Duke Iltan asked with a serious expression after thinking for a moment.
Under the current circumstances, it seems that there is no other choice except to fight a decisive naval battle.
But the problem is that although Baldur's Gate is a port city, it has never established a professional navy.
Because a quick look at the map will show that the city's real location is actually along the Chongsa River, a short distance from the ocean.
So no matter who wants to attack Baldur's Gate from the sea, they must come in from the relatively narrow river mouth.
The reason why "Sword Bay" is called this name is that the coast of this sea area is basically composed of steep cliffs and bare peaks that are hundreds or even thousands of meters high, which look like sharp swords from a distance.
This means that as long as some catapults, crossbows, crossbows and the like are set up in a high place at the mouth of the river, the invading enemy fleet can be easily destroyed in the narrow river.
Since we have an impregnable defense, there is naturally no need to spend so much money to build a professional navy.
After all, the cost of building a sturdy warship and its daily maintenance are not comparable to those of a mere merchant ship.
What's more, the mere fact that a large number of trees were cut down in the surrounding area to build merchant ships had already caused strong dissatisfaction among the shadow druids in the Cloak Forest.
This is an extreme sect that values the forest more than human life. Many nobles and merchants who hunt animals near the forest have been hunted by them.
If even rarer and more precious ancient trees were cut down to build warships, the Shadow Druids would probably explode on the spot and directly summon a large number of animals to launch indiscriminate attacks.
Therefore, Baldur's Gate does not have the strong need and necessary conditions to build a strong navy like Amn.
If a large-scale naval battle really had to be fought, it would mean requisitioning at least twenty large merchant ships.
As for the soldiers, naturally the most elite Flame Fist mercenaries would be sent to take over.
Anyway, in Duke Iltan's opinion, there is no difference between naval battles and land battles. Both use bows, slingshots and ballistas for long-range attacks before getting close.
After the boarding, it is natural to see the equipment, discipline, training level, willpower and professional level of the soldiers on both sides.
In this regard, the Flame Fist Mercenaries are the best on the entire west coast of Faerun, and even Waterdeep cannot compare with them.
Duke Silver Shield took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down, then said in a very firm tone: "Let's start the war! At this point, the other side has made it clear that they are deliberately restricting and blocking Baldur's Gate's most important maritime trade. If we don't give it a try, our wealth and trade will only become less and less, and we will eventually lose our ability to resist."
"Are you sure? You should know that the cost of forcibly requisitioning merchant ships is not small. Given your current situation, once you provoke a collective backlash from the merchants, your resignation will almost certainly be inevitable. Even if I intervene, I may not be able to protect you." Duke Iltan issued a serious warning.
"Do you think I have any other choice?" Duke Silver Shield asked with a wry smile.
"That's true. Having come to this point, you and I have long since had no way out. Do you know? According to a masked wizard lord in Waterdeep, the actions of the pirates from the Nelanther Islands this time are most likely due to our previous declaration that the faith in Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, is illegal, and we also expelled her priests and voters."
Duke Iltan did not hide anything and told the messenger exactly what he had just heard.
Because he understood that, to a certain extent, he and the other party were grasshoppers tied to the same rope.
If something does happen, no one can expect to be safe.
After all, it was they who proposed together to completely expel the power of the Church of Talona from Baldur's Gate to prevent Amn from intimidating them in the same way again.
If citizens, merchants, and major chambers of commerce knew that the source of all crises was caused by this fact...
Even though Duke Iltan was the nominal supreme commander of the Flaming Fist Mercenaries and controlled more than 70% of the troops in Baldur's Gate, he could not guarantee that he could withstand the overwhelming anger of the people.
After all, no matter how obedient the Flame Fist Mercenaries are, they are still living people.
They also have families and friends, and need to go out to buy groceries on a daily basis, have a drink at the pub they frequent, and relax their body and mind from the intense training and tasks they perform on a daily basis.
