As the messenger carrying the urgent military intelligence from the western border sped toward Blackwood Fortress at a pace that seemed to burn his very life force, on the other side of the castle, Anna was making final preparations for another agenda equally vital to the future.
A diplomatic mission to the Brown Bear Tribal Alliance.
This was not merely a return visit. On Colin's grand strategic blueprint, this was a crucial chess piece being placed in the construction of the "Demi-human United Front."
In Anna's room, the warm oil lamps remained lit throughout the nite.
A massive map, stitched together from several animal hides, covered the entire long table. This map was more detailed than any other in Blackwood Fortress, meticulously marking rugged mountains, treacherous swamps, and all known patrol routes with mineral powders of various colors. Anna's finger moved slowly along a winding red line on the map. That was the optimal route to the Brown Bear Tribe's territory, which she had finalized after countless sand table simulations. This path avoided all areas where conflict with humans might occur and bypassed most of the impassable, sinister terrain.
On the other side of the map was a long list of gifts personally approved by Colin.
The scale of this gesture was nothing short of lavish, fully demonstrating Blackwood Fortress's growing industrial strength and its sincerity toward this alliance.
At the very top of the list, it clearly read: One hundred fine two-handed battle axes.
Each of these battle axs was born from the hands of the dwarf Berg's eldest disciple, under Berg's personal supervision. The ax heads were heavy, their lines filled with the characteristic simplicity and power of the dwarves. The blades had undergone repeated folding, forging, and quenching, shimmering with a heart-stopping, eerie blue cold light under the lamp. For the Brown Bear Tribe, who worshiped strength and were accustomed to crushing enemies with absolute brute force, these weapons were slaughtering tools practically tailor-made for them.
Below that on the list were 310 brand-new Wolf Fang spearheads.
This batch of spearheads was the second-generation product, improved by Berg based on the samples provided last time. Not only were they sharper and sturdier, but the sockets at the base had also been redesigned. They could be more securely mounted onto spear shafts thru cross-riveting, enough to withstand the terrifying throwing strength of the Brown Bear Warriors.
These iron implements, which could now be mass-produced steadily in Blackwood Fortress, were hard currency capable of changing the course of a local war for the Brown Bear Tribe, who still primarily used stone and bone tools. They were treasures more enticing than gold or gemstones.
Looking at this list, Anna's heart was filled with confidence. She knew these cold pieces of steel would be the most solid stepping stones to open the doors for deeper cooperation.
Beyond the gifts, the selection of the escort also reflected Blackwood Fortress's current strength and the high level of importance placed on this mission.
Anna had personally selected 310 of the most capable warriors from the Wolf Guard Legion.
This was a carefully considered number. Three hundred men comprised three standard hundred-man units, representing a complete, independent combat force. The extra ten men were Anna's direct personal guards and flag-bearers. This scale was powerful enough to handle any emergencies during the journey and demonstrate Blackwood Fortress's military might to their allies, yet not so large as to trigger the other party's vigilance or resentment.
This was an escort, a ceremonial guard, and moreover, a subtle display of muscle.
On the final day before departure, Anna repeatedly rehearsed the phrasing she would use when meeting the Brown Bear Tribe's leader. She not only needed to deepen their friendship but also discreetly gather more information about the actual movements within the heartland of the human kingdom.
Everything was ready. They only waited for the roads, turned into a muddy mess by melting snow, to become slightly drier and firmer.
Three days later, as the morning bell tolled.
A massive convoy slowly rolled out of the south gate of Blackwood Fortress amidst the early morning mist.
Three hundred and ten Werewolf Warriors, clad in uniform dark gray leather armor with longbows on their backs and war blades at their waists, marched in four neat columns. They escorted over a dozen ox carts laden with heavy gifts. They were silent and solemn, every step producing the same rhythmic sound, filled with a sense of iron-like discipline that stood in stark contrast to the somewhat casual-looking Solitary Men drivers.
Anna rode upon the pure white Snow Giant Wolf "Moonlight," leading the procession. She looked back at Colin, who had come to see her off on the city wall, as well as Lena and Goff beside him, and nodded heavily. No wory precious intelligence but also a heavy promise concerning life itself.