Author's Notes:

Well remember when I stated in one of my comments that the next chapter is going to feature the first battle of this story? Well I couldn't do that, simple because if I did this chapter would have been WAAAAY long and would also have taking allot more time to finish it up.

So instead its going to happened on the next chapter while this one focuses on logistics.

“The new specialized Legion renamed “The Desert Phalanx” have already been fitted with the new Pike weapons that you request. Unfortunately there were some…difficulty when the guards started handling them.” A random messenger reported as I sat in my new pillow fort converted throne.

Seriously, it kind of undermines the GRAND nature of the throne in how ridiculous it looks but at the very least I feel allot more comfortable sitting on it then I previously was.

Whoever thought that making the throne out of pure bronze has obviously a numb ass, otherwise all bets are off with that brain teaser.

I scratched my chin, while leaning back against my great wall of pillow. “Well that is nice to know, especially with a looming hostility over our heads.” I responded before focusing on the aforementioned problem. “Besides that, what is this ISSUE the new legion of guards have with it?” I questioned which in turn caused the guy to look down towards his note.

I have to say that his method of entrance was quite…interesting to say the least. The moment this guy entered the throne room hall he immediately managed to slip and slide himself over to me. Not sure what the servants use for waxing these marble floors here, but that shit has to be some really good wax if it transforms the floors into an ice skating surface, or they are just generally good in rubbing int that wax in the first place, which could mean all sorts of things as much as my ideas are concerned. Normally the path to the Throne –according to susi- would be laid down with a wide and very long piece of decorative carpet, but that thing -according to Aku this time- is still in storage and is somewhat of a hazel to move out and to bring all the way up here for very obvious reason.

When she mentioned that the thing is in one piece she seriously meant one piece. And no she wasn’t making a reference on that one anime thing that just seems to go on inevitably with no real end in sight for it, or at least when I last checked it. Some people just don’t know when to place a stop sign on something…unless it’s for the sake of milking money from its fans and sponsors, in which case it totally answers EVERYTHING.

Pretty positive that it is option number two here.

“Well…” The dude began before looking back up towards me.” According to almost all of the guards. Wilding these super long spears is quite a difficult task in its own right, especially in combination with such a large rectangular shield. Some even started to suggest that maybe they can just use both on their fore hooves to operate the pike while attaching a small round shield on their left foreleg for added frontal protection if need be.” The guy stated which really got me thinking.

To be honest, it's quite surprising that I managed to overlook that specific detail. The Macedonians did practiced a similar technique, operating there long ass pikes with both hands while a sizable round shield was attached on the left arm in case of long range pussies.

The fact that I still managed to overlook that very important detail is almost insulting to myself. I always did played as the Macedonians in both Rome Total war 1 and 2 and then some mod for Atilla that sends the game back to the BC era.

A very noobish mistake on my part. I blame the cheese I had at the time…before…it exploded into a quintillion pieces in front of me. I swear I will find those jackasses who ruined my Cheese like that, going to personally chain them up before throwing them into that one before mentioned alleyway with all of that hot illegal stuff going on in there. Of course this would also be in retaliations for trying to kill me, but losing such a perfectly proportioned wheel is just as bad. If my coffee was spilled on that day as well then it would be Armageddon for whatever species they belonged to.

Except if they somehow happened to be Zebras of course. Feeding your own citizens to the fishes is obviously not a very good political slogan to have. Not to mention very…dictatorial, a level I have not reached yet.

I hummed in thought. “Well in that case refit all of them with smaller round shields for now. Tell those blacksmiths to make some kind of harnesses for them so that mares and studs can strap them onto their left forelegs….Actually wait…”I stated before getting off from my pillow mount and causing the pillow that was on my head to fall and tumble down in front of the guys hooves. An idea just rushing into my mind.

“Why not add similar harnesses to the pikes as well? But add some kind of mechanism that can hold it tightly in place but can also be easily snapped off if needed.” I announced to no one in particular.

Personally I am not ready to fully abandon my original concept, especially since I am in a world where cartoon physics are a thing sometimes and where actual voodoo hoodoo actually exist.

Sure what may be considered dumb back in my world could probably work here instead…with a little bit of tweaking here and there of course, this world is populated with mostly quadruples after all. In fact this might work even better because of it.

