Opposition

Seeing Hakon agree, Bragi no longer hesitated. He immediately began making arrangements, speaking rapidly yet clearly: "Good! Then it's settled! Carnford's army will certainly be at the gates tomorrow morning. We don't have much time left!"

"Hakon, go back at once and gather and pacify your cavalry by every means possible! I don't care what methods you use—even if you can only scrape together two or three hundred riders, you must restore their basic combat ability!"

"Your task isn't to charge into the enemy ranks, but to patrol the flanks of our infantry formation, creating a deterrent and protecting our sides. Under no circumstances can Carnford's cavalry assault our infantry squares as recklessly as they did yours today! If you can tie down their cavalry, that alone will be a great achievement!"

"I understand!" Hakon forced himself to stand and struck his chest heavily. "I'll do my best!"

Bragi turned to the guards at the door and issued one order after another, his voice decisive:

"Pass on my order! Summon all officers of centurion rank and above immediately for an emergency council at headquarters! Quickly!"

"Order all units to cancel rotating rest and enter the highest state of combat readiness at once! Inspect weapons and armor, issue arrows, and make sure everyone eats a full meal!"

"Have the engineers and slaves stop all fortification work. Begin leveling the ground in front of the fortress immediately and clear away obstacles, so our army can form up for tomorrow's assault!"

"And one more thing!" Bragi added at the end in an extremely solemn tone. "Select the most elite and reliable messengers immediately. Send several groups by different routes, and have them depart overnight. They must reach Frosgard as quickly as possible and urgently report the situation here to Great Chieftain Harald!"

"Tell