Chapter 76: Spoils and Supplications
The morning after the swift conquest of Ashford Town, Tatsuo established a temporary command post within the town's administrative building. The scent of smoke still hung faintly in the air, but the Black Dragon Army moved with disciplined efficiency, securing the perimeter and organizing the captured settlement. Clash Commander Sir Reeldos Umbra entered, scrolls in hand, ready to deliver the initial report to Tatsuo, who was flanked by Lady Anya Stillfire and Chief Vanguard General Rota Uno.
"Your Highness," Reeldos began, his voice precise, "the preliminary assessment of Ashford Town is complete."
He unfurled the first scroll. "Our forces sustained minimal casualties in the assault, thanks to the element of surprise and overwhelming force. We have twenty reported injuries, mostly minor, all currently being treated. Enemy casualties were significant; initial counts suggest over one hundred defenders were killed, with the remainder captured."
He continued, "We have secured approximately 150 prisoners, comprising the surviving town militia and a small number of garrison soldiers. They are currently detained in the town square."
Tatsuo nodded. "And the leadership?"
"The town's mayor, a man named Alaric Croft, surrendered along with three council members and the militia captain. They are being held separately," Reeldos confirmed.
"What about supplies and valuables?" Tatsuo inquired.
"Loots are modest, Your Highness, as expected from a town of this size," Reeldos reported. "We've secured the town's granary, holding several weeks' worth of grain for the populace. Basic armaments from the defenders – spears, axes, some swords, shields, and bows – have been collected. The town coffers contained roughly three hundred silver pieces. We also secured usable horses and carts from the stables."
"And the Viscount's reaction?" Anya asked.
Reeldos shook his head slightly. "Our scouts monitoring the routes towards Veridian City report panicked messengers being intercepted near border watchposts, but no organized military response from Viscount Greenvein or Commander Lorcan Blackhorn has been detected yet. It seems the news is still fresh, and they haven't mobilized a significant counter-force. We maintain the initiative."
"Good," Tatsuo stated. "Maintain vigilance on all approaches. I want immediate reports of any troop movements." He paused, considering the prisoners. "Let's deal with the captured soldiers first. Escort me to the town square."
Minutes later, Tatsuo stood before the assembled prisoners in the town square. His Prince Guard formed a secure perimeter, while Rota and Ragnar stood nearby. The captured men looked weary, defeated, and apprehensive.
"Soldiers of Ashford!" Tatsuo's voice rang out, clear and commanding. "You fought defending your town. That defense has failed. You are now prisoners of the Black Dragon Corps, under the authority of the Shinku Hou Empire."
He let the words hang for a moment. "Your service to the Blackhorn Duchy and Viscount Greenvein is over. But I offer you a choice."
His gaze swept over them. "Swear loyalty to me, Ryujin Tatsuo, and the Empire. Join the Black Dragon Army. Serve faithfully, and you will receive fair treatment, soldier's pay, and this promise: your families remaining in Greenvein Viscounty, once it falls under my rule, will be treated with respect and provided for. Their safety will be assured under my governance."
He contrasted this with their alternative. "Refuse, and you remain prisoners of war, your future uncertain. Choose loyalty, choose service, choose security for your families."
A murmur went through the prisoners. Some, looking utterly defeated, quickly knelt in submission. Others exchanged hesitant glances, weighing the offer against ingrained loyalty or fear. A significant number, however, likely weary of service under distant lords or impressed by the power they had just witnessed, chose pragmatism and knelt, pledging their service. Tatsuo noted their reactions, instructing nearby officers to separate those who swore loyalty for processing and integration – likely into labor or support battalions initially.
Returning to the command post, Tatsuo ordered the captured mayor to be brought before him. Mayor Alaric Croft, a portly man in his late fifties with fear evident in his eyes despite his attempts at maintaining composure, was escorted in by guards. Hui Cheng had joined Tatsuo, Rota, Anya, and Reeldos.
"Mayor Croft," Tatsuo began, his tone level, "Ashford Town is now under my administration. Your cooperation will determine the ease of this transition for yourself and your people."
The mayor swallowed hard. "Wh-what do you wish to know, Your Highness?"
"Everything," Tatsuo stated simply. "Tell me about the routes to Veridian City. The Viscount's temperament – is he prone to rash counter-attacks or cautious defense? What is his relationship with his uncle, Lorcan Blackhorn? Where is Commander Lorcan likely stationed? What other garrisons exist between here and the capital?"
Mayor Croft hesitated for only a moment before the combined pressure of the commanders in the room and his own fear compelled him to speak. He began detailing the local roads, the Viscount's known impatience but reliance on Baron Selfridges for counsel, the somewhat tense relationship with the ducal forces under Lorcan (who were reportedly garrisoned near Veridian City itself), and the disposition of minor watchposts along the main route... Tatsuo listened intently, storing away the fragments of local knowledge that could prove useful in the days ahead.