I'm not a lord

Chapter 313 Siege of Golden Deer Fortress

"Do you have any idea?"

Reiner's face lit up with joy, and he quickly pressed on, "Harvey, how many years have we known each other? Don't tease me. If you really have a good idea, just tell me quickly, and I'll definitely give you a generous gift in the future!"

Harvey retorted irritably, "Getting impatient again, huh? Can't you change your temper? This Mirror Iron Territory is my territory. You came here with thousands of men without even a word, and you still haven't given me an explanation."

Harvey had long regarded the entire Vale as his own, and in the newly conquered territories he had even begun to bestow barons and knights upon them.

After all, he lacked a corresponding civil service system, and in order to maintain order and govern his territory, he could only rely on a relatively primitive enfeoffment system.

Moreover, the feudal system was quite efficient, and the newly enfeoffed nobles cherished their newly acquired territories and people, which allowed them to stabilize the region in a relatively short period of time. The biggest problem, perhaps, was that it would be more troublesome to reclaim power in the future.

But did Xavi have a choice?

Not only him, but even Otto of Amber Harbor had no choice. If he wanted to quickly unify the North, he could only play the game of delegating power and granting fiefs. Otherwise, why would these nobles from the South work for him?
"I apologize, I sincerely apologize, I was wrong to do this!"

Reiner stood up and apologized repeatedly, almost kneeling down to his good friend.

However, his apology lacked sincerity. He certainly knew he was wrong, but he didn't promise not to do it again.

After all, his military rations were running out, and he might need to buy more supplies in Jingtieling.

Harvey could naturally see through his old friend's little scheme, and said with a straight face, "Let me make one thing clear first: don't even think about the territory south of Jinghe. You also need to do your best to restrain your army and not let them plunder at will in Jingtie Territory."

“I understand, I understand. I will never lay a finger on the territory south of the Jinghe River. At most, I will just pass through.” Reiner nodded hurriedly, then looked at Harvey with anticipation, like a hungry soldier waiting for the cook to serve his meal.

Harvey coughed twice and asked, "You must have heard that Lynn defeated Laslow's army in Oakshire."

Reiner nodded slightly: "Of course, that's why I want to take this opportunity to attack the western suburbs. As long as I take that place, I can separate Lynn's main army from Three Rivers City. But even so, Three Rivers City will not be easy to attack."

He paused, then suddenly put on a fawning smile. "How about we work together to take Sanhe City first? Once we take this city, we'll never lack food again! We'll split the spoils equally!"

What Reiner lacks most right now is not military rations, but a relatively stable forward base.

If he could capture Xijiao County and Sanhe City, he would have the freedom to advance or retreat as he pleased. He could advance to attack the rich Baihe Territory or head west to Tuanliu County, or retreat without worrying about his rear and could withdraw to the Crown Territory along the Jinghe River at any time.

However, with only his 10,000-plus men, he clearly couldn't do much to take Sanhe City, which is why he wanted to borrow Harvey's troops.

For this, Reiner was even willing to promise half of the spoils.

Harvey frowned upon hearing this and scolded, "Why are you always fixated on a city or castle? Iron Castle has fewer troops than Three Rivers City, and I don't even plan to launch a full-scale attack. This isn't the Southern Territory; you can be even more reckless here."

Reiner, with his extensive combat experience, quickly grasped the situation and asked, "You mean, bypass Three Rivers City?"

Harvey immediately replied, “Yes, if we encounter a heavily defended city, we can just go around it. You and I only have a little over ten thousand troops and no logistical support. We can’t afford to waste our precious manpower and time under the city walls. You can look further west. What you need to do is use the population of the North to create more troops. I don’t need to teach you that, do I?”

Harvey's strategy was quite simple; it was essentially the old trick of "borrowing food from the enemy."

Moreover, it wasn't just about looting on the spot; they also used looting to disrupt normal agricultural production, driving local serfs and peasants to revolt and recruiting them into their own camp.

This would solve the problems of food and manpower shortages, and also greatly weaken the power of the local lords.

Of course, the cost of doing so is also heavy: the territory's production potential will be severely damaged, and it won't be able to recover in less than ten years.

Reiner immediately understood: "I get it. Since the defenses around Three Rivers are so tight, I might as well continue west along the south bank of the Quiet River. Along the way, I can also collect ships. Once I reach Turbulent County or Oak County, I can cross the river north. Lynn's army is limited, and he can't possibly defend the entire north bank!"

Harvey chuckled: "Not only that, Lynn just finished fighting in Oakshire and Lasslo, the area is bound to be in chaos. What you need to do is create as much chaos as possible."

Reiner exchanged a smile with him: "I understand. When I get back, I'll lead my army westward!"

Harvey granted Reiner passage primarily to 'politely escort' this old friend from the South out of the country, preventing his army from continuing to wreak havoc on Mirror Iron Territory.

