That's not how you use a witch!

Chapter 14 Am I going to die too?

Ronan did not panic, but instead ordered the militia to settle the refugees.

That night, Vance's convoy returned. Clearly, the Mountain Territory had also taken in some refugees and learned of the approaching rout.

"Nephew, let's run!"

This lord, who had spent most of his life struggling and fighting, offered his heartfelt advice without hesitation, drawing on his survival wisdom.

Judging from his panicked expression, the suggestion was clearly heartfelt.

"According to my scouts, that band of defeated soldiers numbered over four thousand, including quite a few knights who had even entered the inner sanctum. This was something that the current forces of our two territories simply could not contend with!"

We'll set off now, taking the core assets and personnel of our territory, and arrive at Frost Territory for refuge before nightfall tomorrow. It's the capital of the West, garrisoned by an elite knightly order; defeated troops dare not attack there.

If you don't have enough manpower, I can lend you these carriages and horses first!

Bart and Ronan's bodyguards shared the same opinion: although knights take pride in dying in battle, this does not equate to pointless sacrifice.

Among the group of "escapeists," Ronan, the "pro-war" advocate, stood out as a distinct exception.

"If we run away, what will happen to the resources we've accumulated in our territory? We can't take most of it with us. If we leave it to the fleeing soldiers, they'll just loot it, and all our hard work will be destroyed in an instant."

And what about the common people? Are they to walk all the way to the Duke's territory? The weather is so cold now, at least a third of them will freeze or starve to death along the way.

"And if we can escape this time, what about next time? If the lord disregards his people and territory, our prestige will be completely ruined, and our return will be pointless."

Vance shook his head repeatedly after hearing Ronan's words: "Nephew, what you say makes sense, but the premise is survival. As long as we're alive, we can always fight again! Don't do anything foolish!"

He felt that this young man was still too impetuous and had not yet learned to be flexible and adaptable.

While his subjects are undoubtedly a lord's important asset, even the most precious possession must be abandoned when life is threatened. In his view, Ronan's most important asset is clearly Meldale, the iron-farming princess; with her by his side, he can rise again.

Vance thought to himself, if Ronan insists on going his own way, then he should just leave on his own!

Although the two had a good personal relationship, they were far from dying in the same year and month.

"Uncle Vance, don't worry, I'm perfectly clear-headed. If the situation really turns unfavorable, I'll leave naturally."

Ronan summoned the patrol soldiers from the Thorn Territory and the Mountain Territory, asked them for details, and called in several refugees to cross-verify the information.

Based on the descriptions from both sides, he had a general idea of ​​the situation: more than 4,000 defeated soldiers were slowly moving along the Baiyin River and were expected to enter Fulong Valley tonight. This was one of the main transportation routes between the western and northern borders, with a pocket-shaped terrain and a mountain pass that could only accommodate a maximum of 30 people walking side by side. Militarily, it was considered a natural fortress.

Before entering the western border, this group of defeated soldiers had plundered several territories in the northern border along their journey, stopping and starting along the way.

Large territories can rely on their superior military strength to defend themselves and keep the enemy out of their territory; small territories, lacking sufficient military power, can only end up with their territory destroyed and their people fleeing.

These refugees, as if they had encountered a savior, chattered about their experiences, including how the lord had fled and how the defeated soldiers had entered the territory to burn, kill, and plunder.

Finally, they begged Ronan to protect them, not to abandon them whether they fought or fled.

"Meidel, what do you think?"

Ronan looked at the silent girl.

"Whatever your plans, I will obey without question."

Without hesitation, the girl replied, "I believe you will make the right decision."

Ronan nodded, then looked at the hundred militiamen who had been hastily assembled; they too had received information that the fleeing troops were approaching.

At this moment, many people showed tension, confusion and fear, but most of them had a resolute determination not to back down, which was obvious and did not need to be deliberately captured.

So Ronan cleared his throat:

"Warriors of Thorn Territory, are you willing to see the homeland you built with your own hands trampled upon? Are you willing to see the wealth you accumulated plundered? Are you willing to see your loved ones humiliated and abused?"

"No! No!"

His response was a unified roar from the militia.

The militia members were treated much better than ordinary citizens; their entire fortune was tied up here, and their withdrawal was tantamount to starting over. Therefore, their will to fight was the strongest.

Furthermore, they have combat experience and a psychological advantage—I've even beaten up evil beasts, how could I not beat up a few defeated soldiers?

Ronan smiled with satisfaction; this was exactly the answer he wanted.

Seeing Vance's confusion, he made a "don't rush" gesture and expressed his opinion:

The routed soldiers, having been defeated by the rebels and exhausted from their long march, were in a state of high tension and fear, hardly any better off than the displaced people. This was evident from their slow pace and their tendency to attack only small territories while avoiding any large ones.

More importantly, according to the confessions of the existing refugees, even when faced with a small territory, they would not directly attack it. Instead, three to five people would first go in to observe, and only if they found that the lord had fled or that there was no decent resistance in the territory would they return and spread the word.

"So, my dear nephew, you mean to scare them away?"

Vance stroked his chin, pondering the feasibility of the plan.

"No, this only provides temporary safety. If they find out our true situation, we will inevitably face retaliation."

Ronan retrieved a map and analyzed it for everyone: With the rebels chasing behind, the routed soldiers would not be able to return by the same route; they would only continue to flee into the western heartland, and soon the entire western region would be thrown into chaos.

Once the military forces in the western border are organized, these defeated soldiers will eventually be driven out, and the Thorn Territory and the Mountain Territory happen to be blocking their retreat. If they are forced into a fight to the death, the situation will completely change.

If the rebels take advantage of the chaos to move south and form a pincer movement, not only will their two territories be destroyed, but the entire western region will be doomed!

"So what I mean is, let's just wipe out this bunch of defeated soldiers and turn the crisis into an opportunity!"

Ronan pointed to the Valley of the Dragons on the map.

The four thousand defeated soldiers are indeed a hidden danger, but they also represent a huge potential human resource. What he lacks most right now is manpower!

While the size of this defeated army was somewhat beyond the Thorn Territory's capacity to absorb, and risks existed, a lack of proactive action would almost certainly lead to certain death. Faced with a choice between a shared crisis and certain death, Ronan chose the former.

"this……"

Vance felt he understood this young man in front of him less and less.

"So what do you want to do? How can I help you? As long as it's something I can offer, please let me know!"

Vance gritted his teeth and decided to go all out.

If they flee as originally planned, the mountain territory's resources will inevitably be looted, and it's better to give them to Ronan than to the fleeing soldiers. If Ronan actually succeeds, then it'll be a huge profit.

There was another reason: his youngest son, Grant, was a knight in the northern land of Orvi, which was part of the coalition forces fighting the rebellion at the time.

Now the allied forces have suffered a defeat, the territory of Auvie has been reduced to ruins, and Grant's whereabouts are unknown, with no one even knowing whether he is alive or dead. If any of the routed soldiers know his whereabouts, that would be the best outcome.

"However, let me make this clear first: I am old and, though I am willing to kill the bandits, I am unable to mount my horse..."

"Uncle Vance, don't worry, you don't need to go into battle. I just need to borrow a squad of soldiers from the mountain territory—and your witch."

"QAQ?"

Upon hearing this, Lilith, who thought she had very little presence, suddenly shuddered, looking pitiful with shock and despair.

"Am I going to die too?"

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