Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 93 The Shackles of War
In Leedsburg, at the northernmost point of the valley, Kyle and Hiller reunited.

Both sides were in a sorry state. Kyle's Iron Man, Dwarf, and Sharpshooter troops were all wiped out, leaving only a bunch of highly mobile grunts.

More than half of the Stormrage Centaur Hunters under Sirel's command were killed. He had suffered similar losses before, but to lose so many men for only a few dozen enemy Wild Gryphons was a loss he couldn't even report.

“That Su Muzhen deserves to die. He always manages to mess things up at crucial moments. If it weren’t for him, I would have taken Qiangnu Town long ago.”

"The heroes under this man's command are too powerful, especially the general who is good at commanding sharpshooters. He seems to have learned a higher level of divine skill, making his attack power even stronger."

The two huddled together for warmth, concluding that the enemy was too strong, and it wasn't their fault in fighting.

"It seems that we can't take Qiangnu Town on our own now, we have to send in a large army."

Although Hillel suffered a defeat, as a hero of the fortress, he still had confidence. With the current number of troops stationed in the valley, if Ivo really decided to launch a northern expedition, the small town of Qiangnu would not be able to withstand him.

Shieldbearers and Earthbows are indeed powerful, but how many magical attacks can they withstand?
If Levin Anderson were willing to intervene, his advanced magic alone could inflict devastating damage on the enemy. No matter how powerful Oring is, he only has a few hundred men under his command; they simply cannot withstand the onslaught.

However, this makes the two of them seem somewhat incompetent.

If there were no other way, Sirell wouldn't have wanted to report it like this, but he really couldn't beat Su Mu.

Even now, recalling the terrifying arrows of revenge on the battlefield still gives me a feeling of surviving a catastrophe.

Just as Sirel was about to write a magical letter to report to Ivo, Kyle pulled him from behind.

"There's still room for maneuver!"

"I bribed the thieves in the refugee camp at a high price. While Dean was recruiting soldiers, I have already infiltrated Qiangnu Town and am carrying out my plan to turn them against me."

Once they show any signs of internal conflict, that will be our opportunity!

Hirel stared at Kyle in surprise, not expecting this man to have some brains.

Ivo once said that humans should fight humans, making full use of their internal contradictions to divide them, and repeatedly mentioned that Kyle was familiar with the Elton Rules and the local situation, and that the expedition could take his advice.

Hillel never took it seriously, thinking that he was just a surrendered general who only knew some diplomacy and led some miscellaneous troops, and was of no great use.

But now it seems that Kyle truly put in a lot of effort against the nobles of Longletburg. His hatred for these people is even deeper than his own, which could be put to good use.

Hillel put away the letter, still somewhat worried: "But Su Mu and his men are too strong. As long as he's there, Qiangnu Town will definitely be able to hold out."

Kyle smiled smugly: "Su Mu has risen so quickly, with brilliant achievements in the southern and northern expeditions. He became a baron in his early twenties and was personally rewarded by Conrad. What do those nobles who rely on seniority or inheritance for their entire lives think?"
This person is decisive and efficient. He has no problem controlling his own army, but when dealing with nobles who are already jealous, wouldn't he appear domineering and arrogant?

I served as a vassal in Longlet Castle for decades and have a good understanding of the mentality of those nobles.

Subordinates can be capable and useful, but they cannot be too prominent, especially when it comes to interests; nobles prioritize their own interests.

"Such a high-profile person, if his subordinates offer a few words of slander, the relationship between the two sides will surely break down."

Dean was very concerned about his reputation, and Su Mu was an uncompromising person. With a little provocation, the two parted ways!

Listening to Kyle's analysis, Hillel felt a headache coming on. Although there was power struggle within the Barrier, it wasn't as convoluted as in humans; it was more about the supremacy of natural bestowals. Bloodline was essential, but ability was even more important.

