Chapter 283
“On the 26th, the scouts reported that the Kent family’s army was moving towards us. But from the intelligence obtained, it seems that the opponent should have about 5,000 people, and our army has the advantage. There are more than 8,000 people, and the huge disparity in strength makes everyone feel that the next battle will definitely be won.”
In the reception room of the Lord’s Mansion, Viscount Derrick Heller was telling Paul about the previous battle. The battle passed.
Also present were Chief of Staff Schroeder, Intelligence Director Cecil and others.
“We formed a formation and slowly approached the enemy. After the encounter, the opponent was indeed much smaller than us. But what is different from the past is that there are a large number of soldiers in the Kent family’s army. Equipped with a special kind of bow - a longbow, those are probably the mercenaries Maltz found from the south. After all, training longbowmen cannot be completed in a month or two."
"It was already dark when we encountered each other, so both sides had no intention of fighting, so they just set up camp. In the evening, we submitted a letter of challenge to the other side and agreed to a decisive battle the next day. Although it rained heavily at night, the entire army Their morale was very high, and they were full of confidence in winning the battle the next day. "The next day, on the morning of the 27th, the two armies finally faced the fate of the enemy. Arranged in a horizontal formation, the forward troops were arranged on the right wing, and the rear troops were on the left wing. Archers were placed in the gaps of each battle formation. The two wings were mainly composed of archers. The entire army followed a diagonal straight line shape. Line up, it seems that there is no reserve team."
"And we also formulated a battle plan, with Earl Malcolm and Viscount Johnston each leading a cavalry to kill the archers on both sides of the opponent's side. Then he led another cavalry detour to the opponent's rear camp and attacked the baggage convoy. Earl Parker and other generals led the infantry to attack the center of the enemy's army. "
"If the plan can be implemented smoothly, then the opponent will undoubtedly attack us. It quickly collapsed under the simultaneous attacks of several troops."
As he said this, an expression of resentment mixed with unwillingness appeared on Derrick's face, and he took a big sip of wine to refresh himself.
"However, the consecutive victories in the past few days have gone to many people's minds. Many officers who came from aristocrats, because of their similar status, refused to give in to each other. The originally orderly plan was thrown into chaos by these nobles who hoped to win the first prize. , as a result, a large number of troops appeared in inappropriate positions, which also caused a series of tragedies after the war started."
"The other reason is that the damn ground was very muddy due to the heavy rain last night. This seriously affected the performance of our cavalry. Due to discipline and road conditions, we were unable to form a strict formation, while the opponent was waiting for our attack."
"The Kent family. There were about 3,000 longbowmen in the army. They raised their longbows and fired arrows so densely that they were like rain, so violent and so fast that they could even hit the sky. Penetrating some metal armor and piercing the flesh, the tragic screams of the officers and soldiers after being hit by the arrows continued to be heard in our army. The frightened and injured horses were neighing and struggling like crazy, and we were in a mess. "
“The round after round of arrow rain and the muddy ground seriously delayed our charge. In fact, the damage caused by the longbowmen was mainly to those weakly protected retinues, but not to the well-protected knights. What effect does it have, but because of the mud, many people choose to dismount and walk. Because they are wearing heavy armor - specially designed for charging on horseback - the mud under their feet greatly consumes their physical strength and seriously affects the flexibility of their movements. As a result, after rushing to the enemy's position, many people were killed with plumb bobs and daggers by lightly dressed enemies."
"The first wave of cavalry charges failed, but our main infantry continued holding shields. Approaching the enemy, when they were about 50 yards away, the enemy's longbowmen no longer blocked their shots in the sky, but aimed straight at them. The injured people in front fell to the ground, and those behind were stumbled one after another. It was in this kind of situation Our troops were exhausted by the constant struggle.”
"Facing this situation, it seems that the reasonable countermeasure now is to use the same long-range means to replace the aircraft. But at that time, our archers and crossbowmen were located behind the infantry and cavalry. Their range could not cover the enemy, and their positions were too close. If they shoot rashly at the back, they will hurt their own people in front."
Derrick Heller said with shame and regret: "In this way, our attack failed, and Earl Parker had to order a retreat. The enemy took advantage of the situation to pursue us. Our people were frightened by the opponent's longbowmen. They retreated in disarray and could no longer organize effective resistance." "After that battle, 8,000 people retreated in disarray. There were only about 3,000 people left in the multi-person army. Once again, the advantage returned to the Kent family. Afterwards, we gathered up the defeated troops, reorganized the troops and launched another battle with the enemy, but we also suffered a defeat. The archer is so powerful that he has ingrained fear into the hearts of the soldiers."
Derrick Heller covered his face.
“In this way, we retreated all the way to Fort Bido—the place where we set out after reuniting. All the land behind us was lost to the Kent family, and all the results of a month were lost.”
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After listening to Derrick's story, Paul shook his head sympathetically.
“Oh, Derrick, it’s a pity that things have turned out like this. Did you come to me to seek help?”
Derrick stared at Paul eagerly: "Yes, Count Grayman, now only you can reverse our decline. Let your muskets and cannons reappear on the battlefield. Only those firearms can restrain the opponent's longbowmen." Paul frowned: "Darry Grams, you also know that my territory has not been peaceful recently.”
“Haven’t the riots been suppressed for a long time?”
“Maybe there are still some. The mouse in the dark..."
"You have punished so many people, and those people don't have the courage to start a second one so soon."
Paul had no choice but to say: "Okay, Derrick. But I still have to fight with my The generals will discuss it carefully."
Derrick said gratefully: "Thank you, Count Graiman, but please do it as soon as possible. In addition, if possible, please sell us a batch of firearms, even if it is you. No matter what is eliminated, we are willing to buy it at a high price.”
“I have to discuss this with my people.”
In fact, Paul has already made a decision in his heart. Decided that he didn't want to be in an alliance that was about to fail.
(End of this chapter)