Rise of the Horde

Chapter 223: Chapter 22

After two days of directly marching towards their foes, the Ereian Army led by Commander Nassor was able to penetrate into the lands of Alberna unimpeded. They have long crossed the Esan River which was serving as the boundary line between their two kingdoms. Unlike the land of Ereia which was mostly a huge expanse of endless hot sands, the land of Alberna was filled with greenery dotted along by hills and streams which was somewhat out of place since it’s relatively close to a desert.

A multitude of scouts has been sent ahead to survey the surroundings and to locate the enemy army which was surely close by already. An hour before the sun was at its peak, riders came running towards the marching Ereian Army which was quick to assume a defensive line just in case that it was an enemy attack.

Commander Nassor made his way to the forefront accompanied by the only cavalry unit that they have which belongs to Viscount Redore. An army of more than twenty thousand accompanied by two thousand cavalry was really imbalanced but what else they can do but make use of what was available to them. The old commander squinted his eyes as he tried to discern if the approaching riders are friends or foes while the cavalry behind him was preparing their steeds for a charge if the ones approaching are really their enemies.

“Stand down...They are our riders...”

Commander Nassor ordered as he brought his hand away from the handle of his blade. His orders were soon spread out and the tensed Ereian Army finally relaxed as they stood idly and waited for the commands of their leaders.

The riders that came gave their greetings and saluted to the old man and gave their report. They reported that their foes are about a quarter of a day’s march away from where they are right now.

“What about their army’s composition? Did you get a good look at their numbers?” Commander Kontar came forward and questioned the scouts that have just returned.

.....

“Commander, the enemy is mostly infantry and range units followed by a probably a two thousand light cavalry. They also have a long line of carts following behind them.” the leader of the scouts was quick to answer the question.

“Is there a good place to set our camp nearby?” the old man questioned while maintaining his gaze over the distant hills.

The lead scout turned his gaze towards the commander and brought out a map that had a few markings on them. They have been riding around their surroundings and marked a few good places around to set up their camp which was relatively easy to defend while having a vital source of water nearby. He proceeded and explained to Commander Nassor the suitable places that they have scouted where they might set up their camp.

After a few minutes of explanation and deep thinking, the old man decided to set their camp on a relatively low-lying hill a few hours away from where they are currently at which had a steady stream behind. If they will make haste in their march, they would be already finished in setting up their camp before their enemies could spot them.

Without wasting any more time, the command was given and the Ereian Army rapidly marched towards their campsite. The one thousand five hundred light cavalry of Viscount Redore was sent ahead of the army to secure the place less their enemies beat them to it which may put them at a disadvantage in the upcoming battles.

During wartime, a secure place to camp was essential because it gives you a slight advantage against your foes. A place to fall back to make it easier to repel enemies if defeat is inevitable or a place to rally at in case the army needs some reorganizing before launching another assault. A well-fortified camp would also deter enemies from launching sudden ambushes against an army which would, in turn, result in some losses.

Viscount Redore along with Lord Kasto led the thousand-five hundred cavalry which were being guided by the scouts that have just returned. They were fatigued but they still have their roles to fulfill.

*****

As Commander Nassor has expected, their enemies also have scouted the place that he has chosen and are beginning to secure the area. It seems that the enemy commander has also chosen the same place as him to set up their camp.

The enemies were atop the hill while they are still down below. A few of them separated from the main group and rode away, heading probably towards their main army to make a report. Atop the hill, those who remained were forming their ranks and are preparing to charge down the hill to drive them away.

Viscount Redore had a serious look in his eyes as he didn’t want to back down.

“Lord Kasto, take a hundred with you and chase after those who rode away. If possible, eliminate all of them and deny the enemy of a vital information.”

Lord Kasto nodded his head and led a group of riders away and chased after those who rode away to make a report to their commander.

“Enemies ahead! Prepare to charge!”

Viscount Redore commanded as he unsheathed his blade and started whipping his steed more than usual to make it start to sprint. Their enemies might have the terrain advantage as they charge downhill but they have the advantage in numbers, over a thousand against a probably slightly above five hundred.

The thundering sound of hooves reverberated as the two cavalries charged at each other. As expected, the enemy had the upper hand in the initial clash as they crash down the cavalry of Viscount Redore with more momentum. Sounds of metal clanging against each other, flesh being pierced or slashed, screams of pain and warcries echoed all throughout the hill.

The viscount and his steed crashed to the ground after colliding with their enemy but he quickly got up to his feet and began slaughtering. Faerush may have blessed him with luck as there was no strong fighter among those who they were currently up against as he quickly dispatch one enemy rider after another.

The clash lasted for almost half an hour when their enemies faltered as they were quickly surrounded by the more numerous Ereians leaving them little to no room to move around. Since they were already surrounded, their foes began to attack without care for their safety as they have decided to bring down as many with them as possible. The skirmish ended with the Ereians winning but a group of their enemies made it out of their encirclement by utilizing their allies to make a breakthrough.

Less than twenty of the enemy slip past and made a run for it on foot towards the plains down below. Without waiting for his orders, a few riders quickly gave chased and slaughtered the fleeing enemies.

“Tend to the wounded and keep an eye out for enemies!” Viscount Redore shouted as he headed towards his steed and mounted atop it.

*****

Atop the hill, they could see the wide plains below which was a sight to behold, a peaceful piece of land. The viscount can’t help but sigh as he knew that the tranquility of the place would soon be disturbed as it will soon be turned into a battlefield.

An hour later, Lord Kasto returned with more than thirty riders missing. He told his peer that they were being chased by enemies, mostly infantry that they left behind with their mobility but he was sure that they will arrive soon.

Over an hour later, enemies began appearing on the plains below. The Ereian Cavalry formed their ranks as they prepared to charge at them if they would continue to move forward and make an attempt to drive them away from the hill. There were other hills around the area but it seems that the enemy wanted the same hill as them.

Over the horizon, the enemy’s main army emerged from behind a hill. Viscount Redore, Lord Kasto, and the cavalry, were halfway down the hill to meet the enemy infantry that was marching towards them in their formation. Weapons at the ready and prepared to begin their charge, the viscount was about to give the command when their enemies suddenly halted in their tracks and their gazes seemed to be focused on the top of the hill that they were on. Puzzled, Viscount Redore turned his head around and was surprised to see the entirety of the Ereian Army lining up in formation.

A bloody and gruel battle would surely unfold if their enemies wouldn’t back down from taking the hill. His gaze turned towards the enemy army that was in the distance and by the looks of it, they don’t have any plan on moving forward to engage. The enemy infantry that was in the plains down below retreated after a blast of a horn from their main army sounded telling them to fall back.