Chapter 78: The Cannon's Debut
The Black Dragon Corps marched under the morning sun, leaving the newly secured Ashford Town behind them. The mood was different from the previous day's swift assault; scouts had reported movement and heightened alertness around Mossbrook Town. Word of Ashford's fall had clearly reached Baron Volkbert Selfridges. Surprise was no longer their ally.
As they approached Mossbrook, Tatsuo surveyed the target from a vantage point. The town walls, though perhaps not as formidable as a major city's, were visibly manned. Archers lined the ramparts, and banners bearing Baron Selfridges' crest fluttered defiantly. They were prepared.
"They expect us," Rota observed grimly beside Tatsuo.
"Indeed," Tatsuo replied, a calculating glint in his eyes. "They expect a conventional assault. We shall give them something else entirely." He turned to an aide. "Bring forth the 'Thunder Cart'."
A ripple of curiosity went through the nearby officers who were not privy to the weapon's existence. Under heavy guard, several soldiers wheeled forward a large, imposing contraption – the Mobile War Cannon. Crafted from reinforced steel and dark timber, with intricate dwarven mechanisms visible, it was Figokin's secret invention, developed over the past year under Tatsuo's directive. It resembled a massive, heavily engineered ballista, but designed to launch heavy, explosive projectiles rather than simple bolts.
"Master Hui," Tatsuo murmured to his advisor who watched with keen interest, "a small gift from our dwarven engineers."
Tatsuo gave the order. "Position the cannon. Target the main gate section. Clash Commander Gust, prepare your Range Regiment!"
The cannon crew, specially trained dwarves and human engineers, maneuvered the heavy weapon into place. Sir Gust Farstrike directed his gunners, elven archers, and crossbowmen to take positions, ready to support the cannon's strike.
"Fire!" Tatsuo commanded.
With a deafening roar that startled even some of Tatsuo's own troops, the Mobile War Cannon bucked, unleashing its payload. The heavy projectile soared through the air and struck the wall near the gate with tremendous force. Stone exploded outwards, dust plumed, and a significant crack appeared in the fortification. Before the defenders could fully react, Gust Farstrike yelled, "Volley!"
A storm of arrows, crossbow bolts, and lead shot rained down upon the walls, suppressing the defenders and adding to the chaos caused by the cannon shot. The cannon crew worked frantically, reloading their weapon. Another shot boomed out, striking near the first impact point. The wall groaned, sagged, and then, with a grinding crash, a section collapsed inwards, creating a ragged breach.
"Ragnar!" Tatsuo roared. "Vanguard, advance!"
Junior Vanguard General Ragnar Sternguard let out a bellowing war cry that was echoed by his thousand Hobgoblin Heavy Infantry. They charged forward, a wave of green-turned-red skin and heavy armor, surging towards the breach. They slammed into the dazed defenders attempting to form a line amidst the rubble, their massive axes and hammers smashing shields, armor, and bodies with brutal efficiency. As the prompt dictated, they smashed everything in their path, clearing the way with terrifying force.
"Rota!" Tatsuo commanded. "Lead the cavalry! Straight for the Baron's castle! Cut off the head!"
Chief Vanguard General Rota Uno acknowledged with a sharp salute. Leading the Tall Lion Cavalry and other elite horsemen, he spurred his mount forward, charging through the breach created by Ragnar's Hobgoblins. They bypassed the chaotic street fighting, their objective clear – the Baron's manor, the likely command center. Tatsuo ordered the remaining cavalry units to hold position outside the walls, securing the flanks and watching for any potential ambushes or reinforcements.
Though Baron Selfridges and his troops were prepared for an attack, they were not prepared for the shock of the cannon or the sheer ferocity of the Hobgoblin charge followed by the targeted cavalry strike. Resistance, though fiercer than at Ashford, crumbled quickly under the coordinated assault. Within hours, the fighting subsided as Ragnar's forces overwhelmed the main defenders and Rota's cavalry secured the Baron's manor, capturing Baron Selfridges himself.
Mossbrook Town was under Tatsuo's control.
As Tatsuo rode Pyre into the now-secured town, observing the ongoing process of disarming prisoners and tending to the wounded, Sir Reeldos Umbra approached, scrolls already in hand.
