Chapter 19: The Journey Is Coming (3)
After resting in the castle for a while, the Western coalition of human Shijie once again embarked on a journey that was not long, but extremely boring, and all the warriors carried heavy bags and weapons and armor, step by step, stepped out of the earth.
After a few decisions, the coalition was divided into three parts: the army of Salion was to lead the group, in the first order, the heavy infantry and highland infantry of Mithmeer were to protect the rear flank, and all the cavalry was concentrated here, the Roman legions were to serve as the center, protecting all the baggage and carriages, and the Knights of the Dawn accompanied them, and the three commanders were at the head of the line with their own guards, holding high banners.
Although they were both northern armies, the armies from Salion and Mithmeer were clearly more local than the Roman legions, and it can be seen that they changed differently depending on their geographical location.
The Brenus family is stationed in the north all year round, and their army is basically to fight against the barbarians of the Misty Mountains who have been roaming the barbariums and robbing villages and caravans, so they need to be extremely mobile and flexible, and their infantry is very good in both individual and group cooperation. Equipped with a handy kite-shaped shield and a leather armor over its lightweight chain armor, the Northland Slash Sword, which is wider than the Roman sword, is a sharp weapon forged to kill enemies in a single attempt.
The conscripted highland warriors had only a piece of leather armor and were armed with a large round shield and a one-handed battle axe. As for the Highland Cavalry, in addition to these, they were also equipped with throwing spears - they were obviously better suited as light cavalry to harass the enemy than to attack fortifications.
Compared to Mithme's army, the Salion's army appeared to be more uniform, which had to do with the fact that the area bordered the southern part of the Empire. The heavy infantry of 3,000 men was equipped with chain mail, an oval shield, a short spear of about two meters, and a broad sword.
Apparently these armies were influenced by the Roman legions, and Salald saw in the Battle of Broken Mountain the advantages of the Roman legions, which were significantly more flexible than the single infantry gun formations of the past, and were suitable for fighting the orcs. Although it was only a copy, there was a clear difference from the Roman legions in many respects - these people were obviously more comfortable with the spear than the sword.
In addition to the 500 Salionian knights brought by Salald, there were also 800 dismounted knights - uniform heavy chain mail, helmets and robes, and a refined two-handed broadsword that could be called a murderous weapon. Most of these knights were subordinates of the other lords of the original Salion region, and the Ultok family was obviously more direct and efficient in this regard - all the knights in the region were already loyal to them, otherwise Salad would not have been able to muster so many knights.
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"I should say...... Are you really confident or something? β
Riding on his horse, Salad looked at Theodore beside him with a smile and pointed to the military flag behind him: "If I'm not mistaken, it seems that you also only have one legion." Aren't you worried that some of the little thieves will take advantage of your Caesarea?"
"Please don't slander our people like that, Salald. Our enemies are orcs, and only orcs. No one would be willing to engage in infighting at such a time. Theodore waved his hand and said in a feigned anger: "Although they have rejected the olive branch I offered, it does not mean that they will definitely take the opportunity to do such a thing, you are completely worried about some unnecessary things!"
"What I prefer to believe is that you've made a fool's errand. Aaron smiled and followed, riding a gray highland warhorse: "Instead of believing in the so-called relationship between the same race!"
"That's true, you know me Aaron. Theodore smiled: "Look, you are my friend!"
"We're not completely sure that some people don't have a hot brain and do something earth-shattering, so of course I did something precautionary. Theodore nodded and replied, "The number of knights I have recruited is only about one-third to one-half, and in the event of an emergency, the rest will be my reserve army to resist the enemy attacking from the direction of Talboa; Caesarea, Haringos, and Talboa each have an auxiliary wing, as long as they are regular Roman soldiers after changing their clothes, at least there is no problem in defending the city!"
"They only need to hold out for two days, and the commander of the Roman fleet in the north, Constantine, will go south with his warships, accompanied by three thousand highland warriors, and if necessary, I can even temporarily recruit two thousand Roman reservists in Caesarea, these people alone will be enough to fight the rabble!"
Theodore said with great confidence, and then with a sharp look of a sly smile, he looked at Salald who was on the side: "And what about Salion? As far as I know, your situation seems to be more dangerous than that of Rome." With the fall of Tulga, Salion has lost its southern barrier, and the orc horde could cross the Vistula at any moment. Wouldn't it be too reckless to send an elite army to aid Noldor at this time?"
