Chapter 774: Volume 23: Rising Winds and Swirling Clouds, - 11: Balancing Power
Two thousand mountain warriors assembled as promised under Fran’s command, displaying a strength that greatly satisfied Fran. However, for Komer, there were still some issues. The discipline and individual combat abilities of these mountain people were beyond doubt, yet Komer was aware that these mountain people still needed to undergo a change of mindset regarding loyalty. They were no longer merely mountain people, but first and foremost Caucasians, and then mountain people. If they could not understand this truth, the army would never become a force Komer could truly rely on.
Just as Komer had anticipated, although the Sanjia Tribe adopted a strong stance, they were also aware that they did not have much sway over Komer. Consequently, when Komer expressed the possibility of continuing to absorb other mountain tribes into the Caucasus and granting them citizen rights, they seemed helpless. Komer even observed a look of barely perceptible envy in the eyes of the tribe’s chiefs, who strenuously attempted to conceal this sentiment under a facade of anger and dissatisfaction. Without a doubt, this feeling existed, particularly in the eyes of the Gapeng chief, where it was more evident.
It was apparent that the generous and magnanimous conditions Komer offered for the integration of these minor mountain tribes into the Caucasus caused the Sanjia chiefs to feel a sense of loss. Facing the overwhelming strength of the Caucasus, the mountain people had little leverage in negotiations. The formidable and wild force of the Half-beastmen had already submitted to the Caucasus, thus reducing the supposed military might and allure of the mountain people. Now, with these smaller tribes accepting vassalage under the Caucasus’s wing, Komer’s side had gained a significant force, tipping the balance of power even further in favor of the Caucasus.
The chieftains of the Sanjia Tribe were not fools, becoming increasingly aware that once this state of affairs set in, the chances of reversing it were slim to none. Cooperation required a balance of power—only when each side had something to gain from the other would the partnership last. One-sided dependence only risked becoming a dispensable vassal.
In dealing with several smaller tribes requesting fealty, Komer exhibited extraordinary decorum. It seemed as if the previous integration of several small tribes had already adequately met the labor requirements of the Caucasus. The external pressures also appeared to make Komer slightly hesitant, leaving the smaller tribes eager for the same citizen rights as their compatriot tribes increasingly anxious. After assurance through various formal gestures, Komer eventually signed the treaties allowing these tribes to join, at a great cost to them, as they too were required to surrender their fiercest warriors to become part of the Caucasus army.
The count of mountain warriors had reached the expected number of thirty-five hundred for Komer and Fran. A significant portion of these fighters had been conscripted in previous campaigns against southern nations dominated by Mortals and had considerable combat experience, which was crucial for a newly established army. Yet, more urgently, Komer believed it necessary to resolve their loyalty issues and make clear to these mountain people who their true master was.
Seven infantry squares densely arrayed in the wilderness, a hastily erected inspection platform, although crude, exuded a rough and rugged style. The bear head emblem of the Lord’s flag fluttered in the wind at the front of the platform. The selected Half-beastman guard soldiers stood with chests puffed and bellies out; their dark iron armor looked exceptionally imposing. At such times, each Half-beastman warrior wanted to demonstrate their bravery to the new mountain soldier recruits, their fierce and resolute demeanor distinguishing them from their mountain counterparts ahead.