“Hmmm I wonder…”I WONDERED while scratching my stubby chin beard.

The Stud in front, or more like blow me look up at me questionably. “What is it your highness?” He questioned which in turn just made me smile a bit as a joke suddenly took main presence in my mind.

Yes I am certainly a “Highness” now. I mean I am standing on elevated platform which means…ah whatever.

I looked down at him.” Ah nothing. I doubt that there is any time now to implement it, especially now that we might have hostiles closing into our position as we speak. Minotaur to be exact if my read the report correctly.” I stated.

Quite a surprise I have to say when I found out the aggressors were in fact Minotaur’s coming from the Far East. The fact that this world even has Minotaur’s at all was a real mind stopper. But then again anything is possibly so far, I mean this world has freaking dragons and Gryphons as well, so who knows what other mythological creatures are not so mythological here.

The existence of Mermaids would be nice, at least then it would give me the chance to enjoy some good boobies again that don’t just exist on some species crotch. Yes, please give me something that doesn’t go straight into bestiality territory when I want to touch it.

I straighter myself. “Anyway, time to prepare. Are Aku and some of the other higher ups already present in the council chamber?” I questioned.

The Stud nods. “Yes your highness. They are waiting for your presence as we speak.” He stated which just made me look at him with a raised eyebrow.

“They are already waiting for me this entire time while you were here reporting all of the new ounces. What kind of a constancy is this?” I questioned with extended arms.

The stud fidget a bit. “Well I am not sure your highness but that’s just how things are here…I guess…” He answered while looking back down at the scroll thoughtfully.

“Well it doesn’t matter now anyway. Let’s us go to the council room and see what the cracks have to discuss with me.” I announced before wide stepping down the stairs.

” Uhm your highness?” he replied questionably with a tilted head.

I stopped mid step to look at him. “Yes?”

“Well, did you meant US in WE?” He asked while pointing to himself.

I nod. “Well yes of course WE, I obviously still don’t know the way and layout of this damn Palace, which means that I still need a guide to guide me over to whatever destination the guide knows to guide me…in other words yes I would love for you to guide me to this, council hall.” I clarified.

He just looked off to the side awkwardly while rubbing the back of his head to solidify his feelings even further. “Well…” He began.” Sorry to say this your highness but…I have no idea the way to the council chamber myself, as I am still very new to this job.” He replied before quickly looking up at me in a bit of panic. “Bu-But I am sure that one of your Palace guard would know the way…I-I am sure we could ask them for directions.” He added.

I just looked at him suspiciously. “Well if that is the case, then how did you lot even manage to find yourself into the throne room in the first place, if you yourself have no clue about the Palace layout?” I questioned.

He just looked off at the side again awkwardly. “Well…that’s because I actually asked for directions when I was ordered to bring this message to you your highness.” He replied before perking up again. “Also the throne room building isn’t that hard to miss given its size and dominance within the compound.” He quickly added which in turn just made me look at him funny.

“But so is the council building, not just that, but it's located right at the outskirts of the Palace since the last time I have been there. How can THAT be so hard to miss?” I perused with wide, gesturing arms.

“That’s because we are in the hearth of the Palace, and not in the outskirts of it. In here pathways and hallways just looked allot more confusing to navigate, not to mention the high walls obscuring most of the view too.” He almost immediately answered.

This though got me thinking. I think I now understand the reason for the Palace confusing layout and structure. This is obviously some defensive engineering in case of enemy invaders or infiltrators, dumb for day to day live but honestly great if things for some reason hit south.

The city itself also shares a similar idea with the exception for the city walls, which don’t look that majorly impressive when comparing it to other well defended cities from either ancient or classical era. Another topic of upgrading if I ever get the chance to remember those.

I just grumbled. “Well time to go ask for directions I guess, and maybe for a hitch ride as well if he or she is strong enough to carry us both on their backs.” I mumbled before scouting the halls for any unlucky lot to perform this specific unnecessary deed.

Hey, I am king now. Sometimes you just gotta take full advantage of your status just for the sake of fun…and laziness.

“Ohhh…that guy looks especially buff…and that one too. I think I found our guides.” I thought with a grin.

