The harsh winter winds had finally yielded, replaced by the tentative warmth of spring. It was at that time the Blue Army left the Kylian Barracks, marching towards Okland through the forests and plains of the Northern Rosa Basin.
By the time the Blue Army arrived deep into Okland's borders, it was already early summer. The distances between the City States is unfathomable to Europeans, the Rosa Basin alone is some ten million square kilometers in area. This forces the Blue Army to traverse sprawling forests, endless plains, and treacherous river passes for months, no infrastructure. Fortunately, the Roscof River, a vital artery of the Rosa River, carved a path directly from Kylia City, through the heart of the wilderness, and into Okland.
The Kylian soldiers, having experienced battle, were a sight to behold. Their uniforms of blue with streaks of black and silver, looked very prestigious against the mottled green background of the Okland forests. Strapped around their waists, beneath the gleaming fabric, were Ukrainian Cossack swords, their leather scabbards worn smooth with age and use. On their heads, each soldier wore a black cap, the proud blue 'K' emblazoned sideways, a subtle nod to their Kylian heritage.
The rhythmic crunch of black boots over fallen leaves and snapping twigs reverberated through the Okland forests, frightening any critters lying nearby. The soldiers black gloved hands held rifles and stowed away provisions as they neared Okland.
Ahead of the main force, Kylia had dispatched Captain Kinnota and his company of cavalry soldiers, their mission to draw the attention of Okland's forces, to bait the trap.
Now, all that remained was to wait for the Coalition Army to take the bait.
Lord Koal of Okland, a man steeped in corruption and fueled by ambition, stood on the outer city walls. His eyes, narrowed with suspicion, scanned the horizon for any sign of the approaching enemy. As a Lord of the City State Coalition, he was committed to defend Okland at all costs, as the City consisted of most of his power.
Today, it seemed that a threat had arrived. A small Kylian force, numbering a mere two hundred horsemen, had been spotted in the distance, hurtling towards the city gates.
His military advisor, General Marcus, a man easily swayed by bravado and lacking true strategic insight, stood beside him. His expression was grave, but his eyes gleamed with misguided confidence as he surveyed the scene below.
"We should attack them, my Lord," he declared, his voice thick with hubris. "It seems that while the Kylians sustained heavy casualties after capturing the City of Rosa and the Battle of Kylia, they now possess enough horses to produce an elite force of knights. But surely a few hundred knights can be brushed aside by our whole army."
Lord Koal furrowed his brow, contemplating the information. News of Rosa's defeat had recently spread throughout the international community, sending shockwaves through both Valor and the City States. Kylia's victory demonstrated the Blue Army was a force to be reckoned with, a reality that gnawed at Koal's ambition. Then, the Blue Army's victory over the Coalition at their doorstep sent Koal into a spiral of worry. As part of the Coalition forces, the Okland military had been crippled after the Battle of Kylia. Just seeing the amount of knights the Kylians wielded proved their claims as a truly strong military force.
He knew that even a small force of Kylian knights could inflict heavy casualties on his poorly trained peasant levies.
"Send out the whole Okland Army," Koal commanded, his mind already consumed by fantasies of a decisive victory. "We need to crush the entire Kylian Army and show them Okland is no weak City State." He desperately needed a victory to solidify his position and silence the rumors of his corruption that were swirling through the city.
General Marcus, puffed up with a false sense of superiority, nodded eagerly, quickly relaying the order to one of his men.
"Bring out the Okland Army! We shall crush these Kylian dogs!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing with misplaced zeal.
…
Deep in the Okland forests, Captain Kinnota and his two hundred riders executed their part of the plan with practiced precision. While Kinnota is a newly promoted Captain in the Blue Army, he had seen his fair share of battles and strategized countless maneuvers for the past Fermerian Army.
But nothing could have prepared him for the task at hand - retreating his cavalry from the Coalition Army.
As their horses galloped in front of the chasing enemy he cried out, "Listen carefully, my brothers, we shall lead these men into their glorious deaths, remember NEVDALYY LYUDYNA!"
"For the Queen! For the Kingdom! And for NEVDALYY LYUDYNA!" The cavalrymen roared, the distance between them and the enemy becoming smaller and smaller.
