"What did you see?"
On the north wall of the fortress, under Luo Xue's order, there were no other figures on the surrounding walls, only Luo Xue and Du Wei stomped on the wall with their hands and looked north, Rohart stood quietly behind him about a few steps away outside.
Luoxue pointed to the north, turned her head and asked Du Wei with a smile.
Following Luoxue's fingers, Du Wei looked, to the north, far below the city was the river defense that was once regarded as the most stable by humans. The Roland Empire spent a lot of manpower and invested a lot of money to excavate and excavate the wide artificial river channel—of course. There are also many gold coins donated by Du Wei.
This river, plus this fortress. It used to be the eastern line of defense that humans regarded as impenetrable. But now, the river has become the world of orcs.
Just in the direction of Luoxue's finger. Du Wei could even vaguely see it in the shallow water by the river. There are huge figures soaking in the water and playing, those are the orc hippopotamus groundwater warriors who once wiped out the human warships stationed here.
At this moment, this river channel has become the territory of the Hippo tribe. Those huge figures rolled and roared in the river. Is enjoying the fun in the water.
Seeing this scene, Du Wei's eye muscles twitched lightly. It was already early morning, and he had a long talk with Luoxue all night. He is slightly tired. When the morning sun shines on the river. The surface of the water is glowing with golden light, and the hippos are playing. The scene is very interesting. But in Du Wei's heart. But suddenly a thought came to mind: the souls of those sailors who died in the water. Would you find this scene amusing
besides. The wreckage of the sunken warship in the river is probably still weeping in the icy water!
"What did you see?" Luo Xue asked again. asked lightly.
Du Wei raised his eyelids. The tone was a little cold: "What do you want me to answer?"
"I see... peace." Luo Xuedi's voice was almost saintly - but this tone. Du Wei felt disgusted for no reason. At this moment, he suddenly hated the elegant elf in front of him. I think it is hypocritical to the extreme!
"Peace?!" Du Wei laughed. His laughter was full of sarcasm and faint anger: "Really? You see peace? Just because these animals in the water are having fun and playing? Enjoying their good time? But sorry. I can't see a trace of it." Peace! Seeing this, I think of the souls of thousands of human army sailors who died in the river! I think of our warships that sank in the water!"
His voice gradually became sharper. He glared at Luoxue fiercely: "You saw peace. But what I saw was... shame! The shame of defeat!"
Luo Xue was also speechless. It was silent for a while, and then sighed softly: "It seems that the place of war will indeed change people. Duke Tulip. Now you have become extreme and warlike.
Du Wei didn't want to let it go. He said proudly: "From the point of view of a saint, war is of course bad, but from the point of view of me, a human being, I am willing to stop the war, but the premise is that we are the victors! Peace does not depend on A powerful enemy "rewards" the land!"
"Sharp. Cold, warlike, cruel..." Luoxue uttered one word after another softly, and finally looked at Du Wei and smiled bitterly: "Could this be your mood now?"
Luo Xue didn't respond positively to Du Wei's question, it remained silent, not knowing what the elf king was thinking at the moment.
After a while, it opened its mouth and continued: "So. How about further north? What did you see?"
On the north side of the fortress, there are city walls tens of meters away. There are countless orcs. On this cold morning. Topless. Strong muscles are exposed. Long black hairs. Toiled in the morning wind.
They use sticks. Using shovels and levers, the complete stone blocks were removed one by one from the northern wall of the fortress built by humans, and a solid wooden bridge has been built on the river. The orcs used logs as wheels, on which planks were laid, and then the removed ground stones were piled up on the planks, and then the orcs transported them to the north bank bit by bit like ants.
And the north bank of the river. In the distance, piles of stones stood there one after another. On the opposite shore, there was a lot of noise, and the orcs worked all night.
distance is too far. Du Wei couldn't see clearly, but he seemed to be able to vaguely see it in the chaos. There are also figures of dwarves.
It's on the north bank of the river, not far from the river bank. A stone wall is taking shape from the toil of the orcs. And the surrounding area is circled. One by one, the lifting equipment built with wood will adjust the stones up - just like building blocks.
