Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 516 - 295: Oasis

In a place like the Holy Land, maintaining the smooth flow of a supply line is of utmost importance. The historical example of the Crusaders’ annihilation due to a lack of water during the Battle of Hattin constantly reminds Losa that in the Holy Land, logistical factors can never be ignored.

With the current ever-growing scale of the Crusader army, their marching speed is about twenty kilometers a day. This means that even if the path is unobstructed, it would take at least three days to reach the gateway of Egypt, Arishe, from Gaza.

But everyone knows that’s impossible.

Adil, unless he’s lost his mind, would never miss the chance to harass the Crusaders. Those Bedouin cavalry, familiar with the local environment, under the guidance of falcons in the sky, attack like hyenas assailing a lion, constantly tearing and depleting the energy of the Crusader lion.

Furthermore, Arishe has already been burned down. Even if they reach there, they cannot obtain any supplies and must travel a difficult route to threaten the city of Feilai Mai.

"By that time, who knows how much combat strength our army will have left."

Losa seemed deeply worried about this.

If choosing to advance from the sea, who knows how long it would take, and besides, the number of transport ships in the Crusader fleet is definitely not enough to carry all nearly thirty thousand Crusaders to Egypt in one go.

This would require landing in batches, with the risk of being defeated piecemeal by the enemy.

And if they want more transport ships—the Eastern Empire is certainly not an option. Their fleet was half destroyed by the usurper Isaac, and the remainder is all engaged in the war with the Sicily Kingdom.

So, Losa’s choice could only be those greedy trade city-states.

These money-hungry Apennines are bound to extort Losa ruthlessly, just like the Venetians did during the Fourth Crusade, demanding either exclusivity in coastal city trade or even governance of certain city districts.

Moreover, the kings of Europe, coveting the glory and wealth of reclaiming Egypt, will surely obstruct his negotiations with the Apennine merchants, so a sea route advance would be a last resort for Losa.

Time is not abundant, and the longer it drags on, the more variables arise.

He could almost be sure that Saladin is now making every effort to seek support from casters.

Like the priests of the Fire Worship, although most of them are only good at minor tricks, who knows if there’s a more powerful hermit among them. Should this Crusade fail at the last moment, Losa will find it hard to find such a good opportunity again in a short time, not to mention it will be a severe blow to his personal prestige.

"Lord, our recent expenses have been quite large."

Kurs held a thick account book: "Every day, pilgrims come empty-handed to join the Crusaders. Our logistical pressure is getting heavier, and now, the entire Crusader army relies on us alone to maintain."

Losa rubbed his temples: "There’s no choice. If we want to use the Crusader’s banner, we have to bear these burdens."

Besides, they’re not all burdens.

After all, they’re a group of volunteers who bring their own rations and don’t require military pay.

Because of their overwhelming numbers, the Hebron training camp couldn’t accommodate them all, so most still move with the army. This part’s combat ability is quite average, but they are fine for some laborious tasks.

If Losa were unscrupulous, they could directly be used as a cannon-fodder camp during sieges to deplete the enemy’s arrows, which would actually be a valuable use of resources.

Even if Losa couldn’t bring himself to do such things, leaving them to guard the cities he conquers could also be a good option.

Kurs suddenly said: "And, sir, I think you shouldn’t worry about the enemy’s falcons anymore. Do you remember the stone gargoyle Miss Furin summoned when dealing with the demon dragon?"

"Of course."

Losa exclaimed with delight: "You mean Furin can now freely cast this spell?"

"I think that’s the case."

Kurs smiled: "Recently, you’ve rarely seen Miss Furin because she’s been undergoing rigorous special training in private. Now her training seems to have borne fruit."

Losa exclaimed joyfully: "Good!"

"As long as we can eliminate the threat from above, any attacks or harassment upon us will carry a much heavier price!"

For a long time, in Losa’s battles with the Saracens, the enemy would almost always have the "Full Map View" cheat enabled, making it impossible for him to outwit them successfully. No matter how much effort he put in, at best, he could only create a direct confrontation.

Being able to destroy the enemy’s cheat system is truly a pleasant surprise for Losa.

...

Before her, a yellow haze spread.

Chelina wrapped the coat tighter around her, but the wind and sand, like an unstoppable force, found their way through the gaps in her clothes and shoes, despite her having secured her pant legs in advance...

Chelina frowned, showing only her amber eyes from under the hood.

She suddenly released her hand from her veil, and with no visible movement, the two sharp blades strapped to her back appeared in her hands.

She held her breath, watching the figures gradually taking shape within the sand and dust ahead.

"Is it Miss Chelina?"

A seductive female voice called out from afar.

Chelina relaxed and asked, "Yes, it’s me."

The newcomer quickly approached, walking against the wind and sand.

It was a voluptuous lady with skin smooth as milk and a hint of flattery on her face. Knowing the terrifying capabilities of the girl before her, she was aware that even as a vampire, if Chelina wished, she could slice her into mince within a second.

Chelina recognized her identity as Julia, the head of the Housekeeper Kurs’s Shadow of Darkness and a "native" vampire.

"Good day, Lady Julia."

"Eh, eh, no need, just call me Little Ju."

Julia appeared somewhat apprehensive. She was fully aware that under Losa, the frightening and revered Dark Tyrant, she was but a minor figure, whereas someone like Chelina was a true confidant.

Chelina helplessly twitched her lips: "You’re too polite, Lady Julia."

"Where’s the oasis?"

"Just ahead."

In the yellow sand, a dozen or so figures clad in light armor and wearing tan hoods gradually emerged. In this environment, they were quite unobtrusive, each carrying a longbow nearly as tall as a person.

This indicated they were from the Woodland Archer background, agile and swift, excelling in long-range sniping of enemies.

"This is the largest oasis nearby, and the lord Yasal dispatched a cavalry to burn it down."

"Where are the cavalry?"

"Buried under the small mound ahead. The horses they left behind have all gathered in the oasis now—there’s a temporary Bedouin camp left by nomads, which now belongs to us."