From fright, panic, and helplessness to forced composure, and finally the ease of overwhelming relief.
In an exceedingly short time, Sauron, atop Barad-dûr, had undergone a journey from despair to hope.
For those emerging from the white light were not Ainur, but a force of human heavy cavalry with soaring morale.
Led by a banner bearing two lions, they urged their horses forward and emerged from behind the slope in a confident procession.
Once this heavy cavalry force cleared the slope, they charged almost without hesitation at the Easterling cavalry, who outnumbered them nearly ten to one.
It was as though their commander had ordered the entire force to charge from a great distance away.
Every galloping rider wore a highly protective bucket helm. With only a single slit and a dozen or so breathing holes, these helmets offered the greatest possible protection for their heads.
Their upper bodies were clad in chainmail reaching below their knees, with a sleeveless layer of plate armor over it.
In fact, this was a coat of plates similar to brigandine, with steel plates riveted inside red or black leather.
Protected by both chainmail and a coat of plates, these heavy cavalrymen could shrug off most slashing blows and shots from bows and crossbows on the battlefield.
They also wore steel arm guards, while armored boots protected their entire insteps and shins.
Even the tall steeds they rode wore metal horse armor covering their whole bodies, shielding them from most attacks during a charge.
Judging by their equipment, this cavalry force that had suddenly appeared was armed to the teeth.
Although they numbered only a few hundred, they boldly formed a single long line across the broad plain.
Most astonishingly, their formation remained perfectly ordered as they galloped, and the long, sharp heavy cavalry