Furthermore, to the west of Mirror Iron Territory lies Scythe Territory, where Count Vasa of Mirror Iron has deployed a considerable number of defensive forces. Harvey can also use Reiner's army to clear a path for himself and deplete the manpower of Scythe Territory.

However, both of them were cunning old foxes, and Reiner naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Harvey's suggestion. But he didn't have any other good options at the moment, so he might as well give it a try.

If Reiner were to actually cross the river in Oakshire and create enough chaos, he might have a chance to take Golden Deer Castle.

After all, Lynn is most likely besieging Golden Deer Castle. Once the two major local powers are locked in a life-or-death struggle, Leiner can seize the opportunity!
As for the risks of venturing deep into enemy territory, Reiner had considered them, but he didn't care.

His army had long since become bandits, and they could simply burn, kill, and plunder along the way without caring about retreat routes or logistics.

The following evening, Reiner rushed back to his main force and summoned his generals to announce his decision.

"We will continue westward along the Tranquil River, conquering cities and manors along the way, and collecting as many boats as possible. Once we find a suitable place to cross the river, we will immediately cross and head north! Our target is not Three Rivers, but Golden Deer Fortress! If we're going to gamble, let's gamble the biggest one!"

Leiner's order was supported by the vast majority of generals and soldiers.

They came to the North to make a fortune and become nobles, not to gnaw on the city walls!
If we really want to take down the city walls, why not just take down the walls of Golden Deer Fortress?
What, you're talking about risk?

Everyone has left their hometowns and traveled across the ocean, risking their lives. How can they have the face to tell their fellow villagers if they don't make a fortune?
Moreover, these southern invaders were well aware of the situation in the north.

With a formidable enemy at hand, the major powers in the North still have the leisure to engage in internal strife. If they don't seize this golden opportunity, they'll regret it even in their coffins!

The following morning, Leiner led his main force of 8,000 troops westward, while the troops left on the north bank of the Jing River continued to act as bait, diverting the attention of the defenders of Sanhe City and the surrounding area.

At the same time, Lynn, led by a local guide from Golden Deer County, climbed a low hill in the area.

"My lord, look, that's Golden Deer Castle."

Following the guide's pointing northwest, Lynn saw the magnificent castle located on the island in the middle of the lake.

A gentle breeze swept across the deep green lake, making Golden Deer Castle look like a giant beast lying by the water's edge, drinking.

The bluish-gray stone wall rises abruptly from the island in the middle of the lake, with the main tower at the top piercing the clouds, and a flag embroidered with a golden deer on the spire fluttering in the wind.

Around the island in the middle of the lake, more than ten boats flying the Golden Deer flag are patrolling and circling, with crew members constantly moving around on the deck.

From a distance, the castle is impressive, and the soldiers on the walls stand ramrod straight, as if the crushing defeat of half a month ago had never happened.

Victor stood to Lynn's side and slightly behind, squinting as he surveyed the castle, and sighed softly:

"My lord, this castle is not easy to attack. The island in the middle of the lake is connected to the east shore by only a 500-meter-long land bridge. The enemy only needs to guard the exit of the land bridge with elite troops, and then use warships to blockade the lake day and night. It will be very difficult for our army to even get close to the castle." The castles of the three dukes in the North are all unique and have never been conquered in history.

This Golden Deer Fortress uses the entire Golden Deer Lake as its moat and has thick bluestone walls over ten meters high, making it almost impossible to breach in the era of cold weapons.

“We have to fight, even if it’s tough. The castle has elected a new Duke of the Swamp, and it seems they’re determined to resist to the end.” Lynn’s tone was quite resolute, but his face was somewhat gloomy.

According to the latest intelligence, Anna's fifteen-year-old second son, Olger, has succeeded as Duke of the Marshland, and there are still more than two thousand soldiers guarding the castle, clearly intending to fight Lynn to the death.

If the goal is truly to attack the city, it would obviously be easier and more convenient to wait until the lake freezes over in winter.

But Lynn couldn't wait until December to attack the city.

Neither Otto III of Amber Harbor nor the wavering local powers of the Marshlands could wait for Lynn until December.

Otto is reportedly recruiting and training new soldiers in Amber Harbor, and if the two Earls of the South suffer setbacks, he is very likely to personally intervene.

The local powers in the swamp territory yearn for peace and tranquility; they abhor uncertainty and, even more so, protracted war.

Lynn had only one path ahead of him: to take over the entire Swamp Territory, he had to seize Golden Deer Castle as soon as possible, riding the wave of his great victory.

Victor gazed into the distance and noticed the massive city on the north shore of Golden Deer Fortress. He suggested, "My lord, I think we should first occupy Golden Deer City on the north side of the lake. After clearing out the surrounding forces, we can then find a way to take down the castle."

Golden Deer City is a complementary city to Golden Deer Castle, responsible for providing the nobles within the castle with a variety of high-end handicrafts.