“Come on then nameless messenger that I have never seen before in my life mostly because all of you kind of tend to look similar no matter how you paint or style your manes. We have a meeting to attend to.” I declared in one go much to the utter confusion to the affirmation nameless guy.

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“The two of you, keep up. Just because you two are somehow in a favorable position towards the king doesn’t mean we have to be as tolerable. You two are still criminals regardless so any wrong move will give us the reason to make one as well. So at least keep up.” A random guard ordered.

The two mentioned criminals where none other than the two Gazelles that were caught after to the attempted assassination on Zebrica’s new Monkey King.

The magical one just grumbled while the normal one just kept to herself while following the guard’s orders. Both of them were surrounded by guards and escorted to a new location somewhere within the Palace by the King's orders. One of which was actually Sergeant Liuanda herself, keeping close to the magical Gazelle with her Nethicite to drain her magic.

One of the guards sighed. “Does anyone particularly know why we are escorting these two to a specific private location by the king’s orders? I thought these two are charged for trespassing and attempted assault towards the King?” He casually questioned as the group rounded another corner just to end up in another long hallways.

Liuanda was the one to pick up the torch. “No idea, but I am sure that the king has his reason none the less, even though most of us, not even the high priestess herself can understand him.” She answered.

The lead guard grunted. “You two back there. No talking. Keep your attention focused on the prisoners instead of your small talk. You can all partake in your normal conversations after we ported these two to their new locations.” The lead guard barged back which in turn did its effect.

Both her and the random guard kept quiet from this point forth as they continued their trek, with only the sounds of their collective hooves echoing through the large halls.

After rounded up yet another corner, Liuanda and her group finally reached their destination as another pair of guards greeted them in front of large wooden door to their left.

They all continued one as one of the two guards immediately intercepted them.

“Halt, these are the personal living quarters of his royal highness. State your reason and business.” One of the two demanded.

The group stopped as the lead guard took charge of the situation. “I am Officer Samit from the newly formed Desert Phalanx of his Royal highness. Me and my companions here are escorting a pair of Gazelles to his personal chamber according to his orders.” He stated before gesturing to the two prisoners in question.

The guard followed the officers gestured, his head dress flailing back and forth as he slowly shook his head in a hence of pity. He already knew why these two were sent here. The same as to why the two street rats were brought here as well earlier under the same orders. The same two Zebras who are currently waiting inside the King rooms…for a social experiment as a called it, and as an excuse to give the current caretakers a “Vacations” as he named it.

The guard eventually nodded before stepping aside and allow the officer and his companion’s entrance. He nods back in thanks before moving towards the heavy double doors and knocking on them.

A muffled shoving could be heard from the other side before the voice of a mare rank out.

“Who is it?” The mare questioned, her voice barely audible thanks to the reinforced wooden portals.

Officer Samit fixed the postured of his bronze sword before replying. “This is Officer Samit from the newly formed Desert Phalanx. I have brought the two prisoners in his highness request.” He replied.

There was another set of muffled shuffling before one of the doors finally creaked open. The faces of both Chambika and Ashika exposing themselves through the gap.

The two mares smiled as they eyes finally fell on the two clueless Gazelles behind the Officer.

“Oh perfect, I knew that his highness would keep his word. These two would certainly be perfect for the job.” Ashika exclaimed which caused both of the prisoners perk up.

One was immediately feeling alarmed and suspicious while the other just looked nervous or even downright fearful as to what was to come.

Everybody else ignored her statement as they kept their attention firmly fixed on both the Prisoners and the two Servants respectively. Samit nods before gesturing to the guards behind him to escort the two into the room.

Both Ashika and Chambika made way as the guards and the two prisoners were herded into the room. Both Gazelles looking at the scene in front of them with utmost confusion.

“Uhm…excuse me but…what are your names?” Chambika questioned as the two turned their gaze away from the scene to look at her.

The timid one was first to answer.” My…my name is Steppes, or Little Stepped in full.” She responded which would give the turn over to her sister.

Only problem, she didn’t looked or felt in the mood to openly give her name to her captors. That mentally though quickly changed as a little peck on her ass by one of the guard’s spears showed her the lack leverage she has in this current situation.

She grumbled at first before raising her gaze to meet with the servants.” My name is Mystic Gem…or mystic for short.” she mumbled, thankfully loud enough for everyone to hear.