"That's a castle."
The falling snow interrupted Du Wei's wait and see: "That will be the first military castle we built in Roland Continent. It is a barrier built completely according to the orc standard."
"For what?" Du Wei sneered.
Luoxue glanced at Du Wei: "It was built on the north bank of the river to protect our territory."
Probably it was the words "our territory" that deeply hurt Du Wei's self-esteem. He was furious. There was no attack on the face. It's just that the tone is involuntarily mean: "Oh? Your territory? The place you used to walk. As long as you bring swords and weapons, drive away the original residents. Is it called "your territory"?"
"Use swords to drive away the original inhabitants..." Luoxue smiled softly, "Don't forget. This is exactly what you did to us 10,000 years ago."
The north wall of the human fortress has been demolished. Even some places can't even see their true colors, stones, ironware... etc., all useful things were transported to the north bank of the river by the orcs. Build a new castle there.
"Why don't you use this one that you have already occupied? Don't you like its shape?" Du Wei said in a deep voice, "Or you don't like all human buildings. You must demolish them and rebuild them?"
"I told you, you're a bit extreme now." Luo Xue shook her head, under the rising sun. There was a faint smile on its face: "This is just a purely military consideration. Although the fortress we occupy is good, it is your human territory. And it is backed by the river, which is not conducive to defense in military terms. We're going to build a new one on the North Shore. So…”
"That's it. If we counterattack, you will have a complete defense system of rivers and city walls... This is the way we humans used to defend you before. Right." Du Wei sneered.
"As I said, I have no territorial ambitions for the places south of your river." Luoxue emphasized again.
Looking at Du Wei's indifferent expression. With stern eyes, Luoxue sighed inwardly: "I know what I said, you won't be able to fully understand it for a while. Or maybe you understand it in your heart. But you can't accept it yet."
"I'm not a saint." Du Wei retorted coldly: "But you... the elf king. You seem to be planning to become a saint."
Luoxue was silent for a while, it didn't respond to Du Wei's rhetorical question. It was only after a while that he whispered: "Let's go down, I have other gifts for you."
Du Wei understood all Luoxuedi's actions in his heart: including building Xindi Castle in Hebei.
Because from a military point of view, unless the criminals plan to continue to invade southward on a large scale. Otherwise, the fortress they occupy is not suitable for defense.
If the river course is added in front, the defense system will be more complete.
From this point of view, Luoxue is also euphemistically expressing its position: under its leadership, the criminals have no plans to invade southward on a large scale.
In other words: Luoxue intends to control the war within a limited range. And once the invasion goes south, both sides will fall into the quagmire of war. Can no longer withdraw.
And Luoxue said "gift" on the city wall. Du Wei finally saw it too.
In the east of the fortress. This was originally a military camp where human defenders were stationed, but now it has become a "prisoner of war camp."
Among the human defenders. On the day the fortress fell. In the end, those who insisted on fighting bravely and never retreated, about thousands of soldiers finally fell together with the fortress. Some of them died in battle. Some were captured after being surrounded, and some of these people were unwilling to escape because of their courage. certainly. There is also a part. I wanted to run away but couldn't run away.
But in any case, these soldiers who persisted in fighting to the end. They are a group of people worthy of respect.
When Du Wei came to this prisoner-of-war camp. There are several teams of elven warriors guarding the surroundings outside. Those elven warriors wear gorgeous armor, with space behind their backs, like helmets rolled up from leaves. handsome face...
"I can only let my soldiers guard here, because the orcs are full of hostility to humans." Luo Xue whispered: "I know. Before that, the orcs' army killed or even ate all the captured humans. Habit. But after I arrived, I have restricted this practice, and these prisoners of war are alive and well. I did not abuse them. However, in order to prevent those orcs from hating humans, I did something bad. I can only let my people guard here."
Du Wei nodded before barely uttering "Thank you".
Walking into the prisoner-of-war camp, in the morning, Du Wei saw that teams of human fighters had already lined up.