Just when the spears from Coalition horsemen seemed to wave over their heads, a marching song from the main Blue Army rang out, releasing cheers all around. The Okland soldiers, initially emboldened by their pursuit, faltered, their momentum broken by the sudden, ominous music.
It was the 'Song of the Mines,' a Kylian battle hymn composed by soldiers in Nevdalyy's squad. It was a song that instilled fear in the hearts of Kylia's enemies.
Captain Kinnota grinned, a flash of white teeth against his grimed face. The trap had been sprung. He glanced back at his men, their eyes shining with a fierce determination. They were ready. He raised his saber, the polished steel glinting in the sunlight.
"For the Queen!" he bellowed, his voice joining the swelling chorus of the 'Song of the Mines.'
From the treeline, a sea of blue erupted. The main force of the Blue Army, concealed until now, charged forward, their black boots pounding the earth. Rifles were raised, and the air crackled with anticipation. Okland's entire army, lured out from their fortifications by Kinnota's small band and the promise of an easy victory, were now facing the might of Kylia.
Lord Koal, watching from the city walls, his face drained of color, finally understood the depth of his miscalculation. General Marcus, his bravado having evaporated, stood frozen beside him, mouth agape. They had walked straight into a trap.
The battle had begun. And Okland was about to pay the price for Koal's ambition and Marcus's folly. The 'Song of the Roscof' echoed across the battlefield, a chilling promise of Kylian victory.
Seeing a signal from the Queen, who was leading the Blue Army, Kinnota ordered his troops to split in two directions, circumventing the main engagement.
As Kinnota's men rode away from the battlefield, he felt a wave of relief – his men were safe, their courage had drawn the Coalition Army to its doom.
To the sides of the Coalition Army, dust trails marked the path of Kinnota's cavalry as they veered away, avoiding interference with the main advance.
As the Coalition Army drew closer, Kylia dismounted to lead her infantrymen into battle.
Then she shouted a single, decisive word: "Fire!"
The earth shook as Kylian cannons roared, tearing gaping holes in the enemy ranks.
The battle commenced, a cacophony of explosions and gunfire. Coalition soldiers charged forward, their spears raised high, a desperate attempt to break the Kylian lines.
The Kylian infantry, in response, unleashed disciplined volleys of rifle fire, inflicting brutal casualties on the advancing Coalition forces.
Overhead, Kylian Lavovys led by general Komada rained grenades down on the Coalition side, the earth erupting in bursts of dirt and shrapnel.
Suddenly, a deafening explosion ripped through the air. One of the Kylian cannons had misfired, sowing chaos within the Blue Army's ranks.
The Coalition soldiers, sensing an opportunity, surged forward once again, their determination renewed.
But the Blue Army was not so easily broken. For every Coalition soldier, there were five Kylian soldiers or 400 Coalition soldiers against 2100 Kylian soldiers.
Soon, Kylia found herself at the forefront of the battle, her presence a beacon of courage for her troops.
In the midst of the chaos, she found herself face to face with a Coalition soldier. As their eyes met, she couldn't help but acknowledge the bravery of her opponent.
With her saber in hand, she struck, a swift and deadly blow that severed his neck. He staggered, clutching at the wound, before collapsing silently to the ground, lifeless.
Sheathing her sword, she reloaded her rifle, taking aim at another enemy soldier. As she pulled the trigger, wanting to try out the weapon in battle. The Coalition soldier fell, joining the countless corpses that littered the battlefield.
As the battle raged on, Kylia recognized the opportune moment. She gave the command for a full charge.
From the enemy flanks, Kinnota's cavalry returned with thunderous speed, their rifles blazing. The Coalition soldiers were taken completely by surprise, caught in a deadly crossfire.
Kinnota's cavalry charged through their ranks, mowing down enemy troops with swift strokes of their swords.
The Kylian infantry, bayonets fixed, surged forward, splitting the now-disorganized Coalition Army in two.
Soon, the battle reached its inevitable conclusion. The Blue Army emerged victorious. The surviving Coalition soldiers, realizing the futility of resistance, dropped their weapons, surrendering to the Blue Army.