Both Chambika and Ashika smiled before one of them began to gestured back at the scene with a hoof.” Well anyway, Miss Little Stepped and Miss Mystic Gem. Let me introduce you to both Najero and Nami over there, and to also Lady Penelope who is currently sleeping peaceful in her crib between these two ~though not for long.~” She introduced while mumbled the last part to herself.

Thankfully no one heard her as the two just stared at the aforementioned Zebras who just stared back with an equal level of curiosity.

Ashika waved a hoof in front of the sisters to get their attention once more. “Well first things first, just make sure to feed and play with her in the exact same hours listed on this parchment. “She explained before hoofing over said parchment to the timid one who automatically took it in both confusion and curiosity.

Ashika continued. “The parchment also includes allot of other things that the four of you need to do in case of a fire. Oh and it also includes the location of the “fire extinguisher” and some other safety means in case a fire is unavoidable. Also make sure that you take Lady Penelope with you in such an emergency as washing out ruse from her scales can rather be tricky if not even dangerous given how sharp some of them can be in certain areas. Other than that you should be good, and please don’t bother using your magic on her, as dragon, and especially her species poses high natural resistance to magic in general, not to mention it might also increase the likelihood to create another fire.” She finally finished before giving the two overly confused does a last kind smile before she and her partner filed out of the room.

“Again remember to follow the list to the letter and everything should be just fine for the four of you. Miss Penelope is quite the little sweetheart so basically you four don’t need to worry too much in her spewing fire on any of you.” She called back one last time before both finally disappeared around a corner.

To say the two were completely and utterly lost would be an understatement. The Officer eventually nudged both of them to move which in turn brought them back from there perplexed trance.

“Well you two heard the ladies, you two are hereby task to watch over his highness adopted daughter while he is busy tending to the emergencies the state has found itself in. For the sake of the two of you…or rather four in that matter, I would suggest to follow the instructions given to you to a T if you don’t wish to contribute to another fire which in turn would just worsen you sentence and overall situation even further…or even worst, get cooked on a stick by a little baby dragon with hiccup problems.” He explained casually to the two shocked does. Even mystic finally looks her composed mask at that point.

“Wha-wha-what?” Mystic responded which in turn just made Samit smirk under his face guard.

“You heard me, you and your sister are hereby sentenced to act as Penelope’s temporary babysitters until Miss Chambika and Ashika’s vacations is over.” He answered with amusement hidden in his tone.

“Oh and in case the two of you would get the idea about bailing when nobody is looking, just forget it. The royal chambers are watched and guarded all around and Sergeant Liuanda over here is lending her crystal to one of the guards stationed here in case your get all magicky in here. So overall you might as well picture this task as a much more fancier version of a prison with some work attached to it. ”He added before giving the others guard the go to leave the room.

The doors closed which only left both the two confused and shocked sisters in the room, with two Zebra sibling and a still sleeping baby dragon of course.

“You two might as well make yourself comfortable here. When the guy said that the room is being guarded and watched twenty four seven then he seriously meant twenty four seven. Every corner, every window and every slit is being closely watched from the Palace guards, both inside and outside.” Najero explained before leaning himself against the back of a couch.

He suddenly perked up. “Oh and by the way. The closet over there is filled with all kinds of different foods and drinks in case the two of you ever feel the need to do so. Free of charge as far as I know, and also the bathroom is behind that door over there in case the four of us need some quick water for the obviously unavoidable. I really don’t expect miracles from the four of us, considering that both me and my sister used to be market thieves and while the two of you are prisoners for something. At this point I am just waiting for her fiery hick-ups to start so we all may get separated again for the ‘failed experiment’.” He quickly added before going back in making himself comfortable.

What have they gotten themselves into?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

“The more we delay the closer these Minotaur’s will be on our lands. What is the king taking so long?” An officer complained as he and two other of his peers were patiently waiting around the council table at the center of the hall.

A map of the surrounding lands that encompasses most of the ancient city laid on top of it. The map may be coming from the time of the last Monkey King but its legitimacy is still unquestionable despite its age. Nothing major really changes within the northern sands of the Zebrican Deserts. In fact, how can the lands themselves even change when the only thing that happened during those 1000 years was the steady decline and depopulation of a previous wealthy and prosperous nation? And really, nothing ever really changes within the timeless sands of the Grand desert of Zebrica, beside the slow moving dunes of sand here and there, contributing to the steady burial of an age long past.

