Delenna's Report

Fresh from observing the military drill, Cassius returned to his cavern, where a hobgoblin presented him with another confidential report. He read through it carefully. The report was titled "Notes on the Allied Armies of the Three Northern Principalities." "In a direct comparison of strength, the Principality of Bosque clearly far surpasses the combined might of Lakeman and Knott. "Bosque emerged victorious from the internal struggles of the Northern United Kingdom. A century ago, during the Lionheart Alliance, it secured a unique preeminence, becoming the nominal ruler of the United Kingdom and entrenching itself across the southern reaches of the Anzeta Badlands. "Yet its relationship with the other principalities has always remained subtle and detached. Bosque's current grand duke dreams of a truly unified, centralized realm. Consequently, he will not throw his full weight behind aiding any single state; instead, he takes great pleasure in seeing his neighbors weakened. "Out of the allied host that boasts thirty thousand men, the forces contributed by the Principality of Bosque—the 'Northern Lion'—number less than five thousand, and all of them are expendable border guards. Meanwhile, House Nott of the 'Two-Headed Eagle,' though reliant on Lakeman as a protective buffer and willing to do whatever it can to help, is constrained by its modest means and can muster merely three thousand troops. "Thus, the vast majority of this so-called coalition belongs to the Principality of Lakeman. Facing an existential threat, they have mobilized virtually every sword and shield they possess. "The purpose of this compilation of notes is to document the military reality of the Principality of Lakeman. "The lowest and most common tier of soldiers consists of conscripted laborers. Before the war began, they were likely simple dirt farmers working the fields, without a single day of systematic military training. Apart from shoddy weapons, they possess practically no armor. In truth, their primary function is not combat, but tending warhorses, transporting baggage and supplies, or serving as cannon fodder before the elite units engage. "In the Principality of Lakeman, these men are typically tenants and serfs bound to rural gentry and landlords. They are wretched souls devoid of personal liberty, denied even the right to keep their own spoils of war. Any martial credit and plunder they secure are credited to their masters' names. "A step above them, the second tier comprises free commoners answering the levy. These soldiers are permitted to keep their spoils. Though their financial means are meager, they generally fight with heirlooms passed down through generations. "Within the principality, they are usually yeoman farmers gathered under their respective lords in fulfillment of their military obligations. Bearing arms in service is their duty to their liege. In theory, they hold equal standing with the landed gentry, since the gentry are essentially just yeomen who own larger estates and do not labor in the fields themselves. "The third tier consists of true professional soldiers with intimate ties to the lords themselves. Their combat morale far exceeds that of the levies. These men are commonly retainers or local landed gentry. Blessed with ample wealth—whether from stipends paid by their lord or the revenue of their own estates—they can equip themselves with high-quality arms and armor, using warfare to amass even greater gains. "There is also a category falling between the second and third tiers: mercenaries. Although they lack the vast real estate of the landed gentry, years of sustained warfare drive mercenaries to reinvest their earnings into superior weapons and gear, both to preserve their lives on the battlefield and to reap richer rewards. "While peasant conscripts tend to spend whatever spoils they obtain on basic survival, mercenaries do the opposite. And though they do not receive the systematic military education of third-tier soldiers, enduring years of combat is itself the finest training—assuming they survive it. "The fourth and most elite tier represents the apex of the army. Not only do they possess the wealth required for premier arms and armor, but they also possess sufficient martial schooling to serve as junior officers. "Furthermore, they are the only group capable of deploying cavalry in significant numbers. These warriors are generally knights or lower nobility, such as barons, serving their lords directly. The foremost example is the knightly order known as the 'Northern Wind Eagle Guard.'" The letter concluded with the signature: "Your humble and loyal servant, whom you have yet to meet—Delenna Venombrew, lowly yuan-ti pureblood." "Interesting..." Cassius thought as he looked over the parchment. This was hardly a mere military reconnaissance report. It was an extensive breakdown of the social fabric across the northern realms—or perhaps, more accurately, a statement of ability meant to secure her a position. Whatever this Delenna's true motives were, she had successfully piqued the red dragon's interest. After a moment's thought, Cassius ordered, "Duoluo, bring the author of this report to me." Duoluo said hurriedly, "Master, that yuan-ti has been waiting outside the entrance for quite some time. I was just about to chase her away..." "Let her in." "Yes, Master." Moments later, Duoluo escorted her inside. Cassius scrutinized the yuan-ti pureblood. She wore a heavy headscarf and a purple robe that accentuated her shapely figure, appearing virtually indistinguishable from a human at first glance. Meeting Cassius's assessing gaze, Delenna unveiled her head and boldly lifted her face, flashing a captivating smile. Her features were strikingly beautiful, yet fringed with an edge of lethal danger. Her vertical slit pupils, sharp fangs, and forked tongue laid bare her true yuan-ti heritage. "Lord Cassius, I have long heard of your renowned name. I knew you would grant me an audience." Her voice was alluring and sweet, underlined by a faint reptilian rasp. Cassius stared down at her from his height. "Anyone capable of writing such an assessment possesses considerable talent. You could have easily carved out a comfortable living among humans. Why come out to this barren wilderness, to my Cinder Nest?" A flattering smile flitted across Delenna's fetching face as she spoke with practiced charm once more, "Lord Cassius..." Before she could finish, however, she was cut short. "Do not attempt your petty tricks for beguiling humans on a noble dragon." Cassius's tone turned chillingly menacing, and a faint aura of draconic dread emanated from him. Only then did the reality strike her with full force: before her sat a genuine, ruthless red dragon, not some bloated, gullible human noble. Crushed by the oppressive weight of his presence, Delenna succumbed to primal terror. Trembling violently, she lowered her head and prostrated herself against the stone floor. "M-my status..." "In yuan-ti society, I am an outcast of the lowest caste. And among humans, my bloodline prevents me from ever putting my talents to use. That is why I came here..." Cassius remarked flatly, "See? You can speak plainly when you try." "I have always preferred directness. Tell me honestly: what do you seek to gain in Cinder Nest?" Delenna hesitated for a breath, then gritted her teeth and answered, "Power. Standing." Having spoken, she remained kneeling, frozen in silence. The air grew almost suffocatingly thick. Beads of cold sweat trickled down her brow as she awaited the final verdict. Cassius glanced down at her, a pale glimmer of magical light flitting across his golden pupils. *Detect Lie.* The spell indicated that she was speaking the truth. Cassius's calm voice echoed once more. "Very well. You did not deceive me. Had you lied, you would already be a pile of ash." Delenna let out a long breath of relief. "Here in Cinder Nest, we always welcome capable individuals. I do not mind ambition; in fact, I encourage it—so long as you prove your worth to me." "Do you understand?" Delenna nodded frantically in compliance. "Go to that hideous tower and find my steward, Langpu. He will find a suitable assignment for you." "Yes..." "...Master."