Once these soldiers find that their superiors are no longer respected and instead become rats crossing the street and everyone wants to kill them, it is difficult to guarantee that they will remain as loyal as they are now.
There might be a few officers who are desperate and who, together with their soldiers, would declare "abandoning darkness and joining the light" and then launch a military coup d'état.
"What? You mean... the actions of the pirates of the Nelanther Islands are actually revenge against us by the Chosen One named Soth?" The Duke of Silver Shield opened his mouth in shock.
He couldn't believe it even in his dreams that the other party would actually launch a naval blockade and trade sanctions against the entire Baldur's Gate just because he was denied entry into the city once.
Duke Iltan nodded expressionlessly. "Although I don't quite understand how he did it, this is the only reason and motive that makes sense at the moment. Otherwise, why would they only charge triple protection fees to merchant ships sailing from and entering Baldur's Gate, since we have no grudges against those pirates in the past or present? This doesn't make sense from a logical or rational point of view."
"Damn it! According to you, we made a huge mistake when we expelled the church and priests of Talona?" The Duke of Silver Shield's face suddenly became extremely ugly.
"Don't ask me. I don't know whether that decision was right or wrong. But one thing is certain, that is, we have provoked a difficult and dangerous enemy."
As he spoke these words, Duke Iltan's tone was filled with intense uneasiness.
Because as the highest-ranking and most powerful warrior in Baldur's Gate, he knows better than anyone else how terrifying high-level spellcasters are, especially those who possess a large number of divine abilities.
What's more, Zuo Si is the chosen one of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease.
Even though this god is only a weak one, the threat and damage he can cause to cities and armies are far more terrifying than many powerful gods.
In addition, there is no decent spellcasting organization in Baldur's Gate, and the various temples and churches are indifferent to the dukes, so if something really happens, they can only hope for the best.
"Then can this naval battle still be fought?" The Duke of Silver Shield was obviously feeling guilty.
Just as many nobles who are used to the sense of superiority brought by power, when they suddenly encounter adventurers who do not take them seriously, they are often frightened out of their wits by the other party's fierce eyes and bad attitude, and suddenly realize that their so-called power is not worth mentioning in the face of real strength.
At this moment, he also found that the tactics, schemes and methods he had used before were now completely useless.
In the end, things will have to be resolved through war and force.
"Of course we have to fight! Only if we win, will you and I be qualified to sit down and negotiate and bargain. Otherwise, the other party won't even give us this opportunity." Duke Iltan said firmly.
Compared to the Duke of Silver Shield, as the highest military commander of Baldur's Gate, he is more aware of the importance of the army and force.
"Damn it! I hate this feeling of being cornered and having to fight to the death to survive. All right! Just as you said, we will fight those pirates from the Nelanther Islands first."
The Duke of Silver Shield gritted his teeth and slammed the table with his fist.
Seeing that his allies had finally made up their minds to fight to the bitter end, Duke Iltan smiled with satisfaction and gave a straightforward instruction: "Remember! Requisition a few more ships with wide hulls and decks. Only such ships can maximize the combat effectiveness of the Flame Fist Mercenaries. Once we successfully dock, our elite troops will be able to beat the shit out of those rabble."
Duke Silver Shield nodded without hesitation: "Don't worry! I'm risking everything this time! Even if I have to offend all the merchants and chambers of commerce engaged in maritime trade in Baldur's Gate, I will collect enough large ships for you."
After saying this, he left the Flame Fist Mercenary Headquarters Castle without looking back and headed straight for his own territory in the port area.
In less than two hours, the resolute Duke of Silver Shield gathered together all the ship owners of merchant ships with a certain carrying capacity in the city and announced in public that he would requisition the ships of all the people present to launch a naval battle.
Without a doubt!
Such actions that infringe upon the core interests of all businessmen will, as expected, immediately lead to overwhelming opposition and protests.
You know, ships are like lifeblood to these maritime merchants.