Although they lost their arms and armor. Everyone wore only a uniform, but it seemed that they hadn't been ill-treated during their captivity.
Even Du Wei was surprised to find that despite being captured. They were still doing the morning drills that were customary in the army.
Teams of unarmed soldiers. Make this team. Running on the playground in the military camp. Fuck out. Although everyone is silent. From the gloomy expressions of everyone, it can be seen that their mental state is depressed. But... After all, they still maintained their training. Not completely lost hope by being captured. Also maintained the true colors of soldiers.
When Luoxue and Du Wei walked in, it was the beginning. These prisoners of war didn't pay attention, they just thought it was the elves who came to watch, but later, some human soldiers saw Du Wei's appearance clearly: his clothes. And his ears.
Humanity! It turned out to be a human and an elf walking together!
"Let all the prisoners gather. I have something to announce." Luoxue ordered the elf soldiers under him.
Soon, these prisoners of war were gathered on the playground. They still barely maintained the queue according to the organization before they were captured. Occasionally some of the queues are a bit scattered. It was also because the damage to the organization was too serious, but most of them held their heads up, trying not to show frustration in front of the enemy—they still retained their fighting spirit!
Du Wei sighed in his heart: These people. It is the real elite of the Storm Legion.
It was different from those who were chased by thousands of wolf cavalry for dozens of miles, like a lost dog.
"All human warriors." Luoxue didn't say anything politely, it quickly stood at the front of the queue of these prisoners of war, and said loudly: "I announce one thing, according to the situation between me and the supreme commander of the eastern front of your Roland Empire Discuss the results. After today, you will be able to leave here and go home."
There was an uproar!
There were many screams in the crowd. More people cast doubtful eyes. but. The queue remains intact.
"These days. I respect you. Although you were captured, you fought to surround this fortress. You are soldiers worthy of our respect even though we are in a hostile position." Luo Xue finished. Nodding his head, he glanced at Du Wei.
In an instant, Du Wei understood Luo Xuedi's intentions!
I heard Luoxue continue to say loudly: "You don't need to be grateful to me, because we are enemies. If we meet again on the battlefield in the future, we don't have to show mercy to each other! I made the decision to let you go back, largely because of one person!"
As it said, it pointed its finger at Du Wei: "Your Excellency. As a nobleman with noble status, he came here from your human place alone and came to our army. He used his perseverance and courage to Let me move. Let me admire. Your Excellency Duke Tulip, do you have anything to say to your soldiers?"
Du Wei walked up silently. Standing in front of Luo Xuedi, he looked at the thousands of astonished eyes below.
Then. He raised his hand. Made a standard military salute commonly used by the Roland Empire.
A military salute. Immediately make thousands of pairs of eyes. Excited and enthusiastic!
His voice was a little trembling: "Brave warriors! I think. Everyone must have heard of my name. My name is Duwei Rollin Rudolph. The Empire conferred the title of Duke Tulip. The Empire Admiral, and .The current leader of the Eastern Front!"
boom!
The crowd could no longer remain silent. Immediately there was a monstrous noise and shouting. That voice was full of joy and excitement!
"Duke! Lord Tulip Duke!"
"The Duke is here to take us home!"
"We have not been abandoned!!"
The human voice enveloped Du Wei, he took a deep breath, and roared loudly with the loudest voice: "Be quiet! Everyone!! I came here today, and I will take you all back! You can leave here and go home !!As our enemy said. You have nothing to be ashamed of, because you have fulfilled your duties excellently. Fighting here to the last moment! It is not your negligence to be captured!! So, now, please Straighten your chests!"
After listening to Du Wei's words. Everyone subconsciously tried to straighten their backs. Even many people with bandages and injuries tried their best to stand upright!
"Remember my words! You returned with me with pride!" Du Wei gave another military salute after saying this.
At this time, among the prisoners of war. A few people came out with big strides suddenly, these people quickly came to the front of the queue, turned around, and at the same time shouted loudly in a heroic voice: "x),, [regiment line up! x), [battalion line up! !!x).[Line up!
