HLnovel Chapter 554 Arrangement
Chapter 554 Arrangement
Chapter 554 Arrangement
"Sir, what are your plans?"
The Hunting Dog was anchored in a lake on the island. During a break from the sailors' work, David came to Dick's side and asked him something.
The lake is surrounded by dense trees, and aquatic plants emerge from the water. The huge mangroves turn their numerous branches into obstacles to the lake's navigation channels.
This place is inconvenient for navigation—Dick thought—but it is advantageous for protecting ships.
"The first priority is to ensure the safety of the longship," Dick replied. "Although we have reached the island, the more important thing is that we still have to get back."
"I will send people to cut down some mangrove branches to decorate the surface of the ship, so that it will be difficult to spot from a distance," David replied.
Disguise is indeed a good approach, but it's not without its risks. Dick continued, "Send two people to the estuary. If any boats attempt to enter the waterway, report back to the city immediately. Also, one person needs to travel in a small boat along the upper reaches of the river to investigate the water conditions within the island and determine if there is another waterway leading to it."
During his time as a servant to the loyal dog, Dick learned a lesson: intelligence value sometimes surpasses combat power.
In the previous naval battle to hunt down the naval leader, while training the fleet, the loyal dog did only one thing: to collect intelligence extensively.
At this moment, Dick would naturally not overlook the value of intelligence.
"I will send someone immediately," David said, bowing.
"Also," Dick paused, "we need to send people to the island to collect supplies. We might not have enough fresh water and food to get back to the city, and we'll need a lot of planks to maintain the ships."
"Yes, I've got it," David nodded.
"Also, we must send people to be constantly vigilant about the surrounding area, as the enemy may come looking for us at any time."
Although Dick's ship had been chased all the way, Dick did not believe that the fleet was coming for them.
What's the point of chasing a single warship?
Moreover, ships were already anchored at the shore before Dick arrived at Feather Island.
It's highly likely that those people also came in search of this legendary island.
Given this, it was impossible for them not to go to the island to explore.
With so many people, finding this lake was practically inevitable.
Only by grasping the situation as soon as possible can we take preventative measures.
No matter what, this ship must be held.
However, David frowned slightly at Dick's order: "Sir, I believe your judgments and decisions so far have been absolutely correct. But my only concern is that these arrangements will require a large number of people, and you probably won't be able to take too many people with you to search the island."
Dick understood perfectly: "Besides Peggy and me, I only plan to bring three people."
David's eyes widened immediately: "How can this be! Sir, you know there may be a large number of enemies on the island. We simply don't have enough manpower. It's too risky! Besides, this is an unknown island. We have no idea whether it is dangerous in itself."
Dick said, "It's precisely because the enemy has too many men that I have to reduce my forces. David, did you graduate from the Knights' Academy?"
"No—" David shook his head. "I was just an ordinary soldier. Fortunately, I was appreciated by Lord Hubert and was promoted to my current rank."
"Yes," Dick nodded. "I learned a lot of tactics at the Knight School. The basic logic of battle is not to fight a battle you are not sure you can win. Generally speaking, you can only start a battle when you have the advantage in all aspects, such as manpower, morale, terrain, and resources."
"That's just wishful thinking," David said. "In reality, there's no such ideal situation. Besides, it's not uncommon for the weak to defeat the strong."
"Perhaps you're right, but that's just basic theory. I've also learned how to deal with situations where I'm at a disadvantage in all aspects."
As Dick spoke, he saw several sailors swimming in the lake, intending to clear away some of the nearby vegetation.
"We are currently at a disadvantage. The enemy outnumbers us several times, even dozens of times. No matter how many men I send, we won't be a match for them. In this situation, avoiding battle is often more important. A larger number of people will inevitably increase the risk of exposure and discovery. Although it may seem counterintuitive, reducing the number of personnel on the mission is the top priority at present."
David seemed to understand: "Then please take me with you, sir. I still have some strength left."
"You certainly deserve the appreciation of a loyal dog, but David, precisely because you are excellent enough, I must keep you on this ship. You know it better than I do, and you should also know that this ship cannot be lost, and someone must be here to oversee it, and that person can only be you."
Upon hearing this, David was speechless for a moment before finally saying, "It seems I have no chance of refusing."
Dick patted him on the shoulder: "Brother, we have to rely on you."
David sighed. "How about this: two people monitor the estuary, three people travel upstream in a small boat. Ten people collect supplies, and six people keep watch on the surrounding area. Of course, we also need to leave enough backup and shift changers—well, that'll make the manpower quite full."
"Very good," Dick nodded, "then this ship is yours."
"You should also be careful of the master. I will find you three obedient and reliable soldiers," David said, "but—"
Seeing David hesitate, Dick said, "Just say it, don't hold back."
"My lord, exploring this island is not only dangerous, but also very arduous. Miss Peggy is just a young lady, delicate and pampered, and besides, her health is not very good."
Dick understood this to be true, of course, but said, "If you can persuade her to stay, then give it a try."
David immediately scratched his head: "You know, even loyal dogs can't handle her. You know, every time the adults go on a long trip, they make a point of taking some time to pick out a gift for Peggy. She's been pampered since she was little, and that's why she's so hard to discipline—"
"Why don't you just tie her up?" Dick asked.
"I don't have the guts," David waved his hands repeatedly. "Why don't you give it a try?"
Dick had wanted to do this for a long time—but she would absolutely hate him.
Let him hate her if he wants, but he has already promised her that he would take her with him.
A true knight must keep his promise.
Besides, he was indeed worried about letting these people protect Peggy.
It's not that I look down on them, but these people are indeed not very strong in combat.
Although Dick has just recovered from his serious injuries, his strength is definitely above these people.
"In that case, let's do it this way. I'll take care of Peggy," Dick thought. "David, you'll take care of the ship."
""
Turning around, he saw Peggy coming out of the captain's cabin, holding Dick's sword in her arms.
Hmph, she actually quite enjoys playing the role of a servant.
"In that case—" Dick walked over: "What follows will be a campaign."
Peggy immediately smiled: "At your service, Master."