Chapter 53: The Fire on the River (I)
On a normal morning, the turbulent Shuangta River was rippling, and the early morning mist slowly drifted through, enveloping the land on both sides of the river, and the silky dawn shot the first rays of light from the eastern sky, awakening the sleeping earth and the vitality of all things.
Clad in scarlet, Mehemus stood on the banks of the Twin Towers on his horse, flanked only by Sir Ludwig and a few of his guardsβand the knights of Elmo, who offered to follow.
The morning light had not yet shone the whole land, and the fog loomed. But Mesimus's face was already full of solemn expressions, and the atmosphere was solemn to the extreme, as if he was just saying something very ordinary, Mehimus trembled his lips a few times: "They're coming." β
The dull footsteps sounded slowly, and a gray-brown shadow through the haze gradually became clear, and the dark shadow could only be vaguely heard.
This is a small and not small, migrating orc tribe, moving north with its own herd of cattle and all the clansmen, and even a large number of human slaves, the huge team is slightly different from the usual long snake formation, very neat but at the same time the formation is not narrow, as if it is a moving cylindrical shape.
Apparently, they had discovered the only way to pass through the river, as well as a few human knights, and the orc warriors at the front let out a frantic cry, as if to drive away the beasts and these overwhelmed enemies, full of mockery.
Several knights began to be vigilant, and clung to the reins of their horses, for fear that these terrible bloodthirsty beasts would burst into a rage, and the horses could not accelerate at all in this short distance. Ludwig, who had always been calm, quietly narrowed his eyes and put his hand on the saber at his waist.
"Knight Aimo, can you do me a favor?" said Mesimus, turning his head behind him and handing the horn on his saddle to the young knight, "I think it might be better for you to do it." β
"It's a great honor!" Knight Elmo Charles, who was nervous and almost out of breath, nodded quickly and respectfully accepted the horn. He took a deep breath and puffed up his chest, as if he was about to pour all his strength out.
"Wooooooooβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββoo
"Soldiers, forward-!!!" accompanied by the shouts and orders of the commanders, the army of the Kwyn River, which heard the trumpet call, began to move. On the other side of the river, which was originally empty, slowly began to gather groups of soldiers, one, two, and three...... More and more flags were gathered together, echoing footsteps and breathing gradually dispel the fog from the shore, and a neat phalanx of infantry formed a formation not far behind the beachhead.
Seeing this scene, there was obviously a commotion in the orc tribe opposite. Instead of moving on, loud hiss and a visibly commanding howl, the moving sea of grey stopped its pace and began to retreat slowly, still on high alert.
"They're scared, are they preparing to retreat?!" Aimo shouted in surprise, looking excitedly at Sir Ludwig and Mesimus beside him, but their serious expressions did not show a hint of joy, which made the young knight's hot blood cool again.
"They're preparing to force a river crossing. This is not a retreat. Ludwig smiled contemptuously: "This is to settle their livestock and families, and prepare for war with us." β
"Let's go too, get ready, and arrange the battle jihua and the battle strategy. Mehemus turned his horse's head. Returning to the military formation behind him: "The battle is about to begin. β
"Understood!" Aimo quickly lowered his head, blushed with shame, and followed behind Mesimus without saying a word, his vigilant gaze still looking at the other side of the river. The orc warriors who haven't left for a long time.
"You seem to have a crush on this young man. Sir Ludwig smiled and raised his eyebrows, and looked at Mesimus beside him: "Can you tell me why?"
"In some ways, maybe it's my delusion...... But it is true that he bears a lot of similarities with another excellent young man. Mehemus shrugged: "Maybe someday." He was able to prove his worth and achieve unimaginable glory. β
"Anything can happen on the battlefield, and glory is often something that can be easily achieved in a split second. Ludwig nodded: "The premise is...... can survive. β
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
"Order all the soldiers to get ready, and divide into four columns according to the echelons - the Shuangta River can't put in too many liliang at a time, and we must be prepared for the most terrible situation!"
Almost as soon as he returned to the rear of the army, Mesimus immediately summoned all the commanders and knights to arrange the battle: "The enemy will start the first attack at any time, and inform it that all soldiers are not allowed to leave their positions until the sun sets, whether they want to eat or something else, they will be dealt with in the same place!"