Despite the sands now sporting nothing but ruins, the old maps are still quiet helpful in that regard. Highlighting previous regions within the land that used to held the locations of towns, bastions and even ancient temples.

Its ruins can still serve as strategic gathering point, for building up defenses or to take shelter from the harsh sun and sand storms of the desert.

Both Susi, Aku and another member from the temples are seated around the table, waiting patiently while Bakuss was busy pacing back and forth around the table. His unrest clearly showing within his movement.

“Well, he did had to first evaluate the new equipment’s the new Legions of Guards received while also tending on the new issue his original idea brought up.” Akunezzar commented while stroking his braided beard.

One of the random officer nodded. “Indeed high Shaman, what is the point in going off to war when the equipment isn’t ready yet. All of our planning and information gathering would mean for naught if our soldiers don’t have the means to properly defend themselves.” He elaborated, which many within the room had to admit makes allot of sense.

The same officer who first spoke up looked at him. “Well that may be true but I would also like for plans to be laid out as sooner rather than later, we may have the chance in intercepting the incoming army in a much more favorable location for our troop if we could quickly come up with a plan. A natural chokepoint or a River would be desirable.” He laid out which again allot of the military personnel had to agree on.

Engaging your enemy in favorable terms to yourself is something all great commanders can agree on. It’s all about make it as unfair towards your enemy as possible.

Bakuss was about to say something himself for the very first time when all of the sudden a loud knocking on the huge double doors stopped him from doing so.

Every thought and every possible discussions were immediately halted as every Zebra around the Table had their gaze fixed firmly at the entrance itself.

One of the officer sighed. “Finally.” He muttered quietly for very obvious reasons.

The door slowly opened with a guard poking his head through its small gap. “His Royal Highness is here.” He announced as two more guards appeared from the outside to help in pushing up the massive portals. “His Royal Highness, Alexander the Gra…uh I mean Alexander the MAGNIFICENT has arrived.” He Shouted as the doors were finally opened with a shadowy figure standing tall and proud within the Halo of the bright outside world.

Though what that shadowy shape turned out to be immediately left everyone within the room in a state of pause and completely utter confusion.

It was their king, but the way he was entered is what left everyone so perplexed.

He was riding in, literally riding in on the back of one of the guards, a very exhausted guard to be precise, seating sideways on him while holding a rather elegant pose and holding a mysteriously small but very stylized parasol above him.

Where he suddenly found such a Parasol is everyone’s guess but really most of the focused was fixed on the fact that he was riding into the throne on one of his guards, not just him but a messenger Zebra as well riding on top of another guard looking all embarrassed and awkward.

This was certainly a scene you won’t see every day. Let alone being performed by the re-incarnation of a long lost legend.

The poor stallion huffed and heaved before finally collapsing onto the floor with the king still plastered on his back. The king opened his eyes and blinked, seeming to realize that he has finally reached his destination before unsheathing his Parasol and throwing it away to the side with a smile.

He released himself from the over exhausted guard before dusting himself off. “Well that was certainly faster than I anticipated. I think there actually might be a plausibility for a black and white taxi service in the future.” He commented before looking down at the still heaving stallion.

He pulled out a large sack of gold, also seemingly out of nowhere before placing it in front of the stallion’s muzzle, giving him a few pats on the head before straightening himself once more. “Because of your service you are now hereby allowed for a whole month of a vacations. A PAID vacation none the less, for you service to the crown you have definitely earn it.” He declared before grinning and finally focusing his attention towards the ensemble of higher-ups for the first time.

“So what did I miss?” He casually asked, like he always even in the most ridiculous of situations.

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“Well, this is certainly one way to make a unique entrance.” Aku commented while stroking his Assyrian style beard.

I grinned. “Always pleasing to know that I can entertain my audience. To be honest, I did consider acting at some point, long before I even got dragged to this world from my backyard with my pajamas still on me.” I explained while making my way to the center of the room where the massive circular stone table is.

