Luo Yao rode on his skinny horse, his heart filled with grief, anger, and confusion. His cracked lips moved as he asked himself hoarsely, We came by Royal Decree to help this kingdom, to fight the Sauron. Why are our own people still harming us like this? Stealing our food, taking our weapons, sending us to die?
No one could answer. Only the mournful north wind swept up dead leaves, making a whimpering sound, as if playing a dirge for this army that had lost its faith and could see no hope at all.
In stark contrast to General Luo Yao's remnant army, struggling through the mire of despair, was the Carnford Army under Karl's command, now marching south.
This was the Carnford Army's first true "expedition" away from home.
In the past, their battlefield had been in the Northern Territory, right on their own doorstep, where familiar land and people were their solid support.
But this time, they had stepped into the kingdom's heartland, a region that was both unfamiliar to them and full of hidden currents.
Yet unfamiliarity did not bring fear. Instead, to some extent, it stirred a morale that was more cautious, but also more high-spirited.
Though the armor the soldiers wore was dust-covered from the long march, it reflected a steady metallic sheen beneath the afternoon sun. The muskets on their backs, the swords at their waists, and the spears in their hands had all been wiped clean, kept ready for battle at any moment.
Their march was not fast, but their formation was strict: scouts ahead, both flanks on guard, baggage in the center. Everything was in perfect order.
There was no noisy whispering or chatter, only the even rhythm of leather boots stepping on frozen earth and the occasional low command from an