The rashly attacking orc squad withdrew.
Several soldiers in the Aldo Army's front ranks with keen hearing could even vaguely make out the angry curses coming from the orcs' side.
Clearly, this cavalry squad's charge had been unauthorized, thoroughly enraging the commander on the other side. The commander dragged the fleeing orcs down from their mounts and berated them mercilessly, causing a commotion among the surrounding orcs, yet no one else dared step forward.
After another half hour of confrontation, the Orcish Cavalry still merely circled the defensive line without making any new move. The distant grasslands remained peaceful as well, with no sign of more orc reinforcements approaching.
Paul lowered his telescope and ordered, "Schroeder, have the cavalry regiment circle around the left flank and launch an attack. Test their strength."
"Yes!" Schroeder immediately issued the order. Before long, more than two thousand cavalrymen on the Aldo Army's left wing mounted their horses and drew their sabers. Under the sunlight, the blades cut bright arcs through the air as they charged toward the Orcish Cavalry's flank.
Seeing the Aldo Army's cavalry launch an attack, the orc commander seemed somewhat surprised. After hesitating for a moment, he did not order them to engage. Instead, he shouted for all the Orcish Cavalry to turn their mounts and retreat northeast.
Their retreat was swift. Dust kicked up by their hooves blotted out the sky, and they soon opened a gap between themselves and the Aldo Army's cavalry.
"Your Excellency, should we continue the pursuit?" The cavalry battalion commander sent someone to ask for instructions.
Paul shook his head. "No need. Have them fall back." He gazed thoughtfully in the direction the Orcish Cavalry had disappeared.
Schroeder walked over to Paul. "Your Excellency, this is Alba's challenge. He sent these two thousand cavalrymen