Pre-Battle Drills

While Peter and the other militiamen underwent pre-battle mobilization and reorganization, Karl, Carnford's supreme commander, was experiencing unprecedented busyness and pressure.

Although he had fought the Sauron people many times without ever suffering defeat, every battle before this had relied on the sturdy walls of Carnford City or prearranged defensive fortifications.

It was only through their superiority in firearms and advantage in terrain that he had defeated the enemy's attacks time and again.

This time, however, was completely different.

This would be the first time that he—and the Carnford Army—would engage the Sauron people in a large-scale field battle in the true sense of the word, and even take the initiative to attack.

Without the protection of the city walls, the army's combat strength, discipline, coordination, and the commanders' ability to make decisions on the battlefield would face their harshest test.

Once defeated, the consequences would be unimaginable. The Sauron people's cavalry would charge straight in and crush the foundation Carnford had worked so hard to build.

Three days later, a travel-worn but impeccably ordered cavalry force appeared outside Carnford City.

There were exactly one thousand men. Every one of them was tough and battle-hardened, their armor gleaming, their warhorses magnificent. They were none other than the Northern Border Iron Cavalry, the elite force under the Count of Fran City.

The commander leading this force brought a delighted smile to Karl's heart. It was none other than his old acquaintance, Sir Kylan!

Seeing Sir Kylan's familiar, steady face, Karl instantly understood the deeper meaning behind the Count's words: "If you have enough ability and skill to persuade the commanders I send to follow your orders in actual combat, then I won't interfere either."

The Count had not simply left everything to chance. Instead, he had sent a commander who had