"Every knight, I mean every knight, must stick to his post and not take a step back, in the name of the great Theodore Julian, in the name of the Emperor of Men, in the name of Caesar. Mesimus's voice was full of resolute liliang, but the voice made all the knights present shudder: "I will not easily forgive anyone who dares to retreat, no matter what family he comes from or how high his reputation is. Retreating is equivalent to betraying the oath, and the only fate of the betrayal of the oath...... The guillotine was waiting for him. β
"Of course, the noble who fought bravely will also be rewarded accordingly. Mehemus raised his forehead: "Lord Julian's generosity and kindness are well known in the North, the farmers who once supported Caesar have been freed, the lords have also gained a great fortune, and the wandering knight Sir Shelgoy, who fought for his lordship in the Forest of Silence, has also been given a high position that he never imagined." β
"Whether it's honor or betrayal, I hope each of you can weigh it clearly. Mehemus nodded and cried out in a deep voice, "Now, go and carry out your mission, gentlemen!"
"Fight for Lord Julian, fight for the Kwyn Riverβ!!" the knights shouted loudly with their right fists raised, and left the Chinese camp one after another, and walked to their posts. Only Knight Aimo was still a little troubled, looking at Mehemous who wanted to say but didn't dare to say it, Zuihou still mustered up the courage and walked to his side.
"General Mehemus, I think there's one thing on my mind. Aimo swallowed his saliva desperately: "The most terrible situation you said...... What is it?"
"Under normal circumstances, four columns of troops are not necessary, because it is impossible for any army to be given four chances to put in fresh troops. Aimo's emotions were a little agitated, and he thought of a terrible truth: "That is, in your eyes, no matter how bloody we fight, the enemy will ......"
"It's going to tear apart our front with ease. Sir Ludwig chuckled and patted Aymus on the shoulder, but his gentle voice made him fall into an ice cave: "Yes, what you think is the truth." β
"But, but what if that's the case...... If that's the case......" The weak Aimo took a few steps back and looked at the two of them with puzzled eyes: "Then we will fight here...... What's the point? We are not destined to win. β
"What if...... If reinforcements arrive in time, there will still be a chance...... Or, Heaven is willing to grant a miracle to the Kwyn River. Sir Ludwig smiled and said, "But whether we can seize this opportunity or not depends on us." β
"I see...... Aimo lowered his head in silence, "Excuse me, what can I do?"
"Come with me, I still lack a herald and squire. Mehemus said, "Fight with me and meet this test given to us by the gods of heaven." β
"Thank you for your trust, and I'm sure my father will be very proud of this news. Amer Charles smiled reluctantly, and left the tent with a slight salute, his otherwise strong back looking a little bleak.
"Indeed, as you say, this young man has some kind of ...... Insight beyond the ordinary. Sir Ludwig, who saw Amer leaving, raised his eyebrows and said, "But it's still ...... Too young, too naΓ―ve. β
"If he can play to his strengths, those weaknesses will become strengths. "A general who loves the lives of his soldiers will surely be loved by all soldiers." β
"Our enemies are not fools, they will surely find that rocky beach, and it will be a turning point in the battle. Mehemus looked at Ludwig and said, "Sir Ahart, it is up to you to lead the Larian soldiers to hold on there, to lie in ambush behind the river beach - the only task is to never let the enemy break through there, which is not easy, and even full of danger. β
"Is it safe to hide in the castle?" Ludwig replied as if to himself, "I will go into battle myself, and what better proof of the loyalty of the Larians to Mistress Julian than this battle?"
"Good luck. Mesimus looked him in the eye and said with a firm will, "If I have learned anything from Caesar, it is to prove by action that I will face everything with the soldiers." β
"Then let's take a look. Ludwig said, "Let us see how determined Caesar is to defend the Kwyn River and the north." β
(Thanks zdc (I can't seem to complain about this...... Maybe it's the initials of children's shoes?)'s monthly pass~ Thank you very much!The next update is on Thursday, please be patient!As I said, the two climaxes of this volume will begin soon!) (To be continued......)