Ironvine Territory (58)

Seeing James's performance, Jackson knew that his Regimental Commander must have an idea.

He resisted the urge to ask questions and waited for James to finish his thought.

Sure enough, after a while, James finished thinking and asked Jackson, "Jackson, have our scouts been dispatched yet?"

Jackson knew James already had a plan, so he quickly took out a map. "They've already been dispatched, three teams totaling over 140 people. Just in case, I've had them deployed in units of ten, with the furthest deployment being 20 kilometers away from here."

I've arranged at least two patrol teams to patrol these locations, so we'll be alerted immediately to any unusual movements by the enemy.

James looked at the points Jackson had pointed out on the map; they were indeed all essential routes for several reinforcements.

How many people do we have now?

"With our regiment as the main force, plus the two detachments left behind by Regimental Commander Ron, there are exactly five detachments. After deducting the losses, there are still nearly 2,000 people."

By the time Regimental Commander Ron returns with his troops, he should be able to gather at least 2,000 men, maybe more.

James stroked his chin and muttered about the troop strength, "That's 4,000 men!"

This number pained James somewhat. When he and Ron led their Cavalry to support Ironwire City and disrupt the Fourth Legion, Ron two regiments, along with their seven directly subordinate detachments and 2,000 elite cavalrymen from Great Oak Territory, totaled nearly 6,000 cavalrymen.

But after that defeat, coupled with this surprise attack on the Fourth Legion's Cavalry, they lost a full third of their troops.

James gritted his teeth. His troops had suffered such heavy losses, and he was determined to avenge them; otherwise, he would have no face to face Victor.

"However, I can only mobilize 2,000 men right now. That should be enough to besiege the remnants of the Fourth Legion Cavalry Regiment, but if enemy reinforcements arrive, it will be difficult to wipe them out. So this is the only way..."

After James finished calculating in his mind, he looked at Jackson beside him. Jackson was waiting for James to explain his plan to him. Suddenly seeing James looking at him so seriously, Jackson felt very uncomfortable.

"Jackson, we've been working together for a long time now!"

"It's been almost two years. Ever since Lord Victor came to the Northlands, I was sent by Viscount Edelweiss to help him. At first, I followed Regimental Commander Ron, and later I followed you."

James nodded, placing his hands on Jackson's shoulders. "Okay, Jackson, we're already so familiar with each other, you could say we have a great understanding. I have an important task for you, which could be very dangerous."

Jackson breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this; it turned out to be an assignment. He then replied firmly, "Regimental Commander, please make the assignment."

Speaking of danger, the battle with the Barbarians last year was also very dangerous, but we still won, didn't we?"

James laughed, "Good, as expected of you."

My task is simple. I will leave you with a detachment of troops. I will take the main force with me. Your remaining task is to keep a close watch on this remnant army on the mountain and make sure that not a single one of them escapes."

After listening to James's words, Jackson was in a dilemma. He knew that there were at least seven or eight hundred enemy remnants on the mountain, while he only had a detachment, which was probably only half the size of the enemy. It would be too difficult for such a small force to keep an eye on these enemy troops.

If the enemy makes a desperate gamble and charges down to attack their troops, they might be defeated outright.

However, after thinking for a moment, Jackson nodded heavily. "I understand, leave it to me."

James was deeply moved by Jackson's quick acceptance of his task.

"Jackson, I will replenish this squad for you, at least 500 men. You can use any means necessary."

For example, as Victor taught, you can use horses to drag tree branches to create smoke or make dummies. You don't need to fight them; just hold off this remnant army.

Even enemy messengers can be spared, as long as they don't leave this place.

Upon hearing James' explanation, Jackson felt much less pressure. Not only did his forces increase, but the chances of another battle also decreased significantly.

Jackson, having guessed James's intentions, asked with some concern, "Regimental Commander, are you planning to deal with their reinforcements?"

I don't think this is a good idea. The enemy has taken our reserve warhorses, which could at least form two or three battalions of Cavalry. Adding them to their original Cavalry force, four battalions would be a small number.

The Cavalry force we've surrounded is at most half their size. If they send reinforcements, they'll definitely send all their Cavalry, not to mention their many more elite infantry units. Can you handle that?"

James chuckled, "Don't worry, I've thought of everything. I won't act recklessly."