Soon Jack and his soldiers ordered the villagers for food and surprisingly the villagers agreed.
When Duke Elmworth heard about it he was happy that people were not resisting them. He ordered soldiers to rest and eat food. And immediately start marching.
By evening The army of Duke packed up remaining Food Which help them to fill there stomach . Because soon they were about to enter another forest. From the reports Duke received it's not big but still a dense forest.
Soon the army started marching by evening the whole army was Going through the forest but After some Time There was commotion at the back.
Duke Elmsworth turned around his horse and Saw a black smoke rising.. He was shocked he received report that the supplies were burnt .
The soldier also reported that the Supplies where burned by the villagers that were taken by Cavalry coomander jack to transport the supplies.
Duke Elmsworth was really angry because jack Overlooked the security of supply line he Shouted jack to report to him.
Soon hurriedly jack arrived, "What were you doing you fool,"" I gave you one job and you can't even fo that properly.. "
Jack was ashamed and could not look at Duke directly." What about the bastards who burned our supplies. "
"There were 20 people 10 ran away into forest and another 5 killed but we caught 5 people and after interrogating them thay said they are soldiers of Wildwood."
Duke was shocked it seems like Enemy soldiers have disguised themselves in villages. He knew he can't retreat now he is already halfway through in forest.
After crossing these forest There is town of Elsa and then town of Devon but he can't waste time Besieging them and there is another major city on there route 'Aister'.
"We will keep marching leave this forest rest and then move. If we find villages on route burn them down and take all the food."Duke ordered.
"Yes My lord "Jack replied enthusiastically. Soon. The tired army of Duke had Left the forest early in morning.they rested for few hours and started moving again duke has also sent scouting parties to find about Villages and attack them to get the food.
And Duke also noticed something as he was passing by the towns no enemy soldier came harass his army.
After few hours the scouting party returned bringing grave news "My Lord the village field are burning and there not a single villager in those villages. "
Victor had ordered the villagers to leave the village and go to towns and city nearby for shelter and take with them as as food then can.
Now Duke who has realised of grave danger was also panicking. But he knew in his heart the enemy do not have enough soldiers or he would have been attacked or harassed.
Duke sent more scouting parties to find any villages. And also ordered his soldiers to keep marching. They are close to the capital of Wildwood ,Ebonwall.
Next morning the army of Riverland was close to walls of ebonwall with the water stream Ticinus in front of them. But what surprised the Duke most was The army of Wildwood on opposite side near the walls of Ebonwall.
Last day The army of Riverland had eaten only one time and were hungry and exhausted. But his army was total of 16,000
12,000 Infantry and 4000 cavalry.
He was in his tent discussing with his son evander and Cavalry General Jack, "I think we should let our soldiers rest for some time" . Duke said.
But Jack with confident smile said " My Lord You don't need to worry I think we should Immediately start the battle defeat the enemy and take the city of ebonwall. "
Even Evander agreed "And from what our scouts say they have reported that enemy only has 10,000 soldiers and only 2000 cavalry our cavalry outnumber them two to one.
And they only have 8000 infantry we outnumber them in that aspect as well. And also it is also reported that brat victor himself has been seen in enemy camp so i think he would participate in battle it is good opportunity to take him down.
Even Duke was Tempted. Soon A soldier hurriedly entered the tent My Lord I apologies for disturbing your meeting but I have an urgent report there are 5000 Wildwood soldier marching towards us from west....
Soon there was silence in tent first one to open the mouth was Duke " How long will it take for them to arrive here."
My Lord according to our estimate it will take them only 3 hours mostly. To arrive here.
Soon Duke decided "We will engage enemy in battle before there reinforcements arive we will defeat the main force of enemy and break there morale."
"Start forming our soldier. Tell them if we win these battle they can loot the city of ebonwall as much as they want".....
And in his army camp victor can be seen discussing something with lewis .When they received report about enemy movement.
Victor and lewis both smiled, "looks like they have fallen for your trap My Lord "lewis Looked at young Victor with respect and admiration.
He knows fro the start of the Duke invasion there young Lord Victor has come up with various strategies and tactics to weaken the strong army of Duke, and even now .
The Trap they laid out such As 5000 reinforcement is just fake all those 5000 are not even soldier just elderly and some young boys Given armour and swords so they can create facade, which will lead to Duke making a rash judgement .
Victor knew that the army Of Duke would be exhausted and would need rest but how can he let his enemy rest that's why he came up with these plan.
Soon Victor ordered lewis to start deploying the army in formation they discussed earlier he had Ordered lewis to let there infantry be in Center flanked by There cavalry but here is a catch.
The Cavalry should not extend and always be close to Infantry and there other flank should be close to the wall so that superior enemy cavalry won't be able to Outflank them after all enemy cavalry Outnumber them.
Victor also said 'I hope Degmon is also ready Victor Looked outside the camp at far left side of Enemy camp there is A small dense forest.'