如果在激烈的海战中沉没或者被俘，那么就算事后得到博德之门官方的赔偿，也会因为从给造船厂下订单到完工的时间太长，从而导致大量的贸易份额被同行挤占。
要是换成平时，以银盾公爵比较软弱的性格说不定就会选择妥协。
可这一次，他已经没有任何退路了，所以完全无视商人和商会的激烈反对，直接选择强制征收。
大概不到一个小时的功夫，焰拳佣兵就接管了这些停靠在泊位跟河道边上的船只。
而那些暂时失去了船只所有权的船主们，则清一色带着仆人和护卫站在岸边破口大骂，几乎把银盾公爵和伊尔坦公爵祖宗八辈以及家里所有的女性亲属问候了个遍，压根没有半点平日里的礼仪跟风度。
可后者似乎也自知理亏，对于这种咒骂选择了视而不见。
但他们并不知道，自己前脚才准备给博德之门附近海域游弋的那些耐兰瑟尔群岛舰队一个突然袭击，后脚就有商人在愤怒之下选择了派人趁着夜色掩护，偷偷给海盗船长们通风报信。
因为只有这样，商人们才有可能在博德之门战败之后拿回自己被征用的船。
当然，要是被击沉那就自认倒霉吧。
大概半个小时左右，相应的情报就被摆在了瓦内萨的桌子上。
巫妖拿起来大概扫了两眼，顿时忍不住发出了一阵狂笑：“哈哈哈哈！那几个愚蠢的公爵终于按耐不住想要反击了。很好！非常好！立刻去给位于博德之门附近的舰队下达命令，让他们做好迎战准备。稍后我会亲自率领所有法师、术士直接传送过去。”
“如您所愿，主人。”
埃里克单手抚胸深深的鞠了一躬，脸上浮现出冷酷残忍的笑容。
尽管这场海战还没有开始，但他现在就已经提前知道了结果。
从始至终，博德之门一方就没有哪怕一丁点的胜算。
原因很简单！ 眼下在耐兰瑟尔群岛上，一共有超过三十多名能够施展三环魔法的法师和术士。
这也就意味着，当开战后他们全部都会飞在天上，居高临下对敌人移动缓慢的船只进行大范围轮番轰炸。
除非有同等的魔法力量反制，不然的话无论焰拳佣兵再怎么精锐，也不过是漂浮在海面上的活靶子而已。
送走了埃里克，瓦内萨立马起身施展高等传送术来到位于阿斯卡特拉的法师塔，并且向左思报告了这一令人兴奋的“好消息”。
后者听到马上一脸惊愕的问：“真的？伊尔坦和安塔·银盾这两个家伙是疯了吗？是什么给了他们勇气敢在海上跟我们一决胜负？就算不懂魔法，起码也应该知道在海上不管是什么船，只要挨上一发火球术分分钟就会完蛋吧。”
“嘿嘿！我想他们应该是被逼急了。尤其是前不久，银盾家族几艘满载贵重货物的船没有缴纳保护费，被我们逮了个正着，全部都被扣押下来。如果再没点反应，他也就没有资格和威望继续当博德之门负责海上贸易的公爵了。”瓦内萨幸灾乐祸的解释道。
“原来如此。既然是这样，那就彻底掐灭他们最后希望吧。”左思漫不经心的吩咐道。
“要趁机干掉伊尔坦吗？根据我目前得到的信息，他应该会跟随舰队一起出击。”瓦内萨略显兴奋的试探道。
因为他知道，伊尔坦公爵是一名真正跨过传奇门槛的战士。
如果能将其杀死并把尸体带回来，那么就能通过死灵系魔法制作出一个强大的死亡骑士。
没有任何一名死灵法师能抵挡这样的诱惑。
毕竟传奇战士在费伦可不多见，至少不像传奇法师的数量那么多。
原因很简单！ 法师可以通过各种方式延长寿命，甚至是让自己变成永生不死的巫妖。
可战士却没有这样的能力。
随着年龄一点一点的变大，他们的身体机能也会快速下降，最终变成一个连走路都需要拄拐杖的老人。
一些战士甚至为了保持身体的机能永不衰老，会选择在施法者的帮助下进入星界，并永远在那里定居，哪怕要整天忍受吉斯洋基人强盗的骚扰和围攻。
只有在没有任何时间流动的星界，他们才能不断开发和探索身体的奥秘、磨练自身战斗技巧，直至超越生理乃至物种的极限，达到超凡入圣的地步。
否则要是在时间正常流动的物质世界，很多战士还没等跨过传奇门槛，肉体恐怕就已经先开始衰老了。
左思本人非常擅长死灵系魔法，所以一眼就看穿了巫妖的想法，笑着摇了摇头：“不，不行。伊尔坦现在还不能死，至少不能死在我们的手上。
否则不管是深水城、无冬城，还是北地领主联盟的其他城邦，都会对耐兰瑟尔群岛的新势力产生警惕。
杀死某个政治势力的领导人是一件很犯忌讳的事情，我们不能开这个头。
更何况留着他，日后还有别的用处。”
“那按照您的意思……”
“先俘虏他，然后让博德之门和他背后的家族掏钱赎人。
另外，通过签署协议确保博德之门以后不能建造或拥有哪怕一艘战舰。
并且还要从财政税收中拿出十分之一，作为耐兰瑟尔群岛保护博德之门海上安全的佣金。
并且允许我们的舰队在博德之门驻扎、停靠、补给，同时把入海口附近那几座战略位置非常重要的岛屿割让出来修筑要塞。
总之，这场海战结束后，要让所有人都清醒地认识到耐兰瑟尔群岛的新势力，已经是从剑湾南部到宝剑海名副其实的霸主。
不管是谁，只要胆敢挑衅就必将遭到最严厉的打击。”
左思把自己想到针对博德之门的手段一股脑全部说了出来。
没有海军就意味着要受制于人，没办法保护自己的海上贸易通道，久而久之便只能依附于耐兰瑟尔群岛舰队的庇护下度日。
尤其是从事海洋贸易的商人，将会不可避免全面倒向耐兰瑟尔群岛，从而形成博德之门商人团体的撕裂。
未来这座城市将会形成两大商人集团跟政治势力。
一个就是彻底投靠耐兰瑟尔群岛的海商，另外一个则是本地的陆商。
双方会因为利益不同而一直不停的相互扯后腿。