In addition to the city, there were also a large number of manors and pastures around the lake, which were responsible for supplying food and fodder to the castle and the army.

The vast production system surrounding Jinlu Lake is the essence of the entire Jinlu County, with half of the county's population scattered around the lake.

Lynn's expression softened slightly, and he nodded gently: "Yes, this matter will be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As for the various strongholds around the lake, the focus should be on persuading them to surrender and appease them, and avoiding war as much as possible."

The decisive battle on the north bank of the Sami River was merely an appetizer.

Lynn's goal was not to win one or a few battles, but to completely devour the vast territory and nearly a million people of the Swamp Territory.

To this end, he had to go to great lengths to win over local forces, including but not limited to municipalities, castles, manors, and monasteries.

While recruiting, he also had to control the army and maintain local security in order to gain the allegiance and support of these local forces.

Only in this way could his army be free from the harassment of local forces and attack Golden Deer Castle with peace of mind.

This is why Lynn tirelessly emphasized military discipline from the very beginning of the army's formation and ensured that soldiers received their full pay on time.

Strict military discipline ensures the army's morale and avoids a lot of trouble when conquering other territories.

Sufficient military pay is the foundation and core of maintaining military discipline.

The ancient saying "thieves come like combs, soldiers come like hairpins" refers to the fact that soldiers at that time lacked sufficient protection and could only rely on plunder to fill the gap in military pay.

As long as the soldiers are paid on time and fed, military discipline will not be difficult to maintain.

After scouting the terrain, Lynn returned to the camp and brought back two captured court cavalrymen.

“I have written a letter of surrender; you shall take it to Golden Deer Castle for me.”

Without wasting any words, Lynn directly instructed his secretary to hand the letter to the two prisoners.

One of the prisoners bowed and replied respectfully, "His Excellency the Earl has shown us great respect, and we will certainly complete this mission."

In the Battle of the Sami River, Lynn captured nearly four thousand enemy soldiers. He reorganized and released more than three thousand of them, most of whom were urban militia or temporarily conscripted serf soldiers.

The remaining five hundred or so court cavalrymen refused to surrender, so Lynn was placed under the care of the barbarian archers of Little Soward.

During this period, he provided these prisoners with enough food to fill their stomachs and did not mistreat them, thus earning the respect and admiration of most of them.

After all, Lynn had defeated the Golden Deer Fortress army head-on on the battlefield and treated the prisoners well after the war, which convinced them of his superiority.

However, while they may be convinced, getting them to truly submit is extremely difficult; they must first capture Golden Deer Fortress.

That afternoon, the two prisoners returned to Golden Deer Castle via the land bridge. The castle gates were wide open, and the castle showed leniency and welcome to the returning prisoners.

Since most of the high-ranking officials of the Marshland perished on the banks of the Sami River, the current leader of Golden Deer Castle is Count Gae, the right-wing commander of that battle.

This man is over fifty years old this year. He has been fighting alongside Lothair for many years and his loyalty is beyond question. He is also a veteran of the swamp territory and has been recommended by the people to temporarily lead the castle's defenses.

After listening to the servants read Lynn's letter of surrender in the castle hall, Count Gae sneered, "This Lynn is exceptionally cunning. He sent this letter to lull us into a false sense of security. We don't need to care about his thoughts; just holding the castle is enough."

Bogdan, standing to Gae's right, chimed in, "I agree with Count Gae. Lynn is best at open field battles. We must not go out of the city to fight this time. If we hold out for two or three months, the enemy will naturally retreat."

Bogdan was an old acquaintance of Lynn's.

He was once the Baron of Green Lake in the White River region, and led the formation of the Baron's Alliance against Lynn, who at the time only had two baronies.

Later, Lynn besieged Green Lake Castle, employing a strategy of encirclement and attack, drawing the main force of the Baronial Alliance northward, and decisively defeating the allied forces led by the Baron of Red Creek in one battle.

After the battle, Bogdan, seeing that the situation was hopeless, opened the city gates and surrendered, saving his entire family's lives.

After that, he fled with his family to Golden Deer Castle, where he received preferential treatment from Anna, the female regent of the territory. He obtained an advisory title in the court and even purchased a small estate on the north bank of the lake with his salary and rewards, which provided him with a retirement guarantee.

But he didn't expect Lynn's expansion speed to be so terrifying. In just one year, he was able to reach the outskirts of Golden Deer Castle.

His pension is in jeopardy, and he himself is very likely to become a prisoner again.

However, because of his experience fighting Lynn and his status as an advisor, he was given important responsibilities in this time of crisis and gained some influence within Golden Deer Castle.

As a witness to Lynn's rise, Bogdan now suffers from 'Lynn phobia', finding only a sliver of security when he's huddled within these deep walls.

In his view, fighting Lynn in the field would be suicidal; the Baron's Alliance had lost, and Anna and Laszlo had even lost their lives.

(End of this chapter)