Arial in the lead and hence, he was the target of the attack. Everyone knows that if anyone could hit and kill the enemy commander the army would be held back.
After all everyone knows it is the Vermont young lord that control this battle.
Consequently, if he falls, then it would be easier.
Then why did he not just stay behind? First, because he was confident. And second, there is a reason why his soldiers love him and would follow him to the jaws of death itself.
It is because he fought alongside them and was the bravest among them all.
Who could defeat an army with his high of a morale?
Arial was not afraid of them and he knows the battlefield and it is easier for him to control the flow of the battle if he is in it.
As Arial rides through the battlefield, one soldiers throws a javelin toward him. Arial smirk as he moves his head as the javelins whistle pass him.