This was a detail every commander had overlooked.
Armies needed fires to cook. Even if they were serf soldiers and morale was completely ignored, there would still be repercussions.
The number of cooking fires generally did not fluctuate much.
Simon remembered the Viscount saying that if the enemy's cooking fires changed in number, it meant part of their army had gone into hiding.
Part of their army had vanished during the retreat. Where could they have gone?
Simon broke out in a cold sweat. If their main force really caught up with them, they would be walking straight into a trap.
"The Viscount was right. This is a conspiracy."
But now that he had discovered the enemy's scheme, there was nothing to fear.
Simon pretended not to notice and continued shadowing the Holy Cross Kingdom's army.
After the first night passed, he took advantage of the dim dawn to have his men cut down a batch of branches and feed the warhorses until they were full.
"That old fox Connor is too cunning. Let's fool him once more."
Before long, the Holy Cross Kingdom troops lying in ambush saw dust soaring into the sky.
Even in the hazy light, they could see vast clouds of dust rising. There had to be at least several thousand men.
"When did those damned Locke people get here? Report to the Earl at once!"
When Earl Connor received the report, he did not doubt its authenticity.
He was only furious. After arranging everything for so long, his fools had still left holes everywhere. They did not even know when the enemy had approached.
"Luckily, I was one step ahead. Order all troops to advance steadily and compress the Locke people's room to maneuver.
And I don't want to see the Locke people slipping away