Blackwater Lake, a vast body of water on the western edge of the grassland, is like a deep blue sapphire set in the boundless green fields. The lake surface glistens, and the water has a unique dark blue color due to the contrast between the silt at the bottom of the lake and the surrounding vegetation, hence the name "Blackwater".
The four fortresses, like the iron fist of a giant, are firmly embedded in four strategic points on the lake shore: the "Iron Wall Fortress" on the north shore guards the throat leading to the northern wilderness; the "Dawn Fortress" on the east shore faces the heart of the grassland and has a wide field of vision; the "Twilight Fortress" on the west shore is hidden behind the hills by the lake and is easy to defend and difficult to attack; and the "Rock Fortress" on the south shore faces the southern trade route and controls the flow of supplies and intelligence.
Each fortress was fortified with high stone walls, towering watchtowers, and cannons protruding from their crenellations, overlooking the lake and the surrounding grasslands. Although the fortresses were several miles apart, a tight defensive network was formed by gunboats on the lake and scout squads on land. Austrian soldiers took turns on guard duty day and night within the fortresses, vigilant for any unusual activity approaching the lakeshore.
To enhance mobility and firepower, the Austrian army established a small shipyard on the lakeshore. Craftsmen worked day and night, using timber and metal transported from the forests of the three northern regions to forge sophisticated gunboats. These vessels were long and narrow with a shallow draft, allowing them to maneuver easily through the shallow bays and reed beds of the Blackwater Lake. Each gunboat was equipped with several light cannons, one at the bow and one at the stern, enabling simultaneous attack on enemies in front and on the flanks. Firing ports on both sides of the hull allowed soldiers to fire muskets from inside the cabin, combining protection with firepower output.
Despite its small size, this pocket fleet displayed remarkable deterrent power while patrolling the lake. The gunboat squadrons typically operated in pairs, regularly patrolling the lakeshore and coordinating with the fortress garrison. Upon detecting enemy activity, the gunboats could quickly assemble and bombard incoming ships or shore targets with their cannons; meanwhile, the heavy artillery within the fortress could provide long-range support, forming an integrated land and lake defense system.
Control of Blackwater Lake was of great significance to the Orcish army. It was not only the largest freshwater source on the western edge of the grasslands, crucial to the survival of numerous orc tribes, but also a forward outpost deep within enemy territory. The four fortresses and the fleet on the lake acted like an iron chain, firmly securing this strategic location and providing solid logistical and military support for the Orcish army's struggle between the grasslands and the wilderness.
Meanwhile, Abar's army was gathering at Blackwater Lake. They traversed the steppes and wilderness, driven by a thirst for victory and ambition for territory. Their ranks included battle-hardened soldiers, experienced archers, and new blood forced into service for survival.
The Orc army stood ready, knowing this battle would determine control of the western plains. On Arvis's advice, they recruited numerous orc laborers from local tribes—orcs who, though once enemies, were now allies. They moved bricks and stones, fortified the fortress, dug trenches, and set traps, preparing for the impending battle.
The orc laborers, under the command of the Orc soldiers, worked busily. They dug deep trenches, piled up earth to form high ramparts, and then set up sharp stakes and traps in the trenches. They also reinforced the fortress walls with stone and timber, making the fortress even stronger.
Austrian soldiers were also making tense preparations, checking guns and cannons, drying gunpowder, and ensuring they could function in battle.
As Abar's army drew closer, the atmosphere at Blackwater Lake grew increasingly tense.
On this day, a scout cavalry unit of orcs arrived at Blackwater Lake.
Clad in simple leather armor, wielding spears and scimitars, and riding tall warhorses, they cautiously advanced along the lakeshore, observing the surrounding situation and the Austrian army's deployment. The cavalrymen's eyes revealed a deep sense of vigilance; they knew this lake was a vital water source for the Austrians and a focal point of their struggle.
An Austrian soldier on a watchtower spotted them through binoculars. He immediately signaled to the gunboat fleet on the lake. Upon receiving the order, three gunboats rushed to the indicated location.
Soon the gunboat spotted the orc cavalry, and the orc cavalry also spotted the gunboat.
When the gunboat was less than a hundred paces from the shore, the orc cavalry suddenly made an unexpected move—they all leaped off the backs of their war wolves, drove their mounts behind the reeds, and crouched among the rocks on the lakeshore. Beneath their rough animal hide armor, they drew their longbows.
These longbows were quite different from the light bows used by the orcs on horseback. Carved from a single piece of ebony, they were one and a half times the height of a person, their bows twisting and turning like snakes, each bend inlaid with sharpened animal bone. When fully drawn, the bowstring was almost parallel to the bow. The arrows were even more terrifying: the shafts were made of fine steel, the arrowheads were barbed, their edges tempered with the venom of steppe wolves, and the fletching was made from the wing bones of eagles, ensuring absolute stability even in fierce winds.
The orcs took a deep breath, nocked their arrows, and strained until their fingers turned white. They waited for their target to approach before releasing the arrows.
However, before the orcs could even get the Austrian gunboats into their effective firing range, the Austrian shells came hurtling down like the scythe of death.
Fire and smoke instantly enveloped the lake shore, and the explosion sounded deafening to the attackers.
The shells landed among the orcs, exploding into clouds of blood and mud. Orcs and their mounts were thrown about, screams echoing throughout the area. Many orcs who couldn't get out of the way were hit by shrapnel and fell into the lake, their blood staining large areas of the water red.
The Austrian gunboats on the lake continued firing shells, one after another, relentlessly. The orcs tried to find cover, but the open terrain of the lake shore offered nowhere to hide. They could only run desperately, trying to escape this land of death.
As the gunboats returned to the fortress docks, Andrew stood on the watchtower of Rock Keep, gazing at the reeds where the orc cavalry had disappeared.
He was both nervous and excited; the appearance of this small team meant that Abar's army was not far away.
"Sir, dinner has arrived," Lieutenant Jackson announced softly, carrying a wooden tray filled with steaming stew that emitted a strong aroma of spices.
"In which direction will they break through?" Andrew suddenly asked.
Jackson paused for a moment before realizing that the commander was talking to himself.
"The shallows on the west side of the lake? Or the reeds on the east side?" Andrew continued in a low voice, his fingers tapping rapidly on the stone railing.
Jackson hesitated for a moment, then placed the wooden tray on the stone table in the tower: "Sir, you haven't slept for two days and two nights."
Andrew finally turned to his adjutant, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "South of the Rocky Mountains, my comrades have earned a great deal of merit in the battle against Abar."
His voice suddenly rose to a high note, "Now, it's finally our turn to shine!"