这样一来，博德之门这个剑湾最有潜力的港口城市，就永远也无法对耐兰瑟尔群岛构成威胁。
瓦内萨无疑是个聪明人，对于海权有着独到且深刻的理解，一下子就明白了左思想要表达的意思，立刻笑着回应道：“请您放心，我会把博德之门慢慢变成一个在组织控制下的贸易节点。”
左思满意的点了点头：“你看着办就好。另外，尽量控制一下战斗的伤亡情况，不要让焰拳佣兵死伤太过惨重。毕竟这支费伦大陆西海岸最精锐的军队之一，以后可能会需要用得上他们。”
“知道。我会让学徒和那些接受组织雇佣的法师、术士们下手轻一点，尽量少用杀伤性法术，改成定身、控制和魅惑。最好是通过威慑迫使对方主动投降。”
说完这番话，瓦内萨迅速通过高塔内才建好不久的传送门之间重新返回耐兰瑟尔群岛，一边把本地的法师术士召集起来，一边向组织里其他成员发出邀请。
大概两三个小时之后，包括杰弗里在内的另外四名巫妖响应了邀请，带着自己手下的学徒和私人武装加入了这场“狂欢”。
由于是奥法秘术会成立以来的第一次集体行动，所以巫妖们都觉得很新鲜。
一名才完成转化不久的新成员，更是用半开玩笑的语气问：“对付区区博德之门一支临时拼凑起来的舰队，真的有必要高这么大阵仗吗？我们在座的任何一个，只要带上一根火球魔杖，应该就能轻而易举的将其歼灭吧？”
“不，你不懂，这不是阵仗的问题。
而是要向整个费伦大陆西海岸所有的港口城市展示力量。
让他们明白与我们为敌意味着怎样严重的后果，并且屈从于我们制定的海上规则。
当然，最重要的还是为组织的首领——索斯阁下，狠狠报复博德之门那些愚蠢狂妄的公爵。”
杰弗里意味深长的回应道。
“要公开身份？”
新生的巫妖下意识摸了摸自己下巴上的胡子。
由于身体才刚刚死去不久，而且还加持了大量死灵系魔法防腐，因此他飘逸的长胡子保存的相当完好。
瓦内萨立马摇了摇头：“当然不是。我们组织的宗旨是保持低调。
所以一切只能以耐兰瑟尔群岛的名义进行。
也就是说，埃里克才是名义上的最高领袖，我们只不过是他雇佣来的法师。
In addition, I have prepared masks for you to block magic detection and cover your face. You will all wear them when you take action later."
After that, Vanessa distributed the magic masks that she had made in advance to the core members one by one.
Not only them, but even the lich's apprentices had a part.
Since the secret mark that the "Mad Wizard" bestowed on the Green-footed Dragon Snake was cracked, and a lot of research on first and second ring magic was done based on this, the production cost of such low-level magic items has become shockingly low.
Although there is no way to match Zuo Si's creator ability, it is still no problem to compress it to two or three hundred gold coins.
“Nice little gadget.”
The lich took it in his hand, looked at it, and quickly put it on his face, then covered it with the hood.
After everyone put on their masks, Vanessa activated the portal she had built and began to let the apprentices who had been waiting outside for a long time pass through, while she and other core members followed behind.
After a while, dozens of mages and warlocks were transferred directly from the Nalanther Islands to the warships floating on the sea.
Also transferred with them was Eric, the nominal fleet commander.