The orders sounded one after another. The slightly chaotic queue in the excitement just now. Quickly tidy up. People's faces are moving with} restraint. With laughter and even tears, he quickly recovered his true colors as a soldier amidst orders. Arranged neatly in line.
Those who came out turned around. With head held high, he strode up to Du Wei.
"My lord! The Sixth Infantry Regiment of the Eleventh Division of the Storm Legion..."
"Fourth Infantry Regiment...
"The xx regiment of the second division of the theater task force garrison..."
"...,
"...,
Several captured senior officers reported to Du Wei in excited and trembling voices. Du Wei did not salute, but walked up one by one. Hugged these officers vigorously. After being hugged by him, some military officers even shed tears on the spot.
Captured in the generals. The senior officers consisted of four commanders. Six deputy commanders. There was even a deputy commander who was seriously injured in the fight with the Dragon Clan. And a number of middle and low-ranking officers.
Every one of these people looked at Du Wei with excitement and excitement in their eyes, as well as a deep gratitude that could not be described in words!
Du Wei was watched by these pairs of eager eyes. I was so excited that I couldn't calm down. After a while. Only then did he issue the order: "Everyone, get ready, we will set off after noon... go home!"
"Do you like this gift?" When walking out of the prison camp. Luo Xue looked at Du Wei. Its smile is somewhat unpredictable.
"It's a big gift." Du Wei's expression suddenly turned cold.
"Among these people, most of them are truly elite warriors." Luo Xue said lightly: "There are also some officers with high ranks. After they go back, I think many of them will soon return to you under your protection. Rehabilitation. Even promotion. Well, let me think about it. According to your human ranks. Those commanders can be promoted to major generals, vice commanders to commanders... and these people will become senior officers! More importantly... Because you came to rescue them yourself, from now on, these people will be grateful to you in their hearts, and your prestige will be firmly established among them! With such a group of people going back, they will re-integrate into you In the army. It will make your reputation in the army unparalleled for a while! My Lord Duke!"
Du Wei looked at Luoxue vigilantly: "It's a generous gift, but what do you want?"
"An ally." Luo Xue said the answer without any concealment.
It stopped in its tracks. Staring deeply at Du Wei: "I have already told you my ideal - I will choose to take a very difficult path. On this path. I can't do it myself. I need to be in your human camp. There is a real Only people with wisdom and high positions should hold the same goal as me!"
Du Wei did not answer the question directly, but stared at Luo Xuedi's eyes: "I am your enemy!"
"That's right, it's the enemy. I'm your enemy too." Luo Xue smiled: "But isn't this a very challenging and difficult feat? Enemies and enemies can also have the same goal."
talking. It stretched out its hand and looked at Du Wei.
Du Wei didn't shake hands with Luoxue, but walked directly past it and walked straight forward. far away. Then he turned around and said, "Are you really a saint? Luoxue? I never believe in saints. Because saints are all hypocrisy."
Although Du Wei did not agree. But Luoxue smiled happily, and withdrew her hand. He also strode up.
"I agree with you on one point: war should be controlled within a limited range, and neither of us can completely wipe out each other. But... even if it is the pursuit of peace, I also insist on one point: it must be under the premise that I am the victor !"
"I wholeheartedly agree with that."
Luoxue and Du Wei walked side by side: "Then, in this "limited war", let's have a good fight! Let's see who can stand in the victor's posture and talk about peace in the end!"
"You are not only a saint. You are also a lunatic." Du Wei sneered.
"I have carefully read the history of your humanity. In your history, all the saints were originally lunatics."
in the evening. About fifty miles south of the fallen fortress, a human cavalry of about a thousand people was waiting nervously in the wilderness beside the road.
From junior officers to soldiers. Everyone was nervous, and the leader of this team of cavalry was none other than Yalor, the cadet captain of the Military Academy, and beside him was Du Wei's younger brother Gabriel.
The two waited anxiously for a long time, and Gabriel couldn't bear it any longer: "No! I'll take someone to see it!"
