Luo Yao had been forced to attack Golden Scale Port, and Lord Karl was instead far less afraid. Golden Scale Port had more than ten thousand defenders, complete fortifications, ample supplies, and Governor Elmer himself was an experienced commander. It would be no easy task for Luo Yao to swallow the place in one bite.
So long as Golden Scale Port held firm, Luo Yao's offensive would be blunted, and the rebels would once again fall into the predicament of having a fortified city before them and pursuers at their backs.
Lord Karl glanced at the sky, then felt the biting cold wind and the unconcealed weariness of his soldiers. After continuous forced marches, both men and horses needed rest.
"Pass down the order." Lord Karl withdrew his gaze and gave his command decisively. "Fall back five li. Find a sheltered place with a water source and make camp. Keep a close watch on Golden Wheatstack Fortress, but do not provoke them. Have the men rest while they can, feed the warhorses well, and inspect their equipment. After dawn tomorrow, we'll decide our next move according to the situation."
He needed one night for the troops to recover their strength. At the same time, he would dispatch the most capable scouts to determine, as thoroughly as possible, the exact state of the defenders within Golden Wheatstack Fortress, the direction and approximate location of Luo Yao's main force advancing westward, and find a way to contact Governor Elmer at Golden Scale Port.
The piercing sea wind, carrying a heavy salty stench and a faint trace of rust, swept in from the black sea and slammed fiercely against Golden Scale Port's solid walls of dressed stone.
The wind howled through the crenellations with a shrill wail like the sobbing of ghosts.