Chapter 92 Refugees

It was September, and the autumn harvest had just ended.

After more than 3,000 people worked for a year, more than half of the construction of Sophia Castle had been completed.

The foundation of the city wall had been completed, and most of the rammed earth walls had been completed.

When the outer wall was covered with bricks next year and some city defense works were built, the construction of the city wall would be complete.

The main project of the City Lord's Mansion had been completed, and only the decoration project remained. The main road had been paved, and even the drainage project had been completed before the snow this year.

Half of the houses in Sophia City had been repaired this year.

Richard was inspecting the construction site and arranging the latest work, and Jennings hurried to his side.

Richard looked at everyone and said goodbye to everyone calmly.

After many people who were managing the construction site left, he quietly said to Jennings: "What's the matter?"

"Baron, a group of refugees came to the territory after winter and were discovered by our patrol members. These people were so bold that they actually shot arrows at the patrolling soldiers?"

"What were the casualties?"

"No one was injured. The patrolling soldiers saw that there were a lot of people in this group and they were protected by professionals, so they didn't act recklessly."

Richard nodded and said to Jennings: "Send someone to Fort William to transfer the first squadron over. Find this group of refugees tomorrow and see where they have fled to?"

The third squadron where Jennings was located, although it had been trained for almost a year and was out of the category of recruits, its combat effectiveness was far from comparable to that of the two main squadrons.

Since the intelligence showed that there were professionals among the refugees who broke into the territory, Richard must not underestimate them.

A lion will fight a rabbit with all its strength. Richard will never reveal his flaws easily.

Now that the territory is short of population, since this group of refugees has broken into the territory, Richard will naturally not miss the opportunity.

Since the fat meat was delivered to his mouth, Richard certainly wanted to take a bite and swallow this group of refugees.

Jennings saluted and immediately sent soldiers to Fort William to deliver a letter. With the transfer order written by Richard himself, the first squadron left Fort William in a hurry and arrived at Fort Sophia at nine o'clock in the evening.

Richard arranged for people to prepare dinner for the first squadron, and held a meeting with the main officers of the first and third squadrons overnight to discuss countermeasures.

Everyone unanimously decided that the army should be fast and raid the refugee camp early tomorrow morning.

Early the next morning.

Richard led the soldiers of two squadrons and rushed 15 kilometers to the vicinity of the refugee camp.

This group of refugees was very alert. After being discovered by the patrolling soldiers yesterday, they immediately realized the danger.

Although they were very tired, they still chose to move overnight.

But the cunning fox could not beat the experienced hunter.

The refugee army of more than 2,000 people marched very slowly in the forest.

The forest was full of human footprints, and the traces were very obvious.

After walking for most of the day, the refugee team was already looming.

This group of refugees came from the Orc Empire.

Last summer, in order to repel the invading armed forces of the Grant Kingdom, the Orc Empire mobilized a large number of troops from the northern foothills of the Eagle Mountains.

In July, the Orc Empire was defeated and the legendary wild boar man died. After the news came out, human slaves in the northern foothills of the Eagle Mountains rose up in rebellion in winter.

After the defeat of these human resistance forces, they crossed the mountains and entered the south of the Eagle Mountains in the spring and summer of this year.

As winter approached and the climate in the mountains became colder and colder, this group of refugees took the risk of migrating south.

Realizing that Richard was chasing them with his troops, the refugee team immediately became very chaotic.

Seeing that the team was about to collapse, several strong refugee leaders organized the soldiers and formed a loose queue.

The first squadron stopped, and the veteran took out the armor from his backpack and put on the armor with the help of his comrades.

This squadron was established for three and a half years. After several battles, there was not much loss of personnel. After practicing breathing techniques for more than three years, more than a dozen soldiers have been promoted to advanced warrior students.

Most of the soldiers in the first squadron are veterans, and many of them have strength of more than four points.

Despite carrying dozens of kilograms of armor, their physical strength is still well maintained. There is no panic when wearing armor in front of the battle.

The grassroots officers are all wearing snake-body human scale armor, which looks very tough at first glance.

The steel plant has been in operation for several months, and the territory's steel production has increased greatly. Dozens of new armors have been added, which are basically equipped with two main squadrons.

More than half of the soldiers in the main squadron are wearing armor, and the remaining soldiers are also protected by leather armor.

Such equipment is no weaker than the second-line legion.

The refugee leaders are all captured officers who have fought in the war.

Some of them are from the Kingdom of Grant, and some are from nearby neighboring countries.

Seeing this scene, these people immediately knew that there was no chance of winning.

"You have invaded the territory of the Harland family. Now put down your weapons and surrender immediately."

Richard led the soldiers to shout.

"Put down your weapons and surrender immediately!"

Seeing that the soldiers of the first squadron had already drawn their bows and arrows, several leaders looked at each other and sent people to shout: "Don't shoot, we are willing to negotiate."

Under the absolute disadvantage, most people dare not fight to the death unless they are brave warriors who are ready to die.

Several people walked over tremblingly.

There is also a rule in the Dawn Continent that the two armies do not kill the envoys when fighting.

Generally speaking, the noble lords will basically not violate it.

Integrity is the virtue of knights. Violating integrity will have a great impact on the reputation of nobles, spread bad reputation, and affect future development.

The refugee leaders were very cautious. They had no mutual trust with Richard. Most of them sent their trusted followers and did not come to negotiate in person.

Only one brave refugee leader came in person.

"Who are you and why did you break into Harland's territory?"

"We are free citizens of the kingdom, and there are three noble officers in the camp."

"What's your name?"

"My name is Frank, sir."

Richard gently picked up the whip and calmed the iron-horned horse. Pointing at Frank's chest, he said, "I already know your identities. This year, many slaves captured by orcs have fled to nearby territories. There have been more or less incidents of refugees entering the lord's territory.

My territory lacks population. No matter what you say, it is destined to become a meal for Master Harland. I hope you will face the reality, give up your fantasy, surrender your weapons and surrender."

"We hate our identity as slaves. From the day we took up arms, we made up our minds that we would never be slaves. Without freedom, we would rather die."

"Only those who are afraid of death will be captured by orcs. True warriors will only die on the battlefield and make the orcs bleed. Master Harland standing in front of you looks young, has participated in many wars, and has been awarded the title of hereditary baron.

Your threats will only make you bleed."

Richard pointed to his chest and said loudly to Frank, "Negotiation or war? The conditions are up to you?"