Marquisates like Longlet Castle, when faced with foreign invasion, did not first think of uniting to resist, but instead suppressed the emerging young talents. No wonder the kingdom has declined to such a state.

"Alright, I'll send some more great elves from the rear. We'll await your news regarding the Strongbow Town matter."

"As long as we can drive Sumu away, I will definitely take Qiangnu Town. Afterwards, I will recommend you to the Children of the Forest. From now on, all the surrendered human troops in the valley, including the Xilin Plain, will be under your command!"

"Thank you, Druid!"

Hirel's words were a bit too ambitious, but Kyle was eager to showcase his talents and was very enthusiastic in offering advice.

……

In the south-central part of the withered grass snowfield, several snow-covered cities are connected by roads, looking out for each other and forming a defensive posture.

Lord Norton Cox, the leader of the cities of the Cold Nights, received a rare and distinguished guest, Miss Maggie from Longlet Castle.

Although the relationship between the Northlands and the Plains wasn't particularly harmonious, Cox and Garfield were good friends; both heirs' grandfathers had studied in the capital and become close friends. Furthermore, Norton had been a comrade-in-arms of Maggie's father, so their relationship was also acceptable.

The people of the North are fierce and rugged, and they entertained Maggie with their unique cuisine, much to the delight of the guests.

Maggie then explained the purpose of her visit: "Uncle Norton, Ivo has amassed a large force to break through Qiangnu Town. Langlit Castle is currently beset by internal and external troubles and has no spare capacity to support the south. I would like to ask you to lead the nobles of Hanye City to their aid."

Her request for help from Cold Night City was not without reason. Although the North was ruled by Duke Salman, Cold Night City was a relatively independent region. They were surrounded by rich stone and crystal mines, obeyed only the kingdom's call, and possessed considerable strength, along with a large number of Frost Griffins.

This water-elemental-baptized griffin not only possesses the ability to defend against water magic, but when attacking, it can even cover its feathers with ice and shoot them out like sharp arrows, making it extremely powerful.

If they could get help from the Cox family, at least the pressure of the Southern war could be relieved.

Norton took a sip of wine and sighed, “Given the friendship between our two families, I should naturally help you. But you know the situation in the North. Salman has been forced to retreat repeatedly, and many of the nobles have had their troops redeployed, leaving the region vulnerable.”

Although Cold Night City possesses a degree of autonomy, it still needs to give Saliman face by sending reinforcements. If I send troops further south, the resource-rich areas within my territory will be neglected. Suppressing the river valley bandits is a crucial matter for the kingdom; why not propose it to the parliament? Reinforcements will surely arrive.”

Maggie's face darkened: "Faced with the overwhelming force of Isildur's army, the kingdom is also preoccupied with its own affairs. Although it has long had the idea of ​​annihilating the defeated troops in the valley, it will take some time to make arrangements and coordinate."

But the military situation is urgent, and Qiangnu Town can't wait that long.

Seeing Norton and the other nobles remain silent, Maggie spoke up: "I've come to request reinforcements, and naturally I haven't come empty-handed. I'll provide 10 portions of each special resource and 45 portions of logs."

There is also the Tier 2 treasure, Divine Body, the Tier 2 treasure, Ring of Life (Sealed), and a series of magic scrolls.

"As long as Cold Night City defeats the enemies in the valley, all of this will belong to Uncle Norton."

Upon hearing the wealth promised by Maggie, the nobles discussed it animatedly, and even Norton was somewhat tempted.

This is definitely a very substantial batch of strategic materials. No castle can ever have too much of these special resources, not to mention the scarce logs, which have already increased in value tenfold in exchange. Logs are in short supply in other regions, and Cold Night City is also extremely lacking. It's unexpected that Longlit Castle has such a large stockpile.

As for gold coins, Han Yecheng didn't really need them; it has to be said that Maggie's gift was exactly what he wanted.

While Norton was still pondering, the nobles below began to clamor, each one filled with righteous indignation, wanting to stand up for Longlet Castle and join forces to wipe out the Isidore bandits.

