Chapter 161: Chapter 140: If It’s Useful, Use It to Death
Henry followed the messenger through Hobia under the cover of night, his footsteps making faint sounds on the sandy, gravelly road.
Upon arriving at the town hall, he was led directly into the Third Prince’s study.
Inside, the Third Prince was standing by the window, his gaze piercing the darkness as if he were deep in thought. Hearing Henry enter, he turned around, a look of resolve on his face.
"Baron Henry, good evening."
Henry was taken aback for a moment. The Third Prince’s steady tone and expression were a bit much, not quite matching his handsome, youthful appearance.
’Trying to act like a master strategist with me?’
"Your Highness, do you have a mission for me?" Henry bowed and got straight to the point.
The Third Prince nodded, gesturing for Henry to sit, then sat down behind the large desk himself.
He picked up a document from the desk and handed it to Henry.
"This is a decision I’ve just made. I believe your suggestion has merit. We need to be more proactive in understanding the enemy, not just sit here waiting to die."
Henry took the scroll and quickly skimmed it.
The Third Prince had appointed him commander of a special operations team. His mission was to lead a Heavy Cavalry unit to harass and scout the Lizardmen to gather more intelligence on the enemy.
"I will provide this force, including their equipment and supplies."
Henry nodded. ’The Third Prince knows how to handle people, at least. His attitude is excellent, much better than his second brother’s.’
The Third Prince continued, "I know this is dangerous, but we need to know the Lizardmen’s strength and whether there are any signs of reinforcements. We don’t even have a clear idea of their current numbers."
"Your Highness, I accept this mission. I will not fail you."
A smile appeared on the Third Prince’s face. He walked over to Henry and said earnestly, "I believe in you, Baron Henry. The future of the empire may very well rest in the hands of loyal young nobles like you."
Henry gave the Third Prince a military salute, then turned and left the room with the map and appointment document in hand.
After watching Henry leave, the Third Prince’s thoughtful gaze fell upon a map of the entire empire. He stared at the location of Lukaron, lost in thought.
By the time Henry returned to camp, the sky had grown completely dark. The campfires flickered in the night, providing a little warmth.
Instead of going straight back to his tent, Henry sent someone to find Boman and Fass, telling them he had something important to discuss.
Boman and Fass arrived shortly and sat with Henry by the fire.
"Henry, what happened?"
Henry didn’t answer immediately. He handed the appointment document and map to the two of them before speaking slowly, "The Third Prince gave me a mission. He’s appointed me commander of a special operations team, tasked with leading a Heavy Cavalry unit to harass and scout the Lizardmen."
Fass looked at the appointment order, his brow furrowed. "This is extremely dangerous. We know far too little about the Lizardmen. An operation like this could get us killed."
Boman, on the other hand, seemed somewhat excited. "This is a great opportunity to show our courage and ability! I’m in."
Fass shook his head. "Boman, you’re always so impulsive. We can’t just disregard our lives in a moment of passion."
Henry nodded, showing he understood Fass’s concerns. "Fass, your worries are justified. But if we can successfully scout the Lizardmen’s strength and movements, it will be crucial for the entire war effort."
Boman also joined in persuading Fass. "Fass, I know there’s a risk, but like Henry said, this is crucial for the war... And don’t forget who sent us here."
Fass was silent for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Alright, you’ve convinced me. But we have to think through every step. We can’t be reckless."
Just as Boman said, they had been sent by the emperor. This was the emperor’s mission, and the greater the risk, the greater the reward: more political favor, more fiefdoms, more wealth, and greater glory!
Henry smiled and clapped Fass on the shoulder. "Of course. You might not trust others, but don’t you trust me?"
Fass nodded. Henry’s track record had indeed won his confidence; it seemed Henry always found a way to succeed.
The three of them spread out the map and began to discuss their route.
The next day, at the crack of dawn, Henry, Boman, and Fass were already fully armored, their mail glinting coldly in the morning light.
Henry wasn’t wearing his usual black helmet and armor, but rather a triple-layered suit of heavy armor that could be worn on horseback.
In the barracks, the eight hundred Heavy Mamluk Cavalry dispatched by the Third Prince were already assembled, awaiting the arrival of their new commander.
These cavalrymen were elite Warriors from the southern regions of the empire. They wore southern Scale Armor, thick leather armguards, Steel Wender Helmets, and Hardened Clamped Boots. They carried steel round shields and high-quality steel tribal Long Swords.
Notably, they were the only horse archers in the empire, aside from the emperor’s Personal Guard—the Khan’s Personal Guard—to be fully equipped with noble bows and Piercing Arrows.
