The gentle spring breeze flowed over the tender earth, casting a warm aura across the vast wilderness. Yellow wildflowers bloomed across the plains of the Lake Region, red sparrows chased each other in low flight. Intertwining streams sang a murmuring melody, while the towering mountains undulated along the distant horizon. `Twas a time of tranquil peace amidst the lush grass beneath the clear spring sky.
Yet beneath the splendid spring light, the air was thick with the ominous presence of boundless killing intent! Xiulote ascended a hillock, gazing into the distance, as the mighty legions emerged from the ends of his view. Tarasco’s Royal Army, countless in number, arranged in a stern formation, came pouring forth like a great flood. The Samurai’s steps showed no mercy as they crushed the blooming wildflowers underfoot and lowered their weapons, startling flocks of birds into the sky.
Xiulote watched intently for a moment, his pupils narrowing slightly. The enemy troops moved in clusters, yet their ranks were without the slightest disarray. Afterward, several li away, the Royal Legion halted their march, gradually spreading to the flanks. The inherited Eagle Banner then became visible, standing tall at the center of the army’s formation. The gaze of the Young Commander lingered on the ancient flag; the golden eagle, wings outspread as if ready to take flight, always stirred distant memories and thoughts profound.
Shortly after, Xiulote’s gaze drifted downward to the formation beneath the banner, his brow quickly furrowing. He observed for a moment, then turned his head towards the Head Warrior by his side.
"Is that Tarasco’s Copper-axe Guards?"
Bertade’s Eagle Eye stared ahead, solemnly nodding in affirmation.
"Yes, Your Highness. That is the core of Tarasco’s Royal Family which commands the world, the most elite Copper-axe Guards. They were specially selected and formed by successive Tarasco Kings to counter the Alliance’s most revered Eagle Warrior Battalion. Unlike the Nobility Battle Groups of the Alliance, the Copper-axe Guards are purely elite Samurai. They are entirely loyal to the Royal Family, do not own independent fiefs, and thus can sustain higher casualties in battle. Four years ago, they ambushed Aweit’s Personal Army in the Apachigan Valley, defeating two thousand from the Jaguar Warrior Brigade and forcing King Aweit to flee eastward. The Alliance’s grand army subsequently collapsed, and the first western campaign thus ended in failure."
Xiulote gave a slight nod, falling into a contemplative silence. It was after that battle that Aweit had lost his military command, as well as his priority to the throne. The Lake Capital City underwent a tumult of changes, and afterwards, with the support of the Priesthood, Tizoc succeeded the kingship.
Bertade retracted his sharp gaze, looking at Xiulote with grave seriousness.
"Your Highness, a Mexica King cannot afford to lose in war... This Guard bears Copper Helmets and Copper Axes at their waists, and they also carry new Longbows on their backs. We must be especially vigilant."
Upon hearing this, Xiulote’s grip tightened slightly, though his face was filled with confidence. He laughed heartily.
"Two years ago, on the North Coast of Lerma River, I saw this guard once. But it was across the great river, and there was no real combat. Today is a good day! Come, with my loyal warriors, let us personally break through this world-famous Imperial Guard and capture the Tarasco King alive!"
Upon hearing the Lord’s spirited words, the surrounding Personal Army also burst into shouting and cheering. The Black Wolf Commander’s Flag stood majestically atop the hillock, with three thousand of the archer battalions subsequently stationed beneath the flag. Longbow Warriors occupied the high ground, with arrows planted in the mud before them. The vast melee battalions crossed over the hillock, forming up in front of the Commander’s Flag. The center army consisted of seven thousand Spear Militia, the left wing was three thousand Religious Knights, and the right wing was the three thousand Holy City Legion. Around the perimeter of the warrior formations, there were two thousand patrolling Longbow Militia and a thousand elite Scouts from the Northern Army.
As for the City-State legions, they could not keep up with the rapid march of the battalions and had suffered great losses in the battle on the Takuro Plains. The noble private militias were fickle in their loyalties, difficult to rely upon. For this decisive battle, Xiulote only summoned several hundred elite warriors from the City-State Nobility to replenish the Northern Army’s Scout Team. The main force of the City-State Legion was stationed at the Huayamo Fortress, maintaining the supply lines while keeping pressure on Qinchongcan City.
The grand army was in formation, with the Commander-in-Chief at its center. Xiulote stood on high ground, his gaze fixated upon the nearly twenty thousand assembled soldiers, as a fiery passion surged within him. He looked up to the vast blue sky. Fleeting clouds shaped like palaces in the heavens, while the Sun God ascended to the Throne of the Gods. Beneath the gaze of the Chief Divine, a grand ritual was about to commence!
"Tens of thousands of Samurai warriors, two Divine Descendant Commanders, are but sacrifices to the Sun God. The rise and fall of the Kingdom rests on this one battle!"
Across the miles, beneath the Eagle Banner, Su’angua’s countenance was filled with fervor as he surveyed his trusted followers, stirring the morale of his generals. Today, upon seeing the formation of the Northern Mexica Army, his heart sank. The opposing ranks were disciplined, their numbers far surpassing his own; this battle would be anything but easy.
Thus, the young King gathered his trustworthy generals for one final, majestic promise.
"The temples of the Three Gods, ancestral tombs, and your lands and manors, your relations and children, all depend on the weapons in our hands for protection! Go, tell the warriors under your command: Cazonci Su’angua swears here that if we win this battle, upon our return to the Capital City, I will share all the Royal Family’s lands and wealth with them! If we win this battle, no matter how few survivors there are, all Militia will be promoted to Samurai, all Samurai will be promoted to Nobility!"
Upon hearing the King’s promise, the various camp officers showed surprise, silently exchanging looks. In the loyal Royal Army, the King’s authority was beyond question. After a moment, those who had reacted bowed deeply, thanked the King for his generosity, and returned to their camps. Soon after, a chorus of cheers rang out across the ranks.