The human-shaped shadow skimmed along the ground with lightning speed, shooting toward the center of the battlefield, toward Jhaqo Khal, who was riding and hacking away, utterly unaware that death was approaching.
"A devil... this is a devil's creation..."
Davos muttered in a daze, his entire body cold.
The soldiers around him were even more terrified out of their wits.
Stannis watched the shadow that embodied part of his own life and strength speed away, then abruptly raised his head. Nothing remained in his dark blue eyes but burning flames.
"Warriors of the Stormlands!"
Stannis's voice was like a sword drawn from its sheath, instantly drowning out the confusion before the ranks. "The Lord of Light's miracle has appeared! The demon's head is about to fall! Take up your weapons, grip your spears, and follow me! Follow the burning stag! Advance! Crush them! Victory belongs to Baratheon! To the Stormlands!"
"For King Stannis!"
"Long live Baratheon!"
"Kill!!!"
Though fear of that terrifying magic still lingered in their hearts, the force of their king's roar instantly ignited the Stormlands soldiers' pent-up anger and hunger for victory.
Earthshaking battle cries erupted like a volcano. Led by Stannis's burning stag banner, fifteen thousand rested Stormlands troops advanced with heavy, resolute steps and overwhelming momentum, charging toward the chaotic, bloody battlefield.
Meanwhile, at the center of the battlefield.
Jhaqo Khal was reveling in the slaughter.
He had just cleaved a Dornish soldier and his spear in two with his curved blade as the man tried to stab his horse. Scalding blood splashed across his face.
He stuck out his tongue, licked the blood at the corner of his mouth, and gave a satisfied roar.
His Bloodriders were like a pack of bloodthirsty wolves, madly hacking at every enemy they could see around them.
"Ha!