Chapter 745, Where Is the Second Prince
The transport convoy—when questioning the corpses, that Commander had indeed mentioned it.
But Serted Fortress has already fallen. How has this convoy not gotten the news?
Still delivering supplies?
Wu Heng glanced upward. The ghost beside him, in stealth, flew out immediately.
His eyes returned to Jeffrey. "How many people? Where were they spotted?"
Jeffrey answered, "About 40 people, five wagons, two kilometers outside the southern city. A ranger brought the report. They should be near the fortress by now."
Five wagons?
For a place as important as Serted Fortress, even in peacetime, wouldn't they deliver more than that?
Is this the first batch, or is there another purpose?
Wu Heng asked, "They didn't get word the fortress was breached?"
Jeffrey continued, "They might not have. When the fortress was breached yesterday, the other three gates hadn't even been opened before the battle began. It's possible the news didn't get out."
"The gates weren't opened?"
"No. Unlike Rentam City, Serted Fortress requires orders from both the Commander and the captains to open the gates. When the skeletons stormed in, it was already too late to open them," Jeffrey explained.
The high-ranking officials inside were wiped out by Glenda. No one had the chance to issue such orders.
In retrospect, the fortress was like a cage, trapping everyone inside.
By the time they realized the walls were breached and skeletons were upon them, it was too late to open the gates.
"So, the convoy didn't receive the news and is still delivering supplies," Wu Heng said.
"Yes!" Jeffrey continued, "Sir, give me a skeleton squad. I'll take them out, kill those people, and bring the goods back."
"No rush, wait a bit," Wu Heng motioned for him to sit.
Jeffrey looked puzzled but sat down, his eyes still showing urgency.
A little longer, and the convoy would reach the fortress.
Wu Heng continued to wait.
Soon, Glenda, who had gone scouting, flew back and re-entered her body.
Immediately, an image was shared.
On the southern road to the fortress, a squad in Ekow Kingdom uniforms was escorting five wagons.
"Eias, the fortress is really gone. Won't we be walking into death?"
"Those were deserters. Of course they'd claim the fortress is gone. Otherwise, they'd be the first ones beheaded."
At the front of the convoy, two horsemen whispered.
Glenda got closer to listen.
"Why is it suddenly so cold?"
"You've been screwing too many women lately. There are so many refugee girls—you grab one every day. No wonder you're cold."
"Damn, that's not what I meant," the man cursed. "If the fortress is really gone, what do we do?"
The other glanced back. "What do you think this convoy is for? If it's dangerous, we ride back and report."
"The captain sent us to scout ahead?"
"What do you think?"
Hearing that, Glenda stopped listening and flew higher, scanning the road ahead.
In the distance beyond the convoy, faint light columns of level markers moved slowly.
At that point, the vision ended.
Two convoys—this first one is fake, a decoy. If attacked or if they confirm the fortress fell, they'll rush back.
Then the real convoy behind would retreat after receiving the message.
And Jeffrey's statement about no one escaping the fortress wasn't fully accurate.
Some people did escape by other means.
In this world, with Professionals, climbing city walls using ropes wasn't impossible.
Those who escaped met the convoy along the way and relayed the message.
But the convoy didn't fully believe it and came to check.
Wu Heng looked at Jeffrey and said, "Pick a few people, dress them in Ekow Kingdom uniforms, and come with me. Don't say anything unnecessary."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Jeffrey looked confused. Then his eyes widened, stepping back in shock.
The man before him was changing form.
From a rough-skinned, brown-haired man, he transformed into the mustached old commander—previously killed and carried away.
"You, you..." Jeffrey became wary.
Wu Heng said, "It's an illusion. Don't panic. The first convoy is fake. If they're attacked, the second turns and flees."
"Really? How do you know?"
Jeffrey looked even more confused.
He was the one who brought the news. How did Wu Heng know about the two convoys?
"Get ready. Meet at the south gate in ten minutes. If you're late, I'll report to City Lord Wen Mansa and remove you from command."
"No, no, I'm on it!" Jeffrey turned and left.
...…
South Gate.
A transport convoy of 40+ people and five wagons appeared on the road.
After traveling some distance, they halted, observing the fortress walls from afar.
Ekow Kingdom banners. Human guards at the gate.
Everything looks normal!
No signs of a breach.
The cavalry signaled, and some guards escorted the wagons to the wall.
Before anyone shouted, the gate opened.
Wu Heng, disguised as the Commander, walked out with a few men in Ekow Kingdom uniforms.
Wu Heng scanned the convoy coldly.
"Commander, sir!"
Seeing him, the horsemen immediately dismounted and saluted.
The other soldiers followed suit.
"Only five wagons?" Wu Heng asked sternly.
"Sir, someone spread a rumor the fortress had fallen. Our captain told us to come ahead. The rest of the supplies are behind," the cavalryman replied.
"Tell the second convoy to speed up. Anyone spreading rumors gets beheaded," Wu Heng ordered.
"Yes, Commander. I'll report back and urge them to hurry," the cavalryman said.
"Go."
He saluted again, mounted up, and rode off.
The rest moved the wagons into the city. The gate shut behind them.
Skeletons swarmed from all sides and slaughtered the convoy.
In Wu Heng's ear, Glenda's voice returned. "The messenger noticed nothing. The second convoy is coming."
...…
Soon after—
The second transport convoy arrived.
Wu Heng stood atop the wall. The convoy bowed slightly to him below.
The gate opened. Wu Heng waved them in.
The convoy entered immediately.
As the last wagon passed through, the gate closed behind.
Wu Heng ordered, "Kill them all."
Instantly, gunfire rang out. Bullets tore through the stunned convoy.
Ekow Kingdom soldiers dropped to the ground. The stench of blood filled the air.
Jeffrey said, "Sir, they're all dead."
"Take the supplies to the warehouse. Check the walls for any possible escape routes," Wu Heng instructed.
"Yes, sir." Jeffrey led the men to haul the wagons and goods away.
Wu Heng had skeletons carry off the convoy captain's body. The other corpses were turned into undead skeletons by skeleton mages and stood up again.
...…
Commander's Residence.
Wu Heng retrieved the body.
[Speak with Dead] was cast. The corpse sat up suddenly, cloudy eyes looking toward him.
Wu Heng asked, "If your convoy doesn't return, what will happen?"
The corpse replied, "They'll likely send someone to investigate."
Wu Heng asked again, "How much military strength do you have left?"
"Not sure."
"Any plans to deal with Rentam City's skeleton army?"
"Not sure."
Wu Heng thought for a moment, then asked, "Where is the Second Prince?"
Others might not know, but as the one in charge of supply lines in nearby cities, maybe he'd know something.
"Not sure."
Damn, he thought too much.
One last question—nothing urgent came to mind.
He casually asked, "Where do you think the Second Prince might be?"
The corpse answered, "Nilari City."