The Thousand Year Dynasty
11. Responding to Challenge I
"I didn't think Tyrion was this slick. He must have prepared a scouting force on the east coast. And strike as soon as we refuse his request" said Cornelius, who appeared to be very angry as they gathered at Lucia's residence after learning that the eastern seaboard was attacked by Urbar's royal forces.
"From the beginning he did intend to attack us" Orland later said.
It was morning when Caspian came to report.
"How, Cas?" Lucia asked who looked very worried.
"Thankfully there were Yllgarians. The opposing forces were successfully intercepted, even eliminated" Caspian replied.
"How many troops did they send?" This time Nata asked.
"According to reports some of the soldiers and the Yllgarians were probably about eighty to a hundred people" Caspian replied.
"Hundred soldiers? Is that true? Does he intend to finish us off in one night?" Madron raised his voice. Seems very upset.
"Now Vossler and Helen are taking care of their bodies. Also the residents of Sekai village" continued Caspian later.
"How many casualties, Mr Caspian?" Ask Nata again.
"Thirty people including small children and women" Caspian replied in a bitter tone.
Nata lowered his hand to his forehead. He knew it was his fault. His defeat was even before this war began.
Aksa looks to grind both molars. Until his jaw seemed to move. He looks very irritated.
Lucia looks like she's shedding tears. It looked as though Amithy was next to him patting his back softly.
The rest of the people who were in that place now looked very angry and also sad.
Then Aksa walked up to Nata.
"I don't like this, Nat. They don't even exclude women and children" Aksa said slowly enough to only be heard by close people.
"I am too. But we have to stick around to win this foul game" Nata replied with the same volume of votes.
"Do you still think that the number of our soldiers cannot win this war? You just have to ask for it, Nat. I'll make it soon" Aksa replied again. Although it sounded slow, but felt emotions in his voice.
"Calm down, Aks. I also desperately want to destroy those people. But we must remain level-headed and analyze all this first" Nata replied. "We can't lose to them. Therefore we must make sure that we control the direction of this war" he added.
"I really want to blow something up right now" furious Aksa quietly.
"When it's time, I will definitely force you to make it. You don't have to remind me. So now, calm down first" said Nata who then looked towards Rafa behind Aksa. "Miss Rafa, please take Aksa to find a glass of warm milk" he said later.
Rafa just gave a small nod and pulled Aksa's arm and drove her to the kitchen. After Aksa and Rafa came out of the room. Nata walked over to Lucia.
"Are you okay, princess?" Ask Nata later.
Lucia was silent. His gaze pierce the table before him. In his mind, he blames himself. Blaming his decision to answer this war. He felt he had put many lives at risk because of his immature decision.
"As a human being, you can feel sad, angry, disappointed, scared, or self-blame. As a leader, you cannot. You need to stay strong and look strong. Even though it was just pretending" Nata said while sitting on the keja next to Lucia.
"Because all this has happened. So it means nothing to be mourned. All you have to do is do your best in the future. The war has already begun, and people need your presence. Be a symbol of their hope" Nata added later.
"Give me a choice, Nat. Give me all the options you can think of to respond to this war" Lucia said later.
Nata started to smile a little. "Okay, princess"
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In the afternoon they held a funeral for the victims. Both the villagers, as well as the fallen soldiers. The cemetery is located in the northeast of the village. That was attended by almost everyone and also Yllgarian.
For a while the north gate was also closed to outsiders. Outsiders in the city could stay if they wanted to. But it will not be able to go out for a certain period of time. And it seems that the Urbar kingdom spy is no longer in the Central city since yesterday.
"We are very grateful for all the help from the Yllgarians. Because of you, many people have been saved" Lucia said, bowing slightly, as she met the five Yllgarian Wise at the funeral.
"You don't have to thank me. In fact, it is we who should apologize for not being able to come in time to help" replied Vugr the owl.
"Because after all, this land is the land we live in. So we will not stay silent if there is someone who wants to disturb him" added Farel the panther that is next to Vurg.
"So let us take part in this war as well. At least to protect our residence" this time Golus the bull said.
And after a long discussion, it was finally decided that the protection of the east coast was left to the Yllgarians. Although Lucia is still leading all the moves and Nata is still making plans and strategies for them.
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A while later, they were already in the central room of Lucia's residence with the army chief and nobles.
"Are we going to get back at them?" Jean asked, visibly emotional, even before Nata could speak.
"We could have attacked them by now. But we have no knowledge of them. Remember those who keep attacking without knowing the strength of the opponent will end up like a hundred Urbar troops that were exhausted in that overnight time alone" Nata replied.
"Yes, I get it. Then what's the plan you have?" Jean looked impatient.
"We'll lure Urbar's side and see their response" Nata searched. "Indeed this plan is quite dangerous, because we don't know what the Urbarians will do if we make them angry. But in that way too, we can see what their patterns and movements look like. So we can anticipate it, or even control the direction of their movement" Nata explained.
"Or easier still, we can close the gate and stay forever in this territory. After all, we have been able to fulfill our own lives without the need for the help of other cities" Nata added.
"I don't think you're going to choose that, boy" Jean said quickly.
"The decisive princess. We can end this war by shutting ourselves down. I dare guarantee they will not be able to penetrate the defense that we will make. That is the way that takes the least amount of casualties" Nata replied Jean.
"No, Nat. I need to demand justice for my people and my soldiers. We will answer the war they sent us" Lucia said firmly.
Everyone in the place looked quite impressed by Lucia's words. No exception to Nata. His smile seemed to expand.
"Well, if the princess has decided. We will answer this war. And we will answer it arrogantly" said Nata then who this time the face and tone of his voice has returned like he usually is. More confident towards arrogance.
"Then what are the details of your plan, Mr Nata?" Caspian asked who was just as impatient as Jean.
"We'll start sending them letters of complaint. We have to show that their bluff did not produce results. And we will challenge them openly" Nata explained. "We're going to make them realise they're looking for trouble with the wrong city" he added.
And just hearing Nata's words made everyone look optimistic and excited again.
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