"Be patient a little longer." Alor drank in a deep voice, and grabbed Gabriel: "Didn't the Duke say it? Of course he has an idea."
"But... damn it!" Gabriel said angrily, "Brother, how could he quietly go to the enemy camp alone!! He is the coach, this kind of behavior is too dangerous!!"
As he said that, he glanced at Alor angrily: "Tell me the truth, did you know about this in advance!"
"If I knew. Even if I lose my head, I will definitely stop the adults from doing this! If I can't stop it, I will go with him." Yaloer's smile was a bit bitter: "I am the same as you. It was all this morning, the magician named Gargamel told me."
talking. He sighed: "My lord Duke has always been very confident in doing things, maybe he really has some plans."
"Wait for him to come back. I will definitely want..." Gabriel whipped his horse angrily.
At this moment, a cavalryman shouted loudly in front: "Look, there is movement ahead!!"
After a roar, all the cavalry immediately mounted their horses and got ready for battle.
very open. In the north of the main road, a figure appeared in the distance, and when he got closer, he saw that the front of the queue, on a horse, was Du Wei himself! And behind him, on several war horses were several officers wearing the simplest military uniforms of the empire. (Luoxue even gave Du Wei some of the captured human war horses before Du Wei left. Anyway, these horses are not very useful if they stay in their hands. Orcs don’t know how to ride horses. The biggest use of these horses is serve as food,)
There was a long line behind them, thousands of people, all human soldiers without armor or weapons, these people lined up on the road and walked. The speed is neither too fast nor too slow. The solemn queue was maintained, and many people still had scars on their bodies...
Du Wei saw the flag in the distance and recognized that his army was coming to meet him, so he stopped his horse and smiled at some officer-level prisoners of war behind him: "Our people are in front... Everyone, now We're really coming home."
At this time, one of the most seriously injured generals in that queue came to Du Wei's ground reluctantly. He was on the horse, but he bowed deeply and performed the most respectful courtesy to Du Wei.
"My lord." The general's face was originally pale due to injuries. At this moment, it has become red: "You went to the enemy camp alone. Rescued us... Such a kindness. I will never forget it in my life! As long as I live one day, I will obey every order of yours!"
He was the first to speak. subsequently. Many officers behind came to Du Wei one by one. On foot. Get down on one knee on the ground. Salute to Du Wei. Some even got off their horses and saluted. Although the people behind didn't say anything, everyone's expression and eyes. All have already been explained.
Du Wei understands these people. from now on. They are the heart of the earth. He has sworn to serve himself to the death.
As long as these three thousand people return to the army and re-integrate into the army. Break up and separate, according to their performance in battle. Take care of yourself a little bit and do some promotions. Many people will become officers, and then... these hundreds of thousands of troops will firmly establish their prestige...
And the royal family far away in the imperial capital, the clever regent, he may not have imagined that he would bring himself to the front line. Throwing it into hundreds of thousands of unfamiliar troops, although such a plan is brilliant.
But... under this special situation. Everything has changed dramatically!
However, whether it is the expression on Du Wei's face or his heart, there is no trace of joy at this moment...
When he saw Yalor and Gabriel, Du Wei didn't say anything, his face was very serious. Let Gabriel and Alor, who were complaining in their stomachs. And involuntarily closed his mouth. Put away the original complaints.
The queue of prisoners of war and cavalry quickly merged together, and the soldiers began to cheer.
Du Wei and his younger brother looked at each other for a while before saying the first sentence: "They are all captured soldiers, treat them well, they are all warriors."
Yalor and Gabriel were a little surprised. Only then did Gabriel speak: "You... You rescued all the prisoners of war?"
"Not all of them." Du Wei said here. The corner of the mouth twitched: "Not all of them."
Rohart, that young man, before he left, he still stayed at Luoxue's place.
Luoxue generously released these thousands of prisoners of war to herself. And Rohart alone. It stayed firmly. Even if Du Wei asked for someone, Luoxue firmly rejected Du Wei.