The Greatest Honor
Almost at the same time, Sir Kylan, on the distant grassy slope, saw the garrison rushing out of the city and a smile of relief and certainty appeared on his face.
He immediately raised the bugle and sounded the charge, signaling the entire army to charge!
"Waaaaa!!!"
As the horn sounded, the once silent mountains and forests were suddenly filled with the thunderous sound of horses' hooves!
Two thousand five hundred well-rested and prepared Fran City Cavalry surged out of the forest like an iron torrent, charging towards the chaotic Sauron Army with overwhelming force!
"It's over! We've fallen into a trap!" The Sauron Cavalry commander turned deathly pale upon seeing the pincer attack and the overwhelming force of the enemy.
But he was, after all, an elite soldier under Harald's command, and remained calm in the face of danger. He immediately roared at the top of his lungs, "Don't panic! Regroup! Cover each other as you retreat! Quickly!"
The Sauron Cavalry displayed exceptional military skill. Despite suffering heavy losses in a surprise attack, they did not collapse completely. Instead, they quickly regrouped and fought desperately while retreating towards the relatively open area behind the camp.
They used their skillful mounted archery to constantly harass the pursuing enemy, trying to create distance.
Friedrich and Kellan's two cavalry units fought fiercely and achieved considerable success, but the Sauron retreated resolutely and swiftly, and were never able to completely encircle and annihilate their main force.
The fierce chase lasted for more than half an hour. In the end, most of the Sauron Cavalry, thanks to their excellent mobility and tenacious fighting spirit, managed to escape the pursuit. With casualties and humiliation, they retreated in disarray towards the main force of the army in the south, leaving behind only a devastated camp and hundreds of corpses.
On the battlefield, the flag of the Goldflower Kingdom fluttered in the wind, and the two armies of Friedrich and Kellan finally met victoriously at the foot of Osric Fort!
The soldiers hugged each other, cheered, and celebrated their hard-won victory and the relief of the siege!
Sir Kylan rode up to Friedrich, and the two exchanged a solemn knightly salute.
"Sir Kellan von Ross, sent by Earl Rochefort to provide support! Your Excellency, you and your soldiers have held Osric Fort and created a miracle!" Kellan's tone was full of admiration.
Friedrich nodded slightly and replied humbly, "You flatter me. Defending the country is a knight's duty. We are especially grateful to you and Earl Rochefort for braving dangers and traveling thousands of miles to our aid! This kindness will be forever remembered by all of Osric Fort."
Sir Kylan looked at the young yet composed knight before him, whose aura emanated a powerful Battle Qi, and couldn't help but feel a little curious. He asked, "Excuse my intrusion, sir, but I don't recall ever meeting you before. May I ask your name?"
Friedrich said, "I am Friedrich von Schmidt, Fourth-Order Knight of the kingdom, and the eldest son of the Schmidt Family."
Kellan suddenly realized what was going on and asked, "What about General Reynard?"
Friedrich remained calm, having already prepared his answer. He replied naturally, "Count Reinard is advanced in years and has been unwell lately. Facing such a severe war, his energy is somewhat depleted."
"I happened to be withdrawing from the front lines at Blackstone Pass and was passing through this area when I saw the critical situation. So, at the request of Count Reinard, I temporarily took charge of the city's defenses."
He skillfully avoided the embarrassing fact that Reinard had wavered or even surrendered, thus preserving Reinard's dignity and explaining the legitimacy of his presence and command.
Sir Kylan nodded in sudden understanding. "I see! With His Excellency Friedrich here to oversee things, it is truly a blessing for Osric Fort and the Kingdom!"
He didn't delve into it further; after all, in such a critical moment, it was perfectly reasonable for a powerful Fourth-Order Knight to take over the defense.
He then made a request. "Your Excellency Friedrich, our army has marched a long distance and is exhausted. Would it be possible to enter the city for a short rest?"
"Of course! You are the benefactors of Osric Fort and deserve the highest level of hospitality! Please come with me into the city!" Friedrich agreed without hesitation and immediately ordered the battlefield to be cleared and the city gates to be opened.
Osric Fort, although supplies were scarce due to the long siege, the garrison and the people still took out their stored food and dried meat to warmly welcome the Fran City Cavalry who had come from afar to relieve their siege.
Around the campfire, the soldiers sat together, sharing food and recounting their combat experiences in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
The joy of escaping from a desperate situation and the camaraderie of reuniting with comrades temporarily dispelled the gloom of war.
Inside the castle's command room, Friedrich and Kellan spoke.
Kellan said solemnly, "Your Excellency Friedrich, thank you for your hospitality, but our army cannot linger here. Earl Rochefort's orders to me are to immediately march south to reinforce the Royal Capital, Plai, after relieving the siege of Osric Fort!"
"The main force of the Sauron army is now at the city gates, Your Majesty in imminent danger. We must get there as soon as possible!"
Friedrich calmly analyzed, "Sir Kylan, I understand your feelings and responsibilities, but please reconsider! Harald's main army is now gathered at the Prye City, and their strength far surpasses ours."
"Although your three thousand cavalry are elite, sending them rashly would be like throwing eggs against rocks. I'm afraid... they won't be able to play a decisive role, and may even get surrounded."
Kellan sighed, his tone firm yet tinged with helplessness. "Your Excellency is absolutely right. How could I not know the dangers of this mission? But the Royal Decree, and the Count's military commands are absolute! Moreover, the Royal Capital is the foundation of the nation and cannot be lost! Even if we can only alleviate some of the pressure on His Majesty and draw some of the enemy's attention, we have no choice but to do so!"
Friedrich looked at the unwavering determination in Kellan's eyes, paused for a moment, and nodded. "I understand. The knight's loyalty and courage are admirable."
He stood up, his gaze sharp. "In that case, I am willing to accompany you, sir!"
Kellan was taken aback and quickly tried to dissuade him. "No! Your Excellency! Osric Fort has just been relieved of its siege, and everything is in ruins. Although the Sauron have temporarily retreated, their wolfish ambitions remain, and they could return at any time! As the commander of the fortress, you must stay here to stabilize morale and rebuild the defenses. How can you leave so easily? We need you here!"
Friedrich shook his head, his tone resolute. "Sir Kylan, rescuing the King and fighting for his cause is the inescapable responsibility of every Gorse Knights! It is a sacred duty imprinted in the blood of every Gorse Knights. Osric Fort is now secure, and I have deployed the remaining troops, sufficient to deal with the Sauron's counterattack."
"My mind is made up. I will accompany you south! I am Fourth-Order Knight. My swordsmanship and combat prowess far surpass those of ordinary cavalry. The journey to the Royal Capital will undoubtedly be fraught with peril. With me by your side, we may be able to slay one more enemy at a crucial moment, increasing your team's chances of victory and bringing His Your Majesty a glimmer of hope!"
Seeing Friedrich's resolute attitude, Kellan was moved and knew that further persuasion was useless, so he patted him heavily on the shoulder. "Very well! In that case, let us fight side by side and face the national crisis together! Your Excellency Friedrich, it is my honor, Kellan, to walk alongside a warrior like you!"
"It would be an honor, Sir Kylan!"