“But enough lollygagging it’s time we get down to business, we do have the seriousness of war in out mitts. The very lives and future of this nation is now at stake.” I added which in no doubt pretty much everyone agrees upon.

Just because I am somewhat of a brain child does not mean I am disconnected from the more serious aspects of life. Like this one, where the very life of my own man…or well stallions are at stake. If I mess up then that easily means they will lose their lives because of me.

No pressure, no pressure at all. But then again, panicking in a moment like this would not only be bad idea, but it would also be a hinder to any planning or thinking we have to do here. Not to mention making me look like a pussy.

I am not an idiot, but I am also no genius. Again, it takes a certain level of madness to be conscious of your own short comings. Time to test of my love for history can save my ass here. It would also quince all of those naysayers that say history is boring, dumb or pointless.

I will show them, I will show them ALL.

With my mind set and my pajamas pulled up high, joined the assembled of duded who have a much bigger voice compared to all the others to get this show on the road.

Or I would have, if I didn’t forget about a certain messenger and the guardsmare I picked for him to ride one. Yes, I intentionally picked a chick for him because even a lonely messenger needs some joy in his life. Or in his case, embarrassment and for her some suspicious level of enjoyment.
“Uhm…what about…me and him your highness?” The guardmare perked up while still standing at the same spot with the same stud still seated on her back.

I just waved her off. “Eh you two can go and do whatever. Have fun on YOUR vacations respectively.” I responded before looking back at the table in front of me.

Call it intuition but I bet one wheel and a halve of cheese that she actually smirked at this while giving the now nervous looking messenger and kinky look. The only indications I got that the two were making their exit where her hoof steppes and the closing of the main doors.

Now with these two lovebirds out of the way the war meeting can begin.

War, war never changes, and apparently same as here.

“Now that we are all assembled let us begin with the discussion as to what we know of our enemy thanks to our scouts. Their size, position and overall path towards this city.” Aku began, even though I had someone on my radar, a certain zebra I swear I had not yet seen before standing right next to Susi.

The get up he was sporting pretty much gave it away on what his occupations might be. But asking just to be sure doesn’t cost anything, especially for the king.

“Wait, wait Aku. Hold on a minute.” I announced before turning myself to the newcomer. “Who is this guy?” I ask while pointing at him.

The old stallion in questioned smiled before giving a small bow. “A good observation your highness, and yes, you are right to assume that neither of us have meet one another before, well at least not face to face that is.” He answered before rising back up.

I puckered my lips and rubbing my chin in interest.

“Is that so?” I casually added. “If that is the case, then who may I have then the pleasure of meeting face to face this fine day?” I questioned, diving back into my British side.

Even though I am not British, I am actually from a country Britain should normally hate, same with the France.

“I am high priest Akadar. Listener and head to the Temple dedicated to Zakahr. The deity of Metal and Warriors.” He introduced himself while giving off another bow.

“A mortal representation for a god of Metal and Warrior? Makes sense I guess. I mean you being here at the meeting.” I commented which in turn just made me realized something.

“I am surrounded by Pagans.” I thought to myself. But then again magic IS a thing here so why not all powerful and vengeful gods? Better not annoy them…too much. Not until I can find the MacGuffin and bring them down to earth, muhahahahaha.

I grinned evilly at the thought while rubbing my hands together, not really registering the fact that everybody was giving me confused looks.

“Uhm…you highness.” Susi whispered while poking my side.

I blinked, before looking down at susi and then everyone else.

I coughed. “Anyway, as I said let’s get this show on the road. Aku you were about to say something?” I announced before gesturing over to the old Assyrian to my left.

He nods before taking the ropes and gesturing to the laid out map in front of us. “Well yes, as I was about to announce. The scout we have sent out to find and keep an eye on the enemy's movements have come back with allot of useful information in their hoof.” He began.

I rubbed my chin in thought. “Scout? I don’t remember ever sending out scout into the fields.” I commented, more to myself then to all.

Aku just smiled. “And you may not be so wrong with that your highness, it’s because I ordered them to be sent out the moment this dilemma was brought to my attention.” He explained.

I Ahh-ed to that before something else came up to my mind that also required an answer.

“Who were those Zebra’s that willingly went out to the middle of nowhere to scout out a bunch of buff dudes with horns?” I questioned once more which didn’t took long for me to get an answer to.

