I look at the Allonians at the foot of the hill. I took the time to survey the enemy yesterday and estimate their strength. They are mostly foot soldiers with a solid cavalry support. There are archers but not very many, most likely they will have little impact on the battle.

“They are smaller than us, sir.” I tell my liege but he doesn’t even look at me. He is staring at them with a fire burning in his eyes. He is most likely angry at his friend’s death but this burning desire for revenge will get us killed. “I recommend that we play it safe and either wait them out or engage cautiously.”

The fact that they didn’t retreat in the night meant they were confident in their chances of victory. While it is possible that they are merely stupid I have good reasons to doubt that this is the case. They have managed to survive behind enemy lines and not only that but thrive.

“Commander Bolenizo, I will not hear talk of this kind from you again. Do you understand me?” He glares at me. I probably should have given up convincing him at this point. He isn’t seeing reason. All he sees is revenge.

“We will march upon their position. They will fear our might or be reduced the scrap meat. Glory be to Arria!” Duke Cone raises his sword and the soldiers cheer. I simply want to shake my head in shame. What glory is there in being reckless?

Has he not read military strategy?

He should, instead, be cautious of his enemy. Ensure that there are not tricks or traps before advancing. Victory shouldn’t be a gamble but a guarantee. I raise my sword and join in the battle cry.

Let me just hope and pray numbers will lead us to victory. By God’s grace we might be able to survive this encounter. May his divine light guide us to our destiny and smite all heretics. The soldiers begin to march towards the enemy.

The enemy soldiers slow begin to retreat up the hill. I ponder the reason as my horse slowly trots behind the soldiers. If they wanted to retreat the pace is far too slow but why retreat at all?

They might want a more advantageous position. Fighting an uphill battle is rather difficult and the forest should protect them from archers. A simple, if not effective strategy. If it had been an even number of soldiers this may have been a larger issue.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

The soldiers reach the foot of the hill and begin to climb it. I suddenly feel the inclination and it downs on me. I look to the side to test my theory. While the line starts off straight I watch as the soldiers in the middle climb up the hill at a faster rate than us.

“Send this message to his lordship. I advise we slow down our pace and reform our lines.” The messenger nods his heads and begins to make his way to the center. I just urge my men to quicken their pace in order to keep up with the center.

Despite my best efforts a gap in the line begins to form.

This is when the messenger returns from his trip. “Commander Bolezino, Duke Cone has instructed me to tell you that he does not appreciate your talk of treason and he will deal with you after the battle.” I nod my head gravely and tell him to once again urge the Duke.

Unfortunately, before the messenger can leave the Allonian troops all turn around and descend upon the unguarded center. I begin to yell instructions to the troops. I need to close the gap as best that I can.

Before we can close the gap the enemy flank engages with us. I order the reserves to surround them. We have the superior numbers. If I can simply break them I might be able to save the battle.

I glance over to the side and see the center begin to be enveloped. The longer this situation remains the worse and worse this situation is going to become.

Blood begins to flow down the hill. I see dead men lay on the ground as soldiers scream pain shouting for water. Despite these horrors and the slow grinding of the Allonian numbers they do not break.

I look to the center and see soldiers begin to desert their post. Slowly at first but much like a mudflow it picks up speed and effect the longer it goes on. I shout for the soldiers to fall back and retreat.

I can hardly hear my own voice but the soldiers back off and retreat in an orderly fashion. I see arrows fly past us but I do not worry because I am wearing plate armor. The ringing in my ear grows more defined as the surrounding noise dies out.

I begin to count my ranks. I need to estimate the number of men that I lost in the battle. Dead or cowards. I do not want to be one of the unlucky people who ended up getting caught back there. I have heard of the savagery of the Allonians on this campaign.

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I look up at the Allonians. A man with Jewel eyes over looks me. I look away as not to stare into the pits of hell. Devil eyes can die for all I care. I will go to Heaven while he burns. I begin reciting verses inside my head.

An Allonian says something and the soldier brings a knife to my throat.