Chapter 358: The Great War (2)
With the arrival of the second contingent, the reinforced imperial army proceeded to clear the dense forest along the upper Fonein River, gradually establishing a base and expanding their territory.
“Move quickly, now! Let’s go!”
“Bind the felled trees together to dam the river! Also, make sure to sharpen some and send them downstream before blocking the water!”
“Yes, sir!”
Though initially shaken by Karyl’s ambush, the imperial army resumed its advance, cutting down the forest and setting up a base. Tiren’s plan to conquer Tatur was both bold and unprecedented. Starting at the upper Fonein, they cut down every tree in the forest, damming the river while sending sharpened logs downstream toward Tatur.
Tatur’s strength was its proximity to the swift-flowing Fonein, but by blocking the river and directing sharp logs at Tatur’s walls, the imperial army sought to weaken the city’s defenses. The accumulating logs would block access, creating obstacles for those trying to escape while forming a platform for assaulting the walls from outside.
It was a simple plan, though no one else had dared to attempt it. Such an operation was impossible with just ten thousand or twenty thousand troops. Only with hundreds of thousands could they properly clear the forest and dam the river, creating a pathway through the riverbed.
Despite the impressive sight of the massive army at work, Tiren was still visibly uneasy.
“Is something on your mind?” Kuwell asked, noticing his expression.
“Well, the terrain is more challenging than we expected, which is delaying us significantly. Now I understand why Tatur has managed to remain a free city.”
Kuwell nodded, while Elliot and Martte, standing behind, looked puzzled as they surveyed the clearing forest.