The latter took over the flagship in less than five minutes and began to give orders in an orderly manner, arranging more than forty modified warships gathered here into an intercepting formation.
About two hours and forty minutes later, when it began to darken, the lookout suddenly reported that a fleet of merchant ships from Baldur's Gate was observed at the mouth of the Chongsa River, heading towards them.
"Are we going to block them directly at the river mouth?" Eric asked in an uncertain tone.
Vanessa shook her head slightly. "There's no need for that. Just let them out. Otherwise, if the sunken ship blocks the river, it will affect our subsequent plans."
"Understood."
Eric instantly realized what his loyal master was planning and quickly issued orders to the entire fleet through the flagship.
In this way, the ships led by Duke Iltan and Duke Silver Shield safely left the Chongsa River and entered the wide bay.
Since they are all large merchant ships, their "bellies" appear to be round and they are all oval in shape designed to carry more cargo.
Even with the sails fully hoisted, the speed remains neither fast nor slow.
A large number of elite Flame Fist mercenaries were already wearing armor and standing on the deck, arranged in a tight square formation like on land, intending to deal a devastating blow to the enemy the moment they came into contact with the enemy.
Although they were not professional naval forces, they were very familiar with ships and there was no widespread seasickness or other symptoms.
Because both fleets discovered each other's relationship, they immediately began to circle around four or five islands near the estuary and looked for opportunities to launch an attack.
Soon, Eric used his rich experience in naval warfare to deliberately reveal a flaw to the enemy.
He left three ships full of undead behind, deliberately creating a situation where the ships were out of sync due to improper command.
Although Duke Iltan had extensive experience in land warfare, he was basically a novice in naval warfare. He chose without hesitation to let the fleet he led advance, wanting to eliminate the enemies on the ships first and weaken the opponent's advantage in numbers.
