NOVPUBToltec was indulging in thoughts about the future when a reconnaissance team emerged from the far end of the wilderness. Their war clothes were stained with blood, their faces smeared with dirt, and they looked utterly worn out from running for two days straight, bringing back an important message!
"What! A reconnaissance team has gone missing. Afterward, you discovered traces of a large enemy movement, but are unsure of the specific direction? You also suffered an attack by an enemy squad!"
The Scout Captain nodded repeatedly. Toltec then questioned him extensively before finally letting him rest.
The Mexica’s Black Wolf pondered deeply. Although the scouts had not seen the enemy’s flags and were unclear about the number of the enemy, his intuition told him that anyone who could deal with the scouts so neatly, march swiftly, and leave behind so few traces must be a formidable opponent. At this moment, only one army in Tarasco matched this description: the King’s Legion!
"The key now is to expand the search and to communicate this message to His Highness in a timely manner!"
Considering this, Toltec finally made up his mind. He stood up and quickly gathered his trusted aides and the Chieftains.
"Form units of fifty men each and divide into dozens of teams. Expand the search toward the East, Northeast, South, and Southwest! As soon as you confirm the enemy’s large squad, quickly retreat to the old camp several dozen miles away from Patzcuaro City and report back, do not engage in battle! The first person to report back will be promoted to Senior Warrior. He will be rewarded with a hundred baskets of food, a hundred bolts of cotton cloth, and a hundred slaves! I will personally report his name to His Highness!"
Hearing about the high rewards, the Chieftains’ eyes flickered. They looked at each other like wolves sniffing out their prey, their low, excited howls filling the air.
Then, without further delay, Toltec vigorously waved his hand.
"The rest of the hundred trusted aides, follow me, we return to the old camp immediately!"
The "Black Wolf" strode forth, eventually grabbing a handful of spicy herbs and chewing vigorously. The spicy flavor invigorated his spirit and the thirst for battle made his blood boil. Immediately, he began to run at a steady pace, followed closely by his trusted aides. The hunters by the river valley dispersed, leaving behind a row of baskets filled with fresh, spicy herbs.
Toltec ran continuously for half a day. Only when dusk fell did he stop for dinner, finding a highland where he rested with his trusted aides. As soon as it was barely light, he shouted for them to march, leading the run. By the next day’s noon, the old camp was finally in sight. A hundred miles of marching in one day, nearly reaching the limits of this era.
Upon reaching the old camp deep in the woods, Toltec slowed briefly. Unbeknownst to him, the camp was now filled with many more guards. The patrolling squads were tightly organized and marked by the elite’s deadly seriousness. The "Black Wolf" watched for a moment, then strode forward, his face lit with joy. He bowed down to the Head Warrior of His Highness,
"Holy Eagle Head Warrior, your wounds have finally healed? I’ve been worried about you! Well, seeing your rosy complexion and spirited demeanor, the Naval Commander must have taken good care of you."
Bertade was slightly embarrassed by these words, but then a smile spread across his weathered face. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝘱𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
"Anna is cold on the outside but warm on the inside; a good woman. I am completely recovered now. After lying down for several months, I can finally return to the battlefield, just in time for the tail end of this western conquest! If I don’t put in more effort, all the merits would have been earned by you youngsters. Toltec, I heard you captured Ospai, that’s like avenging me with one arrow!"
Bertade outstretched his hand and gave Toltec’s shoulder a hearty slap.
Toltec was born from His Highness’s followers, a young leader personally trained and promoted by him. Close in age, he was responsible for recruiting tribal hunters before the campaign, a task that came from his recommendation. Their relationship was very close, both regarded as part of His Highness’s followers.
Hearing this, Toltec’s spirits soared, and he spoke loudly with a smile.
"Holy Eagle Head Warrior, Ospai is but a spineless fish, not even capable of honor killing properly. Now, I, Toltec, have found a truly big fish, likely the King of Tarasco! Is His Highness in the tent now?"