Their archery was powerful, and they were no slouches in melee either. They could first thin out the enemy with their bows before finishing them off in close combat.
As for why the Mamluk Cavalry, who were "slaves," used noble bows, the situation and its historical legacy were complicated.
To put it simply, after the Aserai were conquered and unified by the empire, the Mamluks were no longer subjected to any outrageous, inhuman treatment.
It was just that the Mamluk name was so renowned in the desert regions that the designation could never be changed.
As Henry and his two companions walked into the military camp, the soldiers’ eyes turned to them in unison.
Henry felt the indifference in their gazes... He strode forward and stood before the assembled Cavalry.
"Soldiers! I am Baron Henry, your new commander. We are about to undertake a difficult mission that will test our courage, our Wisdom, and your Bravery."
"Our targets are the Lizardmen. We will harass them and scout them."
The Cavalry listened in silence, their eyes firm, without a trace of fear.
"I know this will be an arduous mission, but you are the pride of the empire! Your duty is to protect its people and its lands."
Boman and Fass stood on either side of Henry. Boman looked eager to go, while Fass appeared somewhat serious.
"Now, check your equipment, soothe your warhorses, and prepare to move out!"
"Yes, Commander!"
The cavalrymen adjusted their saddles and led their horses to the Quartermaster’s depot to receive food, water, and Traveling Horses for riding and for carrying their weapons and armor.
Once all preparations were complete, Henry, Boman, and Fass led the eight hundred Heavy Mamluk Cavalry slowly out of the camp, heading west.
Boman and Fass, serving as Henry’s deputies, showed no dissatisfaction, riding on his left and right respectively.
As for the forces Henry, Boman, and Fass left behind at the Hobia camp, they were placed under the management of their respective Attendants, officers, and Quartermasters to maintain daily training.
Should a battle occur, they would join the fight according to the normal order of battle to protect Hobia.
After leaving Hobia, the Cavalry column advanced along a desert path. Their goal was to loop around to the area between Iyakis and Hobia, then head south to penetrate deep into Lizardman territory.
Although the route was circuitous, it would best allow them to avoid the enemy’s line of sight and reduce the risk of being discovered.
As for their guide, it was, of course, Salim.
Yes, poor Salim had not left Henry’s army and had been kept in the camp all this time.
In the spirit of "if it works, work it to death," Salim had become the guide for this elite force.
The Mamluk Cavalry were indeed elites, but that was in combat. As the saying goes, every man to his trade. When it came to being a guide, Salim was still a cut above.
As time went on, the Cavalry column gradually moved away from Hobia and entered a desolate, uninhabited stretch of desert.
Endless sand dunes stretched out before them, devoid of any sign of life. The cavalrymen slowed their pace, remaining vigilant of their surroundings.
They were far from Hobia now; there could be Lizardman patrols or traps.
Dozens of cavalrymen acting as Scouts had sharp eyes and keen ears; not the slightest anomaly could escape their notice.
After a three-day trek, Henry and his large Cavalry force finally reached an oasis situated between Hobia and Iyakis.
In the oasis, the sight of the turquoise lake water brought a refreshing coolness, and it was surrounded by dense date palm trees.
Under Henry’s command, the cavalrymen entered the oasis in an orderly fashion and began to rest.
The Mamluk Cavalry were taciturn and not given to words, appearing very cold and aloof. They had their warhorses drink from the lake in batches while they set up tents and prepared food in the shade of the trees.
Meanwhile, Henry, Boman, and Fass gathered to check the map and discuss their next course of action.
Just then, Salim found Henry, his face fraught with worry and his eyes betraying his fear.
"Baron Henry, I know you need a guide, but I really can’t go any further south. I have elders and children at home. I can’t risk venturing into a place I’ve never been before."
Henry looked at Salim, understanding his concerns. After all, the region they were about to enter was Lizardman territory, fraught with danger.
Henry patted Salim’s shoulder and said gently, "Salim, you are a father, and a brave, fearless, powerful Bedouin chieftain. What you are doing now is part of a great mission to protect the peace of the entire desert region."
"If we get lost in the desert and needlessly lose these elite forces, what a terrible loss that would be! It could directly lead to the fall of the Hobia region."
Salim’s jaw dropped. He stared blankly at Henry. ’Am I really that important?’
Henry stared into Salim’s eyes and said seriously, "Salim, listen to me. If our mission fails, your family will be slaughtered by the Lizardmen all the same."
"You’re not just a guide anymore. You are a glorious Warrior of a Caladian Empire Legion! You are protecting your own people and your homeland!"
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