"Ah~, that's true. Salald nodded thoughtfully, but then showed a sly smile: "But it has been a misfortune lately, our great mother, Heviswa, seems to have become very impulsive and irritable in recent months............ Hmm, maybe it's not feeling well?"
"The icy waters of the river can swallow up all the creatures that try to touch her. If the orcs really want to cross the river during this time, they must be prepared to lose at least half of them!" Salald drew a circle with his empty hand, and then clenched his palms tightly: "When the time comes, you will see: how the brave and warlike Salionites beat the water dogs!"
"Mistema is ready, most of the villages in the north have been heightened and my father and his knights are here, so there will be no problem. Aaron smiled and nodded, and said, "It seems that we haven't taken out all the liliang." β
"But it's already the biggest hole card. Theodore replied with a smile: "This will also be a good opportunity to train the army - more soldiers can go to the battlefield in person, not just sweat in the training ground, and when this war is over, we will get the greatest fortune!"
"A good veteran is the greatest asset!" Salald nodded, agreeing with him.
"But...... Now that we've talked about this. Theodore looked at his two friends, "It seems to me that orcs are not as bad as we have always seen. β
"The information I have received has always been sarcastic about orcsβsavage, ignorant, bloodthirsty, and rough, as if they were made to slaughter. Theodore said in a deep voice, "However, it is true that they have only seen the surface of these big guys. β
"Most of them are rude, but they know how to obey orders, fight bravely, and advance and retreat in moderation. Discipline is even better than many impromptu conscripted armies, and morale seems to be quite good, and the clan is quite united, which are their strengths. β
"That's why armies that haven't fought much for years are so vulnerable. "I believe it's not just because of the orcs' talent for fighting. β
"Maybe they're brainless, but after a few battles with the Empire, even the stupidest ones have learned how to deal with it. Salald smiled: "The farmer has never eaten beef, but he has seen cows all the time." β
"There are voices. Aaron said, "Ahead!"
In front of the army, a cloud of smoke suddenly appeared, and it rushed towards this side at a fairly fast speed.
It's cavalry!
"Salald!" shouted Theodore, looking at his friend beside him, "Hurry up and stop the army!"
"Of course. The Grand Duke of Ultok immediately ordered the herald behind him to wave his flag and convey the order to the army behind.
"There are not many people on the other side, probably only a few dozen............ Or less. Looking at the fast-moving smoke, Salald squinted his eyes and made his own judgment: "It's not here to fight us." β
"If that's the case, it's easy to do. Let's go over and have a look. Theodore replied with a smile and turned behind him, "Valens, follow us with the Imperial Guard!"
"Follow your orders, Caesar!" the stiff-faced Valence immediately gave an order to the Imperial Guards: "Knights, advance! Keep up with your lord!"
The knights of the Imperial Guard, dressed in purple coats, did not hesitate to follow behind the three young commanders with the other knights to escort them.
The two clouds of smoke and dust did not slowly fade away until they were close to two hundred paces, and it was then that Theodore could see the face of the coming, with a very peculiar lazy temperament, like a hermit from the world, riding on a small horse, behind him more than thirty Nadoor cavalrymen with short bows.
This surprised Theodore - the Noldos who lived in the Forest of Silence still had archers who could ride horses? Riding and archery was a very difficult skill to master, and generally only a considerable number of nomads who lived in the savannah could master it. In China at the same time, this skill was also regarded as one of the essential jishu for middle and low-level generals.
As for how difficult it is to master the aiming of mounted archery, we can see some clues from Japan during the Warring States period - those armor-clad daimyo or flag warriors had to be close to 20 meters before they could be absolutely sure of hitting the enemy.
"It's a great pleasure to see the three again, in the name of the Forest of Silence. The lazy young man seemed to have broken even his bones apart, and almost lay on his pony, looking at the three people in front of him with a pleasant smile: "May the birds of the forest show you the way forward." β
"It seems that you are the real messenger?" Diodore squinted his eyes and looked at the young man, "What a surprise. β
"It's just good at dealing with people, not something to envy. Lawrence sat up with a smile: "My experience and status are not enough to give me the honor of a messenger. β
"That's all there is to it. Lorens opened his arms as if to fly: "Gentlemen, welcome to the Forest of Silence!"
"This is the birthplace of the Noldor!