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Though it is somewhat of a risk, you believe it to be a worthwhile one. It is no small quantity of money he speaks of, and with Prince Carles bankrolling this campaign, you should not run into issues of payment as long as you do not take too long to arrive to Montechia. Of course, there are <span class="mu-i">other ways to pay your men</span>, should you truly run out of money; but it is not one you wish to rely on. Pillaging rights are often seen as an alternative to payment, but a horde of soldiers unleashed upon a city is a grim sight.
"Alright, Captain. I shall give you the funds, and hold you to your word. Speak to Provençal - he'll give you the coin."
Petro bows in gratitude. "You will not regret it, Don Alessandro."
And so, your army continues on its way, with a warchest now reduced to <span class="mu-s">19,620 Imperii</span> and a note of debt in your pocket. It will be a few months until you are able to cash it in, and even more if you <span class="mu-i">are unable to take Montechia in a timely manner</span>, given that landowner most certainly intended to sell it there. Still, it is yet another promise of wealth in your future...
<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-g">+ RESERVE MAINTAINED</span></span>
<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-g">+ RESERVE INCREASED</span></span>
Your regiment, continuing on it's way, soon finds itself faced with a river, the first of two you would have to cross - the Richa, the far smaller of the two. Though still dangerous for your men, your scouts are able to find <span class="mu-s">a small, but sturdy bridge</span> going over one of the 'thinner' part of the Richa. The wait does take a bit longer than you'd like - out of fear of weighing upon it too heavily, your forces marched upon it unit by unit, with your heavier wagons (as well as the cannon) going entirely alone.
As you return to marching, however, you do not expect the next one to be as easy - for Isedia, your next target, stood beside it. If they are of hostile allegiance, they will have most certainly raised defences upon the bridgeheads, or even destroyed it to deny you movement entirely. You would like to avoid such a scenario. You can only hope they are friendly.
When you finally arrive within sight of the town, it is with a bit of suspicion - your scouts had not reported the bridge to be defended, and indeed, it was not. What awaited you, instead, was some manner of force - a host, you can see it, waiting besides the river. If these men expected you, why did they not raise barricades and stakes on the bridge, or even sink it? You prepare to send your men forward to investigate, but soon see they have sent one of their own.
Standing at the head of your army, as you usually do, you see as the man stops a healthy distance from you amidst the pointed arms of your knights and bodyguards. As you he pulls out a gold-blue flag, however, you mind is at ease. It is the banner of House Spisa!
