein promptly made his feelings known.

“Roar! You have your chat, I’ve no interest in listening, I’m off to rest with mom, Safiya, Safiya!”

“Alright, off you go. My cherished Princess Safiya~ Could you kindly take this little troublemaker to bed?”

At that moment, Draxel’s attention wasn’t on Lein. He was completely absorbed in his conversation with Count Haringoth.

Once the duo had departed, Draxel broached the subject, “Sending a battle report back now would be useless. By the time it’s received, the optimal moment for action would have passed.”

“Indeed,” Haringoth agreed, “Moreover, there’s no guarantee the king would receive our report promptly. He might be on the road himself. If we’re to seize Dark Castle, the time is now. Speed is crucial in warfare.”

“Count Haringoth, if you’re set on capturing Dark Castle and claiming this territory, I’m at your service. The lands can be yours, I want no portion of them.”

At Draxel’s words, Haringoth smiled. His reaction seemed to suggest he’d anticipated this offer and had already given it some thought. He responded, “Do you think that even if you took this place, and the king awarded you the castle, you wouldn’t be able to defend it? You’re already finding Uxkhal a handful to manage.”

“You’re right. Ultimately, I might lose both territories. That’s precisely why I’ve resolved to help you in this conquest. With Dark Castle to my east and your stronghold, Haringoth Castle, to my west, it’ll be much easier for me to lend you support and take care of both fronts.”

“Very well, the spoils of war and any prisoners taken will be yours to claim. Draxel, I cannot let your efforts go unrewarded,” Count Haringoth declared, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

“There’s no need for that, all can go to you. When I face difficulties in the future, I trust you’ll lend me your help in turn.”

Draxel was no simple altruist, he had his strategic calculations. Currently, Uxkhal’s geographical positioning was less than ideal. Its proximity to the enemy nation, the Khergit Khanate, left it vulnerable to attacks.

While allies within the kingdom would come to his defense, the relentless skirmishes and the need for frequent repairs would invariably hamper economic progress.

Should the Kingdom of Swadia succeed in capturing Dark Castle and Xico Village, it would effectively establish a frontline defense for Draxel. This strategy could also divert the enemy’s retaliatory efforts toward the new rulers of Dark Castle and Xico Village.

Yet, these considerations had already been anticipated by the experienced and astute Count Haringoth, who had seen through Draxel’s intentions. But his military prowess was substantial, he had amassed over 300 soldiers at Haringoth Castle, nearly reaching capacity.

This situation resulted in his earnings being insufficient for troop maintenance during periods of peace.

Gaining control over Dark Castle and Xico Village would not only solve the issue of overcrowding for stationed troops but also increase levies. 

More crucially, in this world, on the continent of Calradia, the size of one’s territory, the might of one’s army, and the accumulation of personal wealth symbolized a man’s stature. Both military strength and wealth were perpetually derived from territories, underscoring the critical importance of land.

“Excellent, I appreciate it, Draxel. Let’s make some preparations, and then tomorrow night, we strike Dark Castle by surprise. How does that sound?”

“I’ll follow your lead, Count Haringoth.” 

Both harboring their ulterior motives, yet their interests align perfectly, paving the way for a seamless collaboration.

“However, there’s something that must be mentioned, Draxel. You’re indeed fortunate. To have the aid of a dragon, and such a magnificent goddess archer at your side.”

“Hahaha, that’s quite a story. Let me tell you about it…”

Just then, the system chimed in.

[Enough with the chatting, you’re too talkative! It’s late, time for bed, or I might just crash. I’ve had a long day and I’m exhausted.]

Draxel, somewhat exasperated, replied in his mind, ‘Alright, alright, sleep it is. It’s all about sleep.’

“Well, Count Haringoth, it’s a lengthy tale. Let’s save it for another time, I’ve got some matters to attend to.”

“No problem, have a good sleep tonight, Draxel. I’m heading off to rest as well,” Count Haringoth said, giving Draxel’s shoulder a pat before turning to leave.

The night passed in tranquility, and as the next night deepened, the pair readied themselves to launch their surprise assault on Dark Castle.

Currently, Dark Castle housed just over a hundred enemy soldiers. Successive defeats had severely dampened their spirits.

Count Haringoth’s force, still numbering 120, was significantly bolstered by the possession of three trebuchets and a siege hammer.

Count Haringoth was painfully aware that Draxel’s forces consisted of a motley crew of mercenaries, lacking even a single native Swadian Iron Knight known for their valor in battle. The only noteworthy assets were Draxel himself and the young girl adept with a bow.

Together, they totaled 122.

Just as they felt confident of their impending victory and Count Haringoth was about to roll out the siege machines, an astonishing development unfolded.

Suddenly, chilling howls echoed from within Dark Castle, with torches along the walls lighting up gradually.

Following that, a unique sound of gongs and drums started. To Draxel’s amazement, there were soldiers mounted on steppe wolves atop the walls.

Even a veteran like Count Haringoth couldn’t hide his alarm at this turn of events, urgently shouting, “Pull the siege equipment back, everyone retreat. Draxel, let’s go!”

Before Draxel could snap back to reality, Count Haringoth had already seized him, pulling him along in their hasty retreat.

Only when they had put thirty miles between themselves and Dark Castle, escaping the eerie reach of the wolf howls, did Count Haringoth start to regain his composure.

At that moment, Draxel was completely befuddled and asked, “What in the world just happened?”

With a sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow, Count Haringoth began to explain, “It was… the Steppe Valkyrie, the daughter of the Khergit Khanate’s Khan.”

“And? Even if she can control the steppe wolves, there’s no need for us to fear her that much. Steppe wolves aren’t that terrifying, I’ve personally killed my fair share.”

Count Haringoth gave a resigned shake of his head, a look of exasperation on his face, “You think I haven’t slain steppe wolves before? You’ve never crossed swords with her, so you don’t understand. She’s revered as the Steppe Valkyrie, and even the King of the Steppe Wolves submits to her will.”