"Big fish... King..." Bertade pondered briefly, then nodded seriously.
"His Highness is in the tent, dealing with military affairs. Military matters are urgent, let’s go meet His Highness together!"
Since it was a serious matter, they wasted no more words. In just a short time, both men walked to His Highness’s tent.
Xiulote, dressed in a black robe, held a simple map and was discussing closely with the bending Ezpan. Hearing the noise at the tent entrance, the Young Commander looked up.
Bertade entered first, bowing his head respectfully.
"Your Highness, Toltec has urgent military intelligence to report."
Xiulote nodded with a smile.
"Let my Black Wolf come in!"
"Your Highness, Black Wolf Torc sends his greetings and congratulates you on your victory in the great battle of the north! I also bring you new good news!"
Torc stepped into the tent, his eyes sparkling as he knelt on one knee and greeted loudly.
Xiulote looked at his beloved general with a smile.
"Torc, what good news do you bring?"
"Your Highness, I have discovered the traces of the King of Tarasco!"
"What!" Xiulote suddenly stood up. His expression turned solemn as he stared at the young general.
"When and where? What are the specifics? Tell me everything in detail!"
Facing His Highness’s gaze, Torc shrank his neck and carefully explained all the intelligence he knew.
Xiulote pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
"So, the Scout did not actually see the enemy’s army?"
"Your Highness, in the East of Qinchongcan, the only ones who can march in large numbers without leaving too many traces are the troops of the King of Tarasco!"
Torc continued to explain.
"The scouts I dispatched are experienced hunters! Only the enemy’s Royal Army could have made them disappear silently."
Xiulote nodded silently. He thought for a while and then scrutinized his trusted aide, Ezpan.
"If the Royal Army of Tarasco is in our East, what places could hide them?"
Ezpan thought for a moment, took the map from His Highness, and pointed on it one by one.
"Your Highness, there are many places in the East that can conceal their tracks, starting with the forest boundaries of Apachigan. Moving north from there, the southern side of Xitaqualo also has many hilly areas, along with sporadic fortresses. However, these places lack sufficient food supplies, and it would also be difficult to avoid our scouts when marching further into the interior."
Xiulote gave a slight nod. He then continued to inquire.
"If the enemy is in the South, where could they go?"
"Your Highness, the hinterland to the south of Tarasco is still intact. The nearest is the southernmost part of the Patzcuaro Lake region, the thriving city of Ihuatzio, rich in copper mines. By raiding the major merchants there, they could obtain plenty of supplies. Next are the river valleys on the north coast of the Tarsas River, which house many manors of the Great Nobility. There are also numerous military pathways with water sources between Lake Patzcuaro and the Tarsas River. If the Royal Army passes through here, they could avoid our scouts, and head south or even southwest, entering the Lake Patzcuaro region!"
The Young Commander hummed in agreement, then frowned, staring at a corner of the map, deep in thought.
"Your Highness, you have already led the main force of the army southward, and at this time, no one can resist!"
Torc showed excitement. He pointed at the center of the lake region, Qinchongcan City.
"Let us encircle Qinchongcan directly, wait for the enemy’s Royal Army to arrive, and then defeat them in one fell swoop! I, Torc, volunteer to be your vanguard! By capturing the enemy’s king, the people of Tarasco will be dispersed into individually fighting factions, no longer subordinate to each other. The victory of the western campaign will inevitably follow. You will become the greatest Commander-in-Chief in the history of the Alliance!"
Xiulote smiled and nodded, then shook his head.
"Torc, I am not worried about Su’angua escaping into the Capital City. Though Qinchongcan is strong, it is a city in a cage. If he enters the Capital City, the King of Tarasco will be a bird in a cage, unable to escape."
Then, he stretched out his hand and pressed it hard on the corner of the map.
"What I am worried about is Su’angua retreating here!"
