While Village No. 5 was turning into a living hell, a cavalry showdown that would decide the fate of both sides' flanks erupted with utmost fury on the broader snowfield east of the village.
"Warriors of Carnford! Follow me—charge! For glory! For vengeance!" Lyon raised his cavalry saber high, its snow-bright blade reflecting a frigid gleam beneath the dim sky.
His young face burned with the flames of vengeance, a thirst for battle, and the absolute confidence of a commander. Behind him stood the First Cavalry Regiment under his command, including heavy cavalry and Dragon Cavalry, more than three thousand riders in all. This was Carnford's sharpest cavalry blade.
"Target: the Sauron Cavalry's main force directly ahead! Three waves, echelon charges! Crush them!"
"First wave—advance!"
"Second and third waves, one hundred paces apart, follow in sequence!"
The orders were swiftly conveyed through horns and signal flags. The well-trained Carnford cavalry rapidly shifted formation, arranging themselves into three massive cavalry battalions, slightly staggered front to back, forming an assault formation with an exceptionally broad front and clearly layered depth.
"Hyah!"
"Rumbleeeee—!!!"
More than three thousand warhorses began accelerating at once! They started at a trot, then broke into a gallop, before finally launching into an all-out charge! Tens of thousands of hooves pounded heavily over the frozen earth and snow, unleashing a deafening, horrifying roar as though the ground itself were splitting apart!
Snow dust, ice chips, and churned-up earth mixed beneath the horses' hooves, forming three enormous white "snow dragons" rolling along the ground as they lunged ferociously at the opposing Sauron cavalry formation! Their momentum truly shook the earth and toppled mountains, like an overwhelming sea crashing down—far more terrifying than an infantry charge.
Facing them was the Sauron Cavalry, hastily preparing to meet the attack.
The Horse Corps