"Your Highness," Reeldos reported, his face impassive but his eyes holding a spark of satisfaction, "Mossbrook Town is secure. I have the initial reports..."
Reeldos Umbra stood before Tatsuo in the captured Baron Selfridges' manor, now serving as a temporary command center. The scent of battle still lingered outside, but inside, a focused calm prevailed as the machinery of Tatsuo's command processed the victory.
"The detailed reports, Your Highness," Reeldos began, unfurling the relevant scrolls. "Regarding casualties: our losses were minimal considering the town was prepared. We sustained approximately fifty injured, mostly during the breach assault and subsequent street fighting. No fatalities among our core troops reported thus far."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the casualty figures for the enemy. "Defender casualties were severe. We estimate over three hundred killed, including many cut down during the cavalry charge towards the manor. Baron Selfridges' direct command structure effectively collapsed after the initial breach."
"Prisoners?" Tatsuo prompted.
"We have secured roughly three hundred prisoners, Your Highness, comprising the bulk of the surviving garrison and town militia. They are being disarmed and contained."
Reeldos continued, "We have also detained the key leadership figures:
Baron Volkbert Selfridges: Age 45, Sky Gate Realm Stage 3. Captured in the manor, currently detained.
Lady Mina Selfridges: Baron's wife, approx. 40 years old, Mortal Ground Realm Late Stage. Was managing the household. Detained respectfully within the manor.
Charles Selfridges: Baron's son, approx. 20 years old, Clashing Light Realm Early Stage. Served as a lieutenant, captured lightly wounded.
Ren Selfridges: Baron's daughter, approx. 18 years old, no cultivation detected. Was assisting with supplies, detained within the manor.
Mayor Rickard: Approx. 55 years old, Clashing Light Realm Middle Stage. Experienced administrator. Captured.
Captain Henrik: Infantry commander, Clashing Light Realm Late Stage. Captured.
Captain Faelan: Archer commander, Clashing Light Realm Middle Stage. Captured."
Tatsuo absorbed the names and details. Capturing the Baron and his command structure was a significant blow. "And the spoils?"
"Initial sweeps have secured significant food stores from the town warehouses and the Baron's reserves – enough to replenish our campaign supplies for some time," Reeldos reported. "The town armory yielded several hundred usable swords, spears, axes, and bows, along with roughly two hundred sets of serviceable light armor. The Baron's personal treasury held approximately 1,500 gold coins and various silver pieces. Town taxes amounting to another 500 gold were also recovered."
Reeldos's expression turned serious. "However, Your Highness, the most urgent intelligence comes from Commander Thorne's Wyvern reconnaissance, conducted just moments ago. A column of approximately 1,000 soldiers, marching under the Blackhorn ducal banner, is advancing rapidly towards Mossbrook from the direction of Veridian City. Commander Thorne identifies the leader's standard as belonging to Commander Sir Lorcan Blackhorn."
He added, "Their marching formation suggests they are moving quickly to reinforce the Baron, likely unaware of our Mobile War Cannon or the speed with which the town fell. They expect to relieve a siege, not fight an entrenched enemy."
Tatsuo's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained calm, decisive. "Lorcan Blackhorn himself... So soon." He stood, already issuing orders. "Reeldos! Organize labor details immediately – use prisoners and any cooperating townspeople. Fortify that breach in the wall with timber, stone, whatever you can find. Build temporary barricades along the main approach from Veridian City. I want this town ready to receive visitors."
He turned to Gust Farstrike, who had entered to await orders. "Clash Commander Gust! Position the Mobile War Cannon and your gunners to cover the main road from the capital. Prepare firing solutions and ensure ammunition is readily available!"
His gaze then fell upon Rota and Ragnar. "Vanguard Generals! Ready your divisions within the town. We crushed the garrison; now we prepare a defensive reception for the Duke's brother. Let him see the strength of the Black Dragon Corps."
Tatsuo looked towards the direction of Veridian City, a grim smile playing on his lips. "Capturing two towns and a Baron has indeed forced the Viscount's hand, or perhaps the Duke's directly. Let Lorcan come. He will soon learn the price of underestimating us."