Time passed quickly. The sun set, leaving only the absurdly large moon and the Erdtree to light the Lands Between.
After fighting hard all day, the Redmane Army finally heard the gong signaling a withdrawal.
Hobbs ordered the troops to withdraw. They would set up camp and surround this place.
No one would be allowed in or out, and then they would discuss how to fight tomorrow.
On his side, Aureg left the necessary soldiers on night watch and told everyone else they could rest.
Both sides were exhausted.
But the people over at Stormgate were still in peak condition.
They dug fire pits and cooked. Godrick's troops ate meat and drank, thankful they had survived the first day. Some even declared that the Redmane Army was nothing to fear.
Aureg drank with the other knights and soldiers.
Someone asked him, "Commander, will the enemy attack tonight?"
"It's possible." Aureg looked beyond the mountain stockade. "But a night attack is unlikely. We live in an age without grace now."
Aureg asked the troops in return, "Are you tired?"
"Yes."
"This is my first battle. It really took a lot out of me."
The scattered replies gave Aureg a rough idea of his troops' condition. More of them simply kept their heads down and ate.
Aureg removed his helmet. "The enemy used up more strength than we did."
What he did not say was that the Redmanes should now be underestimating how much stamina they had lost.
This was only the first day of fighting, and they were the formidable Redmane Army. How could their stamina have fallen so quickly?
The reason was simple-grace was gone.
When they had grace, its benefits might not have seemed particularly significant.
But now that grace was gone, they probably could not adjust right away.