Eternal Empire - Kingdom Building

After a refreshing night at the northern guard post, the team set off for Cold Winter Village again. This journey felt different from David's previous trek to Iron Tree Fort. They weren’t taking the long route west along the northern edge of the Iron Tree Forest this time. Instead, they opted for a faster path—straight northwest.

David had described Winter Village's location: nestled on the south side of a large forest, east of the Winter River. With these landmarks in mind, finding their way would be easy. Even from a distance, the forest served as a reliable reference point. The vast green grassland might seem disorienting at first, but with the forest and river as guides, they wouldn’t lose their way.

Choosing this route meant they could cover the distance in about two days if they pushed hard. If they took their time, it could stretch to three. David felt good about Maloney’s decision; returning early was a welcome prospect. The time spent in Iron Tree Fort had dulled his sense of home. Now, with each mile closer to Cold Winter Village, he found himself longing for the familiar comforts of home, even after being away for less than a month.

However, David noticed the two inspectors in the team—their identities still unclear—busily recording details along the way. When the group paused for meals, he often caught them huddling together, discussing whatever it was they were writing down.

Maloney caught on quickly. “Don’t be surprised; they’re just drawing a map.”

David blinked in surprise. So they were mapmaking. It made sense—since Cold Winter Village would soon fall under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Tilan, the kingdom needed a comprehensive understanding of its new territory. Mapping was just the first step.

“So inspection work includes this?” he asked, piecing it together.

“Yes. They’ll also be noting down potential resources around Winter Village,” Maloney replied. “They need to determine whether Winter is a real village and what specialties, minerals, and terrain features are present.”

This choice of route to Winter Village was strategic; they needed to measure the distance from the northern sentry to Winter Village. Maloney also informed David about their return journey. Unlike the current direct route, they would follow the path David had taken before, checking the river that flowed out of the Iron Tree Forest and assessing the abandoned village along the way.

Iron Tree Castle and the Kingdom of Tilan needed a clear understanding of the northern plains. They had to decide on strategies for managing such a vast territory. Would they establish more outposts deep within the plains? Should they construct a fort? Would they mobilize additional manpower to reclaim and develop the area into a new city?

Unless there were valuable mineral resources to justify such an investment, the likelihood of Iron Tree Fort committing large numbers of workers to build a city in the northern plains was slim.

Just as Maloney outlined his work, a soldier tasked with security suddenly shouted, “There are ‘people’ approaching from the north!”

Everyone immediately halted their activities, and several soldiers mounted their horses, scanning the horizon to the north.

Laura, lighter on her feet, stood up on her horse's back, shielding her eyes with her hands for a better view.

From her vantage point, she quickly spotted the approaching figures. “There are four brown-yellow, sturdy creatures with simple armor and weapons. Their mounts are giant wolves with long white fur…”

Everyone soon grasped who the ‘people’ were—those who had decimated the northeast development team.

David, also on horseback with his hunting bow at the ready, muttered, “I didn’t expect to run into these guys right before reaching home. I thought this trip would be smooth sailing.”

Although the suspected orcs were approaching from the north, he wasn't concerned about Winter Village. With Fording in the village, a hundred orcs wouldn’t pose a threat to Cold Winter Village.

As the distance between the two groups closed, David could see the sharp fangs protruding from the orcs’ mouths. “These really look like orcs.”

Even if they were, he found it unremarkable. Orcs existed in many worlds, not just those steeped in western magical traditions.

“They don’t seem to be here to say hello,” Maloney said, sitting tall in the saddle, his composure unshaken. “Knight Hackett, you will take charge of this battle.”

“Yes, my lord.” Knight Hackett drew his long sword, raising it high as he shouted, “Charge!” He led the charge, galloping ahead, closely followed by several heavily armed soldiers. Each drew their weapons: two wielded warhammers, another held a chain hammer, and one brandished a broad sword.

Four against five—neither side had the advantage in numbers. Yet, the orcs were not only larger but also sturdier than the human soldiers. Their mounts, massive wolves, added to their imposing presence.

However, the orcs' gear was rudimentary, with armor more ornamental than protective, and their weapons looked old and crude. In contrast, the elite knights of Iron Tree Fort were well-equipped, making the outcome of their clash uncertain until the very moment they collided.

Boom!

As the two cavalry units charged, a deafening crash echoed across the plains. Armored figures and thick, brown-yellow bodies tumbled to the ground.

Yet, one of the orcs remained upright, not turning back to aid his fallen comrades. Instead, he barreled straight towards David and the others.

Knight Hackett, the only knight still on his guard, had just completed the charge. He quickly reined in his horse, ignoring his companions as he pivoted to pursue. His duty was to protect Maloney Mansfield and his subordinates. If Maloney was safe, he’d protect David and Laura as well.

Normally, the giant wolf cavalry would tire quickly, especially after charging from a distance. With superior steeds, Hackett felt confident he could intercept any threats before they reached Maloney.

But he was unprepared for what happened next. As he turned to speed after the orc, several giant wolf mounts surged from the side.

Hackett’s reflexes kicked in; he narrowly dodged the initial strike, countering by thrusting his sword at the attacking wolf and forcing back another with a swift swing. But that brief delay allowed the orc to advance further, threatening Maloney directly.

Regret washed over him—he had underestimated the enemy and made a grave error. Just then, the orc charging at Maloney fell from its mount.

Maloney Mansfield's heart raced as he saw the hulking, fearsome figure barreling toward him. He’d be lying if he claimed to feel fearless.

Suppressing his fear, he stopped his attendant, Huey, from stepping in front of him and calmly unsheathed his sword. In his mind, he was the only one left capable of fighting. David and the others? Proud Lord Maloney wouldn’t hide behind commoners.

But as the vicious creature lunged for him, it suddenly tumbled off its mount, rolling wildly on the ground.

After struggling to regain his footing, the orc shook his head, dazed. Then, in the next heartbeat, several sharp arrows struck him in the face—two pierced through his eye sockets, and he fell lifelessly.

Maloney’s gaze flicked to the giant wolf that had served as the orc’s mount. Arrows were embedded in its skull; it seemed the creature had fallen first, hurling its rider to the ground.

Turning to David, Maloney noticed him still poised with his bow, a silent testament to the chaos that had just unfolded.

“Good archery!” Maloney exclaimed, regaining his composure. David’s skill had saved him from certain doom. His precision was impressive, able to fire twice in rapid succession, each arrow striking a vital point—a feat beyond what ordinary hunters could achieve.

Even the elite archers of Iron Tree Fort might struggle to match David’s remarkable marksmanship.