Lord of the Rings: Warriors

"Whew!" Heavy panting mingled with the sound of thudding footsteps, causing the ground to tremble. Loose clumps of earth bounced as the vibrations resonated across the field.

On the horizon, a crimson dragon banner emerged, the golden sigil of a roaring holy dragon gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight.

A perfectly ordered shield wall came into view, flanked by disciplined squads of Rapid Infantry clad in heavy chainmail.

Surrounding the banner in impeccable formation, they were followed closely by 500 heavily armored Battanian Archers.

On the flanks stood 25 Elaris Woods Rangers, armed with swords and bows. Though few in number, these silent and deadly warriors were the most terrifying killers hidden among them.

Known as Dragon Hunters, their reputation alone gave them the courage to fight any enemy.

Even with just 50 Elaris Woods Rangers keeping their distance, they were capable of devastating the centaurs in a lethal engagement.

From the withered forest emerged young centaurs with their mothers. Behind them, several aged centaurs, trembling, raised their weapons.

Their fragile forms betrayed their intent, though they seemed ready to fight Rynar and his companions to the death.

Before violence could escalate, Vanervi stepped forward, speaking a rapid stream of incomprehensible Elvish.

After a tense exchange, the old and weak centaurs reluctantly lowered their weapons. However, the wary and angry looks in their eyes were impossible to hide.

"My army has arrived!" Rynar remarked, glancing back at the advancing infantry. A sly smile crept across his face.

Even if the centaurs still intended to resist, they wouldn't stand a chance.

Seven hundred Battanian Archers could blanket them in a storm of arrows, leaving them devastated.

And with the Dragon Hunters present, any hopes of a cavalry charge would be crushed by the superior defensive capabilities of the Rapid Infantry.

If it came to a fight, it would be nothing short of a massacre.

"Your Majesty!" Reynard approached on horseback, the sacred aura surrounding him pulsating. Clearly, he had been casting blessings to hasten their arrival.

"Good work!" Rynar nodded appreciatively. Reynard might be a bit unreliable at times, but when it mattered most, he never failed to deliver.

"What's their situation, Your Majesty?" Reynard asked, glancing at the centaurs, who were locked in a tense standoff with the knights and mounted archers.

"Well, it's like this…" Rynar quickly recounted the centaurs' plight.

"That bad?" Reynard's eyes widened in disbelief.

"So they're the scapegoats? Who would've thought that behind the Battle of the Lonely Mountain, there was a tragic tale of centaurs aiding in secret?"

"But, you know…" Reynard smirked mischievously, licking his lips as he gave Rynar a knowing look. "They could still be… useful."

"Isn't that a bit... unethical?" Rynar hesitated, his moral compass wavering. After all, he was a man raised with nine years of mandatory education. Exploiting the weak felt inherently wrong.

"Your Majesty, can you deny the appeal? These centaurs are as effective as 300 knights at a critical moment!" Reynard whispered, his voice brimming with persuasion.

"Hey! What are you two whispering about? We centaurs will never surrender! If we leave this place, our old and young won't survive!" Bardel, his face flushed, spoke with defiance.

At first, his anger stemmed from the Zaltarion Empire's intrusion.

Now, it was a shame, knowing the land had a rightful owner.

Yet, Bardel stood firm. Without this refuge, only the strongest of their kind might survive the harsh plains of late winter.

For the women, children, and elderly, it would be certain death.

"Your Majesty, look at them. They can't survive anywhere else. Why not... handle it this way?" Reynard raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with expectation.

"What are you plotting now?" Caslow, catching their furtive exchange from the corner of his eye, sighed in exasperation.

On a battlefield where solemnity was paramount, these two were acting like they were haggling at a marketplace.

"Well, how about this?" Rynar suggested hesitantly, his uncertainty evident. No matter how he framed it, it still felt underhanded.

"This is the best course of action!" Reynard gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"Alright, then…" Rynar cleared his throat, straightened his attire, and raised his voice.

"Bardel, in the name of the King of Zaltarion, I hereby enfeoff this land to your tribe for wintering! From this day forth, this territory will be known as Tupet Forest, and you, Bardel, will be its lord.

Kneel and swear your allegiance to me, Lord Bardel of Tupet!" Rynar's voice boomed.

"What?" Vanervi's jaw dropped in disbelief. All semblance of Elven elegance vanished as shock overtook him. Rynar was outright recruiting an entire tribe of centaurs!

"Is he serious…?" Caslow's eye twitched. Was their prince mad?

Everyone knew centaurs were among the most xenophobic races in Middle-earth. Yet here he was, turning them into loyal subjects.

Truly, he carried the audacity of a Zaltarion Emperor.

"Tell me your choice!" Rynar's icy gaze fixed on Bardel.

"Your Majesty, we only wish to stay temporarily. We promise to repay you in the future. Swearing allegiance, however… that's unnecessary."

Bardel's defiance wavered as he eyed the thousand-strong army before him.

The Zaltarion military's sheer strength was a force even Orc legions would think twice about challenging.

"You have three choices: swear allegiance, leave this land, or be buried here!" Rynar's voice offered no room for negotiation.

"…" Bardel's eyes burned red with suppressed rage, unwillingness, and helplessness. His emotions flickered between grief, fury, and despair. Finally…

Thud! Bardel fell to his knees, his front legs bent. He closed his eyes, unable to face the weight of his decision.

"Chief Bardel of the Tupet Tribe swears his loyalty to you! From this day on, I will answer your summons and follow your commands. In return, I ask for your protection over my people!"

Bardel spoke with slow, deliberate pain. For the proud centaur race, a vow of allegiance was unbreakable.

Their natural faith in the purity of nature made them unyieldingly loyal.

"I accept your allegiance! I name you Baron Bardel of Tupet Forest. This land is your fiefdom, and your tribe shall be your subjects.

You are granted the rights to levy taxes, raise armies, and manage affairs within your territory. However, you must abide by the kingdom's laws and fulfill your duties.

From this day, we fight side by side. You will wield your sword and plow to expand our lands and earn glory!

May the Dragon God bless us both!" Rynar tapped Bardel's shoulders lightly with his blade.

"Rise, Baron Bardel!" Rynar smiled with satisfaction. This was a resounding success.

"Unbelievable…" Caslow muttered. Rynar and Reynard had orchestrated this move so masterfully that in just moments, they'd managed to absorb an entire centaur tribe into the kingdom's fold.

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