The snow fell steadily, no longer soft and feathery but in tiny flecks that gradually turned the ground white. Within the command tent, warmth radiated from a large brazier, where a bronze kettle let out waves of heat. The rich aroma of macks tea filled the space as Seraphine poured steaming cups, refilling the kettle when needed.
Allen sat at the head of the gathering, his gaze sweeping across Hilter, Fredrick, Stroud, Jasper, Serena, Arman, Bale, Elrod, and the many senior students, adventurers, and mercenaries assembled before him. They had gathered to assess the aftermath of their hard-fought victory.
Hilter stood and began his report. "While our losses were minimal—57 crossbowmen dead and 48 injured—our victory has left us with significant burdens. We eliminated 1,600 enemy troops and captured 1,200, while also freeing over 2,300 captives. However, our supplies will only last a month at most. We gained little in terms of food and must now provide for thousands."
"The battle had also consumed vast amounts of resources, Of the 20,000 ballista darts we prepared, only 8,000 remain, including those we salvaged. The rest are damaged beyond repair. The carroballista unit has worn out its strings, and while we have some spares, without more darts, they won't be useful in future battles."
Despite the logistical strain, they had reaped significant spoils. Over 3,000 sets of weapons and armor were now in their possession, alongside 2,000 war-trained horses. The camp had enough hay for now, but feeding the horses long-term would be an issue. Additionally, they had secured nearly 10,000 gold Kross, 1,000 pikes, 300 longswords, 600 longbows, around 1,000 arrows, 500 bucklers, and a large number of horse-drawn carts—both two-wheeled and four-wheeled. Many of these were leftover from the enemy's last supply shipment.
Hilter then raised three pressing concerns. "First, what should we do with the 1,200 prisoners? Keeping them drains resources, but releasing them risks strengthening the count's forces. Second, at least half of the captives we freed want to join us, seeking revenge for their families. Do we allow them to enlist? Lastly, a man claiming to be the son of a viscount has gathered a few hundred men and demands weapons and supplies. Do we entertain his request?"
A murmur spread through the tent as the group debated. Some suggested releasing the prisoners, while others worried they would provide intelligence to the count. Some proposed using them for labor, ensuring they contributed before being let go.
As for the new recruits, most agreed to let them join, provided they understood the army's discipline and expectations. However, nearly everyone rejected the viscount's son's demand for free supplies.
Allen clapped his hands, silencing the discussion. "We will not release the prisoners until we leave the count's territory. If they are to be freed, it must be somewhere far from his influence. As for those who wish to join us, let them decide freely, but make our terms clear—this is a disciplined force, not a mob. I want no deserters in the future." His gaze hardened as he addressed the last issue. "Bring the viscount's son to me. If his reasoning is sound, we may assist him, but we will not hand over weapons without good cause."
With the immediate concerns settled, Allen shifted the discussion. "Now, let's go over the battle. We won with minimal losses, wiping out an army of 3,000. This was an overwhelming victory, one that could be recorded in history. But let's not be blinded by our success. The snow worked in our favor, forcing the enemy to act hastily. Their commander's recklessness led them into our trap." He looked around the room. "We cannot always count on luck. Learn from this battle, so that in the future, we win not by chance—but by skill."
Allen, who sat at the head of the meeting, his sharp gaze sweeping over the faces of Hilter, Fredrick, Stroud, Jasper, Serena, Arman, Bale, Elrod, and the others.
Allen stated. "The terrain, the fortifications, the weather. All of it played into our hands. Had the enemy breached the camp during daylight, the wooden corridor trap wouldn't have worked so flawlessly. They would have seen the danger, hesitated, and our casualties would have been far greater. Never forget that."
A moment of silence followed as the weight of his words sank in.
"The carroballista ambush exceeded expectations, crippling the enemy's pike cavalry. Our crossbowmen, firing through the wooden walls, controlled the tide of battle. But despite our success, we have suffered losses—among them, a cherished comrade." Allen's voice remained steady, but a flicker of sorrow passed through his eyes. "And through these battles, I've realized something. Our forces rely too heavily on certain units."
Murmurs of agreement spread through the room. Allen continued, "Our heavy-armored troops struggled to contribute because they lacked mobility. The knight brigade and the Stroud scouts, though invaluable, have their own weaknesses. The knights lack the numbers to shift the tide of battle, while the scouts, despite their skill, cannot conduct effective assaults due to their small numbers."
He leaned forward, his tone decisive. "That changes today. We will reorganize."
His words sharpened the room's attention.
"First—the Knight Brigade. It will expand to 120 knights. Each knight will have three mounts: a warhorse, a travel horse, and a spare. Each will also have a squire, chosen from knight families, and an attendant for their horses and armor. Arman will be promoted to Vice Captain. Fredrick, I trust you to oversee this expansion."
Fredrick and Arman stood, saluting in unison. "Milord, we won't disappoint you."
Allen nodded before turning to Stroud. "The Light Cavalry Scouts will be expanded into a full company—four squads of 120. Each scout will receive two mounts, a crossbow, javelins, a pike, a longsword, a shield, and armor. They must be trained for both ranged and close combat."
Stroud rose. "Yes, milord."
Allen's gaze shifted to Hilter, who gave a slight nod. Then, he continued. "Our Heavy Infantry will be restructured into Heavy Cavalry. We will form two companies, each consisting of four squads of 120. Every soldier will have two horses, and each company will have a squad of attendants. Bale and Jasper will command this new unit."
Bale and Jasper stood immediately. "Your will is our command, milord."
Allen allowed himself a small smile. "Good." He looked toward Jarret. "We will also establish a Constable Unit to maintain order within the convoy. They will be armed with axes and halberds. Jarret, I want you to lead it."
The silver-ranked mercenary stood and saluted. "It would be an honor, milord."
"The Main Camp Guards will expand into a company. Their tasks will include securing the convoy and overseeing war prisoners. Greg, you will take charge."
Greg, a student Knight nodded firmly. "Understood, milord."
Finally, Allen turned his attention to Serena. "The Crossbowmen and Pike Infantry will merge into a single regiment. Each company will consist of five squads—one swordsmen squad, one crossbowmen squad, one longbowmen squad, and two pikemen squads. Serena, you will command them."
Serena met his gaze, standing confidently. "I will not fail, milord."
Allen exhaled, glancing around the tent. His officers stood ready, their faces determined. The battlefield had forged them into warriors, but now, they would become an army—one prepared for any battle ahead.
Allem faced the rest of the men in the tent and waved his hand. "Alright, meeting adjourned. We're rather pressed for time and we only have two days to carry out the reorganization. Make sure to make the best use of your time and cooperate with one another.
"Patt, ask that guy who claims to be a viscount's son to come over. I'd like to hear what he has to say."