People from the North are always straightforward; they don't hide what they want.

Norton nodded and said, "Since Miss Maggie has said so, I have nothing more to say. Cold Night City is willing to send 500 Frost Griffins, 200 Flood Swordsmen, and 1000 Halberdiers to fight, with my son Jon Snow Cox as commander!"

"Oh!"

"Cold Night City will prevail!"

Maggie and Norton raised their glasses, and everyone cheered.

Sending such an elite army is a considerable effort, even for a marquis like Norton. It's clear that Norton isn't just after money; he genuinely wants to help his old friend's daughter.

After agreeing on the aid, the nobles drank and sang.

A maid suddenly came in and handed Maggie a letter, which she held and read for a long time.

Maggie then asked Norton, "I've heard that there's a special level 3 treasure in Salman's capital city called the War Shackles. Does Uncle Norton know anything about it?"

Norton paused for a moment: "Yes, the War Shackles are sealed in the Dark Castle of Arklay. This treasure has not been touched for a long time. Due to its unique magical barrier, it is extremely dangerous unless you have absolute confidence."

Akureyri Dark Castle is the main city of Salman. The unique landscape was created when lava cooled and combined with water during a volcanic eruption.

Maggie made a request: "I want to obtain this treasure, and I will try my best to meet whatever conditions Salman requires."

Norton exclaimed in surprise, "Have you thought this through? This treasure is equal to both sides. If you don't have a sure chance of winning, using it will only harm yourself."

Fearing that Maggie might be too impetuous due to her youth, he even brought her precious books to educate her.

【War Shackles (Tier 3 Treasure): Deploys a magical barrier cage that prevents heroes of both sides from escaping the battlefield. The War Cage must be maintained within the shackles. Intense battles will deplete the War Cage; once it is completely depleted, the cage becomes ineffective, and the hero can leave.】

Morale of all units in the cage -1.

War Cage: 0/100, replenished by consuming Originium and Sulfur.

Evaluation: You have arrived at the ruins of an ancient castle. Inside, you discover the thing that destroyed the castle: the shackles of war.

"The conditions for using this treasure are very demanding. It can't withstand a large number of advanced troops charging for long. On ordinary days, we also have to spend resources to maintain the War God's Cage, which is not worth the effort."

The power of treasures has its limits. In a battle like the Hills, the shackles of war are difficult to restrain. Even if deployed, if a high-level unit tries to escape, it can break free at a cost. Moreover, in such a close contest, no one can guarantee victory. Therefore, most heroes are unwilling to wear the shackles of war.

Of course, it is rumored that the War Shackles can improve the quality of treasures, and the most powerful cage can even trap the Dragon Kingdom, but that is just a legend.

After a moment's hesitation, Maggie said firmly, "This treasure is of great importance to me, so please help me, Uncle Norton!"

Seeing Maggie's firm resolve, Norton stopped trying to persuade her: "This item has been abandoned for many years. The Salman family has suffered repeated defeats recently and has taken out many treasures to reinforce their forces, but they haven't touched the War Shackles. It's clear they don't think much of it."

I'll use my connections to get the Dark Castle's trade manager to persuade the Salim family, and I guarantee I'll get it back for you at a low price!

Maggie was very excited after hearing this and thanked her profusely.

However, upon closer inspection, Maggie's eyes were filled with unease and doubt. After all, the shackles of war are a treasure that treats enemies and allies equally, and using them is too risky, with no one having a sure chance of victory.

But thinking of the person who dared to make this request, she gradually calmed down. After much deliberation, she concluded that the sacrifice was worthwhile.

War raged across the kingdom, the iron hooves of the ramparts trampled Elton underfoot, fear gripped all, light was shrouded in darkness, and hope was nowhere to be seen. But whenever this happened, miracles would occur in the Land of White Feathers.

Perhaps he truly is an unparalleled genius, an invincible hero?

(End of this chapter)