A sudden change in the enemy's movements was the greatest test of a battlefield commander's ability and experience. Those qualities could have a major impact on how the battle unfolded. A good commander could reduce casualties or avert defeat, while a poor one could easily cost his side the entire battle.
The Centaurs' sudden change of tactics now put the Elf commander of the City Lord's Household Guard at the front to precisely that test. Thanks to Yu Lin Bloodhawk's earlier misguided orders, no reserves had been left at the Elf Ballista positions. The Centaurs' change of formation clearly meant they had discovered the High Elves' Ballista positions.
The Centaurs' intentions were obvious: split into two forces, break through along both flanks, and strike the rear of the Elf positions. After destroying the Ballistas, they would join the rear half of their army, which was now beginning to move, to catch the Household Guard's forward formation between them.
Whether to send troops back to help defend the Ballista positions was the most pressing decision facing the Household Guard's commander. A battle could change in an instant, and most of the time it gave a frontline commander little opportunity to think-sometimes less than it took to solve a quick brainteaser. Indecision or a mistaken judgment could send soldiers to needless deaths.
The Household Guard's commander had clearly made his decision in time. A force of roughly a hundred and twenty Rangers broke away from the main body with their Battle Pets and raced toward the Ballista positions along the passage left open for them.
"Looks like they don't trust me." Yu Lin Bloodhawk smiled wryly. He had also spotted the Ranger unit rushing over to reinforce him. Suddenly, he turned to the Gryphon Rider Bodyguard behind him and asked, "How is