Meanwhile, at the very rear of the formation, a little over a li from the battlefield,
Karl was carefully observing the carnage ahead through a brass Monocular Telescope, one of the precious gifts Earl Rochefort had given him.
Charlotte's face was pale, and the fingers gripping her sword hilt had gone white from the strain.
"So it really is... it really is Sauron! Karl, you were right!" Shock filled Charlotte's voice. She abruptly turned toward her subordinates and shouted, "Everyone! Put on your armor at once! Change to your warhorses! Quickly!"
She too nimbly dismounted her marching horse. With her attendants' help, she swiftly donned her heavy cavalry cuirass and hung her sharp saber at her waist.
Karl had long since put on his signature Chain Mail and Butterfly Helmet. Roland and the others were also fully armed, their expressions grim.
Charlotte mounted her warhorse and said urgently to Karl, "We have to rescue them immediately! The timing is perfect! By the time we charge over, our horses will be at their peak of speed and stamina! We can't just watch them slaughtered!"
She then turned toward the cavalry formation that had already assembled behind her, bristling with killing intent. Raising her saber high, she was about to give the order to charge—
"Wait! Charlotte!" Karl suddenly spoke up, stopping her in an unusually calm tone.
Charlotte whipped around. Her emerald eyes were filled with disbelief and urgency. "Why?! Weren't you the one who predicted the Saurons' attack? They've already launched it! They're slaughtering our countrymen! Why are you telling me to wait again?"
Karl slowly lowered the Monocular Telescope. His face was expressionless, his calm almost coldly ruthless. "Let them fight a little longer. Let the Saurons become completely absorbed in the killing and looting, lower their guard entirely,