"We'll camp here tonight." With fresh horses, the knights had traveled for half a day before stopping.
They chose a hill about fifty meters high, with roughly two hundred square meters of space at the top. A small river flowed nearby below it, making this a relatively safe spot.
The surviving soldiers and attendants persevered and set up a simple camp.
Lu Xiupei said to Knight Kaikuanxi, "Knight Kaikuanxi, I brought food, salt, medicine, Holy Water, and clothes in my carriage. Please take whatever you need!"
"Also, all the horses I brought are fit for riding. Every knight should take one."
"Thank you very much, Knight Lu Xiupei." Knight Kaikuanxi did not decline. This little band of knights now stood on the brink of destruction; there was no room for polite refusals.
Knight Kaikuanxi gave his orders. "Wash in groups, throw away your old clothes, and change into new ones."
"The priests are to give all the wounded thorough treatment."
"Those who aren't injured, or only lightly injured, will build the fires. As for the horses we brought with us, feed and water any that can survive, but don't ride them again. Kill those that won't survive for meat. Everyone is to eat their fill tonight. Is that understood?"
"Yes, understood!" Even now, everyone except the people Lu Xiupei had brought shouted their response.
"By the way, Knight Lu Xiupei, our people are all exhausted. Would it be possible..." Knight Kaikuanxi asked politely.
"Of course. We'll take care of the watch tonight." Lu Xiupei raised his voice a little. "Bard, you're in charge of the watch. Ouka, you're in charge of pitching the tents. Nida, you're in charge of laying traps. Understood?"
"Understood!" they answered in unison.
Though they had only been together for half a day, Lu Xiupei had