Fighting the Fire

Victor arrived at the river with the guard cavalry. At this moment, all the cavalry under his command were on the eastern bank of this Blackwater River tributary. Quite a few had already laid down their weapons to clear the battlefield, count prisoners, and treat the wounded, but even more were standing in the river, splashing water onto the burning ships to put out the fire.

Seeing Victor arrive, the officer directing the firefighting from the shore hurried over and saluted him.

"Greetings, Viscount Victor!"

Victor recognized the officer as Knight Belger, the commander of the reinforcements sent by Blue Rose Territory.

Victor had previously heard James speak of Belger of Blue Rose Territory. He was one of Viscount Blue Rose's military commanders, experienced and highly capable, and had led Blue Rose Territory's cavalry in battle for many years.

Since Victor preferred to concentrate his cavalry forces, after meeting him, he had drawn the cavalry from the other reinforcement units together into a temporary cavalry detachment and placed it under Belger's command.

"Knight Belger, how is the battle? What are our casualties?"

Belger said respectfully, "Viscount Victor, our casualties are very light. The enemy's resistance was not particularly fierce.

Other than those injured by stray arrows, a few unlucky men were swept away by the river.

Fortunately, the current is not swift. I have already sent people to search downstream, and they should be able to bring them back.

However..."

As he said those final words, Belger hesitated.

"Yes, the enemy commander was far too resolute. Not long after fighting us, he set fire to the ships, before we had even boarded them.

Fortunately, that commander killed himself afterward. Only then were we able to persuade the soldiers and laborers of the grain fleet to surrender."

Victor looked at the