Clatter, clatter-!
Rapid hoofbeats shook the earth like war drums.
Haskell, captain of the Snow Oath, abruptly raised his head, his wolf-sharp gaze fixed on the billowing dust in the distance.
Those were not the hoofbeats of fleeing horses, but the synchronized thunder of armored cavalry!
They're here.
The next instant, the neighing of warhorses pierced the haze as crimson figures galloped out of the dust.
The armor of the Red Tide Knights gleamed coldly in the setting sun, like a sword slashing out of the abyss!
"Warriors, form up!" Haskell swung his battle-axe up and growled.
The Snow Oath warriors quickly moved into position, shields braced, spears thrust forward, battle-axes held at an angle. Vigilance shone in their eyes, and sweat trickled down their temples.
But the Red Tide Knights gave them no chance to catch their breath!
Whoosh!
The air tore as sharp javelins and arrows showered down on them in a torrential barrage!
Ranged projectiles!
They're trying to wear us down like this!
Haskell's pupils contracted slightly, and his heart sank.
He immediately realized that this was a carefully planned hunting tactic.
These knights intended to tear open their defenses with ranged attacks, then slip through the gaps once their formation began to falter.
"Shield wall! Now!"
The Snow Oath warriors immediately raised their heavy shields, followed by a series of dull impacts.
"Aaargh!"
One young Snow Oath warrior, however, moved a fraction too slowly.
He staggered backward with a scream, a javelin piercing his chest as blood sprayed out.
He opened his mouth in defiance, but only frothy blood came out. Then he collapsed heavily, convulsed, and fell silent.
"Bastards! Damned knights!" the warrior beside him roared, savage killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Don't rush! Hold the formation first!" Haskell roared through gritted teeth.
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