“Do you remember high Shaman Gilganesh from the Sand Hunter tribe?” He asked me back in which I nod.

He smiled before continuing. “Well those Zebra’s came from that tribe. Send personally by their chieftain when I sent a scroll to request them. Besides being deadly archers by trade they are also masters in the art of tracking and stalking their prey. Professional scouts and knowing our lands like the back of their hoofs” He explained.

I ohh-ed this time instead of Ahh-ed. “Ah yes, I remember that guy. A living talking poet that one.”

Aku nods to that before returning to the matter at hand. He gestured back to the map. “Again, as I was about to explain, our scouts have managed to find and track down the Minotaur’s position and path from the east. Apparently they have moved along the cliffs and passes along the Mushroom coast from the north, outside of Saddle Arabia’s sphere of influence. In other words, a clear neutral zone for any moving army to exploit.” He announced while moving his hoof along a coastline to the Far East side of the map. No doubt being this drug trip coast he was talking about.

The way this strip of land is named I imagine that this coastline is literally populated with oversized shrooms, but until I can get a confirmation or a vacations card from that region, all I can do is hope that my assumption to that idea are correct.

I do love a good mushroom soup after all.

“This is what is bugging me the most.” A random officer (I think he is one judging by his bling on his gear) perked up which got everyone attention. “Why don’t the desert horses of the east just take that thin region on their northern coast? It most certainly is in range of their borders and could give them easy access to the sea. So why not claim it?” He inquired, which is a pretty good question.

Aku sights. “That is because at certain seasons during the year the entire coast will be surrounded in a thick mist of spores emitted from the large mushrooms. It’s both irritating and sometimes poisonous to inhale. So it’s better to leave that coastline to the forces of nature and not waste so many resources in clearing the coast.” Aku explained yet again, making me think he might be some kind of a bookworm or something.

Well he is the high shaman slash custodian of this city before I showed up. It’s his job to know all of these things. But besides that my ideas were quickly confirmed. Just imagine all the mushroom soups I can have in the future. Maybe sprinkled some cheese in as well to spice things up.

The officer though still didn’t looked too convinced. “Then what about Minotaur’s? Are they kind of immune to these spores or am I missing something?” He continued one which just made me groan internally.

Didn’t you pay any attention as to what braided beard over here just said?

Aku was allot more patient than that.” Not at all, as I mentioned before. The spores only surround the region at CERTAIN seasons during the year. If you know the monthly cycles in which the fungus releases its spores then it’s very easily to avoid those seasons and travel safely through the narrow passageways that make most of the coast.” He answered.

The stud looked finally satisfied after that, which was good because I still have not enough information about the enemies target and CURRENT whereabouts. If I want to go and steal their exotic shit for myself then I need to know more than just these two first.

Also get a good recipe for mushroom soup. Great, now I am hungry again. Can’t stop thinking about those mushroom now.

“But what about the enemy’s movements?” Bakuss this time asked which is good.

In my eyes he is still the most trustworthy guard around.

Aku nods. “I was getting to that.” He began before moving his hoof away from the coast and to a completely different area on the map. South west from the coast to be precise.

“According to the scouts the Minotaur’s have continued to move along the Saddle Arabian border and are now currently moving through the white serpent’s coast east from the main continent of Zebrica itself. They will be reaching the only hoof made bridge connecting both Zebrica and the eastern continent. Giving them direct access into the wide open deserts and eventually a path directly to this city.” Aku pointed all the locations which was closely followed by everyone on the table.

To be honest for me the map was just a splash of scribbles and many shades of brown colors. I have no real references of what is what or where is where. But that of course does not matter the moment Aku mentioned a Zebra made bridge that connects the east and west.

“You mentioned that these Minotaurs are moving towards that one particular bridge. Is it really the only safe and easy path for an army to take to reach the Zebrica continent?” I asked while leaning forward and resting an arm on the table.

This time though it was the newcomer to provide that answer.” Well yes it is. It is the closest and only passage into Zebrica from the north east. A natural land bridge does exist between the two continents much further south, but that would mean travelling through more inhospitable heat and terrain to get there. A not very efficient path if you have a large army in tow.” Akadar explained.