As it was already dark and visibility was extremely low, he did not notice that the swaying black shadows on the enemy ship were actually a group of skeletons and zombies with the smell of decay and death all over their bodies.
On the other side, the Duke of Silver Shield, who was in charge of coordination and support, obviously realized that something was wrong, but he had no way to remind his allies, so he could only follow suit and outflank from the left.
In fact, the reason why Baldur's Gate chose to attack in the evening was that they wanted to take advantage of their better understanding of this area of water in the dark.
Especially the reefs near several islands.
If a ship hits it, it will instantly create a big hole in the bottom of the cabin and then slowly sink.
After all, when caught in a melee, not many people would notice what is hidden under the water.
At that time, we only need to sacrifice one or two ships as bait to lure the enemy fleet into waters full of reefs and win the naval battle.
I have to say that the idea is good, but the reality is cruel.
Before Duke Silver Shield could successfully lure the enemy to the reef, Duke Iltan fell into the enemy's bait.
The first two ships that approached were immediately besieged by hordes of undead as soon as they touched the ship's side.
Although relying on strict discipline, the Flame Fist mercenaries maintained their formation at the beginning.
But when the ogres and minotaur zombies launched the charge, the spearmen who were in charge of the front row holding large shields finally collapsed.
Because they were on the boat, they had no space to adjust their formation or maneuver.
In addition, zombies are creatures that are not afraid of pain at all, and do not care how many holes are poked in their bodies. They simply rely on their own powerful brute force to rush forward, disrupting the formation wherever they pass.
The zombies and skeletons behind followed closely behind, and under the command of the undead lieutenant, they waved their spears that could shoot lightning, and electrocuted a group of people to death at the first sight.
More than half of the more than sixty Flame Fist mercenaries on the ship were killed or wounded in less than a few seconds. The remaining soldiers lost their morale and jumped off the ship.
Some people didn't even have time to take off their armor weighing more than ten kilograms. As a result, they sank to the bottom of the sea as soon as they entered the water and were drowned.
"Damn it! What's going on with these undead creatures?"
As the distance got closer, Duke Iltan finally saw the densely packed undead creatures on the warring ships, and his face suddenly became extremely ugly.
Anyone who is not a fool can realize that this is definitely a bait and trap.
Just when a Flame Fist officer nearby was about to say something, he suddenly saw countless red light balls appear above his head.
The next second...
Boom!!! A fireball flew down from a height of more than 100 meters and exploded in the middle of the mast.
The dazzling and brilliant fire almost devoured the canvas in an instant, and turned the entire wooden mast into an enormous torch burning.
The soldiers on the deck were in even greater panic.
Some people carried buckets of water to try to fetch sea water to put out the fire, while others used axes to try to chop off the burning mast and throw it into the sea to prevent the fire from spreading to other places.
Unfortunately, just as they started to get busy, a large oil stain instantly covered the deck.
Several soldiers who were standing by the side of the ship pulling buckets of water slipped and almost fell off.
fortunately!
Then the sticky spider web fixed it in place and made it unable to move.
"Mage! It's a mage! There are so many mages above us!"
At this moment, many people who were lying on the ground with their faces up could see clearly what the red light ball was all about. It was a group of arcane spellcasters who were casting fireballs with their hands.
As long as they want, they can drop powerful fireballs at any time and send the Baldur's Gate fleet into the seabed.
fear!
despair!
For a moment, even the most determined soldiers realized that this naval battle no longer needed to be fought after seeing this scene.
Because in front of so many arcane spellcasters, what's the point of having more ships and soldiers? Can they fly? "Impossible! Where did those damn pirates find so many wizards and warlocks?"
Duke Iltan suddenly stood up from his seat and roared like a madman.
He might be able to accept failure after a bloody battle, but he absolutely could not accept a situation like this where he was crushed by his opponent right at the beginning.
After all, when fighting with Amn, the masked wizard only sent a dozen people as support.
