The bright lights reflecting from the mirrors made it impossible for the Albanian soldiers to see the movements of the enemy over the walls resulting in huge numbers of casualties in their ranks. Which forced them to retreat, leaving behind a sea of blood and the scattered dead bodies of their comrades. Thus bringing the short but bloody initial confrontation to an end.
The initial clash of less than 1 hour has come to an abrupt end causing significant bloodshed in the process. Although victorious the defenders of Bali have suffered 21 causalities, 7 death, and 6 seriously injured and the rest with mild injuries. The Albanian army, on the other hand, suffered serious damage as hundreds lay dead on the battlefield and a lot more injured making their total casualty close to 500. The injured were carried to the infirmary at the back and were given immediate fast aid. The rest of the army was ordered to disarm and rest.
All the Albanian generals gathered at the central camp and heard the battle report. Their face paled at the disastrous losses they have suffered. They argued among themselves for the next battle plan. No one was able to come up with a solution to counter the current predicament thus increasing the anxiety and tension. With frustration, they kept on crushing that devilish Dickon from time to time. The discussion and arguments continued as everyone in the tent tried to come up with a solution while the supreme commander remained silently sited. His elbow was placed on the armrest and his palm acted as the support for his head. Calm and peacefully resting as he observed the heated debate between his generals. Sertar a young noble noticed this weird behavior of Basik and reflexively asked, "How can you be so relaxed, are you not concerned about how many brothers we have to sacrifice?"
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"Sertar watch your wards!" another general protested, "You are speaking to the lord commander." Sertar being the heir to the dutchy of Clemon had a much higher rank of nobility among everyone present here. Thus allowing him to not mind etiquette in front of Basik who is just a count. But according to Albanian laws, during a military campaign, the supreme commander's rank is only below the king irrespective of the noble title they bear. And any disrespect and disobedience shown to him are heavily punishable.
"It's fine," Basik interrupted, "So what you want to say, young man?"
Sertar was startled, in the heat of the moment he has neglected the military rules and overstepped his bonds so he immediately apologized, "Sorry sir, I am just worried about how to battle in that blinding light, sir."
"And why do we need to," responded Basik.
His response startled everyone present in the room. The young and the old generals all looked at him with confusion and questioning gaze.
"There is no need to continue the fight right now," Basik looked at his generals and said, "Not all fights need to be fought."
"That light will go out automatically when the sun goes down," he explained.
"Ah" a sigh of relief came out of their mouth. After witnessing an unexpected move and suffering a heavy loss their minds have become clouded. The mountain of stress blocking their vision cleared with a simple solution. "Order the men to sleep now, we will launch a night raid," someone said but was instantly interrupted by Basik, "Surprise attack won't work against him."
"Then what should we do, sir?" Sertar asked this time representing everyone's question. Basik's lips curled up into a smile. He bend his body forward and signaled lord Ma to start. The old strategist slowly started explaining the plans he had proposed to Basik, with the other generals. He started explaining word by word the actions they will be taking. With every word he spoke, everyone's expression slowly started to change.