I guess priests here are allot more than just religious fanatics. They can certainly contribute to a more…mortal level.

That changes everything though as I already knew what need to be done.

“Perfect.” I shouted which surprised everyone. “I pointed back at the spot Aku has pointed out earlier.” This is the spot that we need to fortify. March our troops to our side of the bridge and wait for the enemy to show up from there.” I declared.

It was Bakuss this time to raise his hoof.” That would be fine but then what? Minotaur’s are physically allot more impressive compared to a Zebra. One Minotaur equals to five adult Zebras in strength alone, not just that but they tend to wield rather large weapons to. How would you intent to equalize that without the assistance of the other tribes, like the mentioned desert hunters and their deadly aim?” He brought up which allot of his other peers could only agree on.

I grinned as for me the solutions was pretty obvious. “That’s where the newly practice and introduction of the Phalanx comes into handy.” I began. “Not sure if I managed to explain it properly during the first day but a Phalanx is typically very, VERY good in holding a choke point and keeping a much more impressive force at bay. A well-formed and well-disciplined Phalanx can stand its ground with almost any opponent, the continuous row of long pikes will make sure that no enemy can get into striking distance of your own men while giving your own man the reach advantage. And it’s obviously not just one pike a Minotaur has to worry about, there are allot more Zebra’s next and behind the first one also equipped with the same weapon, which means that poor bastard is going to be spending the rest of his life trying to keep the water he drinks from leaking out of the many holes on his body…if he survives that it.” I summarize.

Pretty much everyone at this point was thinking and processing the information I laid out for them, not to long I could tell that one by one, they started to understand my plan.

Bakuss was the first to approve, well he was with me during the exercise after all.

“That could seriously work. With such a tactic and with no treats of getting flanked this plan could easily give us a huge advantage.” He commented.

Another officer perked up though. “What about the threat of range fire?” He questioned which personally didn’t bothered me too much.

“Simple, that what the strapped on shields are for. Given not as protective as the shields I originally wanted to use but still enough for a Zebra to huddle behind if they are being massive pussies.” I answered before aku stepped up.

“Plus Minotaur’s aren’t known for using ranged weapons during their campaigns. It goes against their warrior pride and battle ideology.” He added which just made things a lot more easily.

There ideology is going to bit them in the ass, If only I have warhounds as an option.

I clapped my hands. “Well then it’s settled then, prepare the…” I was about to say before something else quickly entered my head.

“Wait a minute, before we go any further what about logistics? You know what they say ‘an army marches on its stomach” I elaborated.

One of the random dudes looked thoughtful at first before looking at me. “Well in that regard I can safely say that logistics are covered. After the message reached us all we immediately ordered for the storage rooms and silos to be opened. Those Silos have been storing excess food during every harvest season and should easily hold enough to feed our entire army many times over.”

“Well that covers logistics.” I thought before something else entered my mind...again. Seriously what is it with my head actually staying focused and bringing up cohesive thoughts?

“And what about time. Do we have to time to reach the bridge itself before our enemy does?” I continued on while scratching the tiny beard on my chin.

It was Aku again. “I would believe so, we personally know these lands much better than any other species living outside this continent after all. The scouts in particular would be able to show us the easiest path to the east and avoiding all the traitorous terrain of the Zebrica Desert. Saving you and the army a lot of time.” He answers which basically and finally answered all of the questions that needed to be answer for today.

I clapped my hands together in satisfaction. “Well in that case, operation ‘Darm Verstopfung’ is hereby on the go.” I declared with a slam against the table. “Wir werden diese ausländer schon das fürchten lehren. Für das fatherland.” I added in a shout and a raised fist.

The Zebra’s of course where confused on my use of German but still followed through by raising their own hooves and declaring that this victory will be the start of many more in the foreseeable future. A declaration I can only agree upon.

With my smarts, tablet smarts and everybody else’s smarts who are smart enough to be considered smart. I may be going off into a real battle for the first time of my life but that won’t deteriorate my….

I stopped as the realization suddenly hits me.

“Shit, I am going to be leading an actual battle. Where is an adult when you need one?” I thought to myself, the gravity and expectation fully settling in.

“Lampenfieber lampenfieber LAMPENFIEBER. ICH KRIEGE LAMPENFIEBER!!!!”