But now the number of spellcasters standing in the air has exceeded fifty.
Those bright fireballs that are ready to be launched at any time are like the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, serving as both a deterrent and a warning.
Duke Iltan understood that the other party did not kill him because they were waiting for him to surrender.
Otherwise, if there is even the slightest disturbance, all the elite Flame Fist mercenaries brought out today will be wiped out.
As for the two mages he had hired as his trump cards, they were now trembling with fear at the scene and did not dare to make any move.
If he hadn't mastered the fifth ring [Teleportation], he would have run away immediately.
In fact, the several ships led by the Duke of Silver Shield on the other side had already tactfully lowered their sails, dropped anchor, and then hoisted white flags on the top of their masts, indicating that they had stopped all resistance.
With his lead, the other ships in the Baldur's Gate fleet quickly followed suit.
No matter how disciplined and obedient the Flame Fist Mercenaries are, they are still mercenaries who do things for money.
So when they realized that resistance would only bring disaster to themselves, they all chose to lay down their weapons and surrender.
Seeing one ship after another lowering its sails, dropping anchor, and hoisting the humiliating white flag, Duke Iltan clenched his fists tightly and squeezed out three words through his teeth: "Surrender..."
moment!
The officer, who was nervous the previous second, breathed a sigh of relief the next second. Without saying a word, he ordered a soldier to take off the white shirt under his armor, tie it to a wooden stick and swing it hard.
As Duke Iltan's flagship also announced its surrender, this farcical naval battle finally came to an end.
Except for the unlucky guys on the two ships that first came into contact with the Undead warship, the rest were basically unharmed.
Especially Duke Iltan, a powerful legendary warrior, did not even have a chance to fight, and his status fell from the supreme commander to a prisoner.
Even if he was strong enough, he could kill all the pirates on a ship by himself.
But unfortunately, considering that his allies and other Flame Fist mercenaries were captured and imprisoned on other ships, the man didn't dare to act rashly.
After about half an hour, he was taken to a fully enclosed cabin.
Brought along with him was fellow captive Antar Silvershield.
The two didn't say anything, just looked at each other, and then sighed at the same time.
As the most powerful people in Baldur's Gate, they knew very well that they had been tricked from the very beginning.
These are not the pirates from the Nelansel Islands mentioned in the intelligence, but another unknown powerful force.
Because it is impossible for the pirates in the Nelanther Islands to hire so many wizards to work for them, and they do not have the connections or financial resources.
Unfortunately, it's too late now.
Just when they were about to say something, the tightly closed door behind them was suddenly pushed open.
Vanessa walked in from outside.
Because of the magic mask and hood, neither Iltan nor Silver Shield could recognize who the person in front of them was.
The lich looked at the other person with interest. After a full minute, he sneered with contempt: "Sometimes I really want to pry open your brains and see if they are filled with feces or something like that. Otherwise, why do you keep doing extremely stupid and arrogant things again and again?"
"Who are you? Why are you targeting Baldur's Gate? What benefits did the Chosen of Talona give you?"
Irtan, who was a little angry, gritted his teeth and asked.
"Humph! You idiot, you still haven't figured out why all this happened, right?
And I must correct you a little bit, Lord Soth has never targeted Baldur's Gate, he has only targeted you arrogant, conceited and stupid dukes.
Besides, we were not hired as you might think.
In fact, whether it is the pirates of the Nalanther Islands or the spellcasters including me, they all obey the orders of Lord Soth.
He has been our unquestionable leader from the beginning.
So you can understand that everything we did was to avenge your humiliation of Lord Soth."
Vanessa did not hide anything and revealed the answer directly.
Because he can't wait to enjoy the other person's reaction, as well as a series of negative emotions such as shock, anger, regret, etc.
The fact was just as the lich had expected. When Anta Silver Shield and Irtan learned the truth, they were so shocked that they were speechless.
