>>6153384You put the flute down and sighed. You had played that with Malevus in front of your men and you couldn’t since then get it out of your mind. One of the more popular laments sang by Alteracis, yet you found it hit so close to your heart and mind. You found it prophetic, remembering the old what was lost once, yet so popular to be sung, not looking into the future. So you continued.
“Alas for the bright cup
Alas for the mailed knight
Alas for the splendour of the Prince
How that time has passed away
Dark under the cover of night
As if it never were.”
You hadn’t played those verses a couple days ago. It was a lament after all of the times that have passed. Like they never were. It wasn’t fitting for the day of present.
You put the flute away back into its cover and then back into your backpack.
The lament had brought calm into your mind and even the wind had calmed down. The camp had died down and you put your head back down on your saddlebag that acted as your pillow.
Tomorrow there will be war.
You wouldn’t die, nor would your men. It would be the gnolls who would do it. And you would be glad for it.
…
>9>7>8>10The men marched, no one said a word as you entered the forest.
Normal trees quickly made way for older and stronger ones. The forest floor cleared of saplings as the trees around you blotted out the sun above them.
You had dismounted your horse some time ago already as you walked in the middle of your knights, passing tree trunks as wide as your chest. Each step of yours was a careful one, avoiding fallen branches and such.
Suddenly one of your archers came running back to you. They had been in front of your formation scouting the way ahead.
“Prince Alric, we found them.” He told you with a hushed voice.
“The gnolls?” You asked.
“Yes, their camp. They are gathered around a couple of tents and covers.” The archer said.
“They didn’t spot you?”
“No Prince Alric.”
Good, you still had the advantage of surprise, but for how long?
“How many of them?” You asked.
“Couple dozen if not more.” The archer replied.
That was enough for you. It was time to act.
>Order the archers and your skirmishers to engage the gnolls immediately. Volleys of arrows and gunfire should clear their ranks.>Form ranks and engage them in a field battle. You wouldn’t take any risks as you would do this by the book and by the numbers. This is what the men have been training for.>Have your men immediately form up and charge the gnolls, taking them by shock and destroying them on the spot.>Other, write in.QM: Good rolls!
