" So you want to attack Sussex during dry season but what about Essex? If you waste time in Sussex, Essex will be flooded again and you won't be able to penetrate their barrier?"
Caiman asked with a calm face, bringing up the fact that Essex was more difficult than Sussex. Their naval strength and defensive terrain made it almost impossible to conquer with their economy that was supported by traders.
Certainly accessing such a place during the flood would be suicidal as he didn't want to send his men to death.
" True. Essex is indeed difficult to conquer but that doesn't mean it is impossible. Do you why your people fear us?"
Caiman's face changed slightly when he mentioned Vikings who were known to be brutal pillagers. Their warrior was able to 1 vs 10 knights and they had 200 people which meant it was almost 1000 men army.
" You must have ships. Even so, Essex is placed in the highland. Their castle can shoot at your boats and sink them with fire."
In the naval battles Vikings might come out top but attacking high-ground castle was difficult without them somehow screwing things up. Surely, Essex which was known for their naval soldiers, would have one of the best-trained soldiers.
" That is correct most of the time but the thing is that the castle is surrounded by water. Their land can be skirmished as long as we cross it.
Do you think a less garrisoned castle can win against us who has the experience of fighting siege wars?"
Magnus wasn't joking when he told about his experience. Castle might sound daunting to normal people but in the end, there were many ways to conquer them.
Essex wasn't fully covered by water, the castle was on the hill which meant it was more likely to be in marsh and highland terrain.
Such terrain might have a defensive advantage due to a lack of cover for attackers but they were vulnerable in many forms such as supplies.
Essex castles weren't near the ocean or rivers, making them require supplies from outside. Hence, the most ideal way was to cross the river and cut off their food and water.
This would bring their knees down to the ground and they would conquer this mighty territory without going full-on naval battle.
" I see. You have a point. Although it might be barbaric, we don't need to spend resources except building boats to battle their river guards."
Caiman tapped on his table, pondering for a moment to think what he should do next. The vision he dreamed aligned with them if he surrendered peacefully and he could have benefited from this.
His territory will flourish and so his people were too.
" I will provide you my remaining soldiers and help you to take over neighboring territories."
Uther smiled at his words, extending his hand to shake it. Caiman was oblivious to this custom but his hand instinctively reached for his.
" I know you were a good lord and leader. I won't disappoint you."
Uther promised to take care of his people, starting his second campaign that brought fire to the south.
Meanwhile in Scotland
" The southern land is too quiet these days. After the last rebellion of Wales, the king has been eyeing them too close."
Duke of Scotland ripped out meat from the bones, drinking ale to quench his thirst. His eyes were filled with firm belief for his people and he was eyeing for an opportunity to get rid of them.
" Wales is weakened by the royal family. Their might is diminished a lot. Hence, southern nobles are using our northern people to satisfy their needs by selling expensive products to us."
Scotland had the best livestock in the entire country and they had rich resources that southern nobles needed. Hence, to leverage their needs for something like metal, and weapons, they would sell them expensive.
" It is thanks to the royal family. If they didn't ban us from making weapons, we would have cut off their heads."
The North had more physical power and they were tenacious people. Thus, if they fought in the war, not many could rival them.
" Let's wait. The longer we brew, the better it will taste."
The Duke whispered coldly, swirling his cup to tear down his sworn enemies.