They simply could not imagine how Zuo Si had managed to recruit so many wizards in such a short period of time and integrate the extremely chaotic pirates of the Nalanther Islands into a maritime force under his control.
What was even more unbelievable to the two was that such a big action was just to avenge the humiliation they suffered at the city gate?
So crazy!
It was so crazy that Anta Silver Shield and Iltan felt like they were in a nightmare and wanted to wake up quickly.
After several minutes, the latter, who was relatively steadfast in mind, came to his senses first. He raised his head and asked tentatively: "What is your ultimate goal? To occupy Baldur's Gate? Or to plunder it?"
Vanessa smiled and replied, “No, neither.
Next I will show the people of Baldur's Gate what kind of people their elected Dukes are.
Don't be impatient. After we capture the military camps and fortresses on both sides of the river, I will send the fleet into the river and make you look ridiculous in front of the people you rule.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that.
Don't expect to write down the conversation just now and then tell Waterdeep or the Northern Lords' Alliance.
Someone will soon come to clean and weave the memories in your brains."
As soon as the words fell!
A powerful psychic power suddenly came out from behind the lich, directly controlling Anta Silver Shield and Iltan, and reweaving the memories in their minds at an extremely fast speed, even adding some things.
Seeing the dullness in the two people's eyes, Vanessa immediately smiled and turned to Wilmes who remained in human form and said, "Thank you for your help, ma'am."
"You're welcome. It wasn't me who did it anyway."
Wilmes shrugged nonchalantly.
As the strange creature ate more and more brains, she could feel that this guy's psychic powers were becoming more and more terrifying.
Especially controlling the legendary warrior Iltan who possesses powerful magic and mental resistance in an instant is something that even a real mind flayer cannot do easily.
Of course, this may also be related to the fact that after Zuo Si decided to raise goblins, the strange creatures had sufficient food sources.
It eats the brains of at least ten goblins every day and then throws the bodies into the deep pit to feed the burrowing worms.
Vanessa obviously knew about the red dragon in front of her and the strange thing that coexisted in her brain.
However, the latter does not seem to like communicating with third parties other than the master and host.
So he could only communicate with Wilmes, so that the strange object could use psychic power to modify the memories of Anta Silver Shield and Iltan.
Soon, under the joint attack of several other liches, the fortress and military camp of Baldur's Gate built on the high ground at the mouth of the Chongsa River were completely razed to the ground in less than ten minutes.
After all the ballistae, slingshots and crossbows were burned, Eric ordered the fleet to lower the sails to half and slowly sail along the river towards the city's port.
When the fleet appeared within the sight of nearby residents, the entire Baldur's Gate instantly fell into unprecedented panic and chaos.
A large number of residents living in the port area did not dare to stay for even a second and immediately rushed out of their homes and ran towards the Flame Fist headquarters castle, trying to get these reliable soldiers to protect themselves.
But unfortunately, when they got closer, they found that most of the Flame Fist mercenaries had been taken away by Duke Iltan, leaving less than a hundred people behind.
Similarly, upon learning that their side had been defeated and nearly 80% of the Flame Fist mercenaries had been captured, the other two dukes immediately issued emergency orders to recruit young and middle-aged men in the city and distribute weapons, preparing for continued resistance in the city.
But it wasn't long before the citizens discovered that these guys from the Nelanther Islands had no intention of going ashore.
Even the warehouses in the port area were not looted.
They simply threw the captured Duke of Silver Shield and Duke of Iltan onto the shore and made them speak out in public about the unknown political secrets of these years and how they embezzled the city's financial revenue through various means and turned it into their family's wealth.
In short, in a place like Baldur's Gate ruled by merchants, no one who can climb to a high position has a clean bottom.
In addition, the final act of forcibly requisitioning merchant ships angered the merchant community, so it soon caused an uproar.
Tonight, Baldur's Gate is destined to usher in a sleepless night...
(End of this chapter)