Loosed Volleys

It was the infantry that made up the front line. Directly behind them, the archers formed up. The flanks were taken by the remaining cavalry. There were more than 250 soldiers left. However, this did mean that they had lost almost half of their initial starting numbers.

Seeing the soldiers formed up, James did not know what to say. He had lost most of his credentials in the eyes of the men. The only way he could redeem himself is if is able to perform the same way as he did in Hermes. At that moment, he was one of the most reliable knights that were in Hermes. However now, he was disliked by many.

Looking over at Edward, he met his eyes. Edward looked directly into his eyes and gave a gentle nod. This means the start the second day. Edward was the one that would start it off. As his horse walked a few steps forward, Edward started to give out a simple speech.

"Men! I know that many of our brothers have bled for this fight. And I know that most of you think that this battle is has nothing to do with them. Heck, even some are willing to leave this all behind and return home. I do not blame you. Instead, I agree with you."

There was a confused reaction hearing this. Some of the soldiers even slowly started to lower their swords.

Paying no mind to this, Edward continued, "However, do not forget that our opponent, the Herewealth family, is not one that forgets. And they sure do not forgive. The moment we leave this field, we might live a few more years. But ones their fangs come biting. Not only you… but your family will also suffer…" His voice calmed down saying these last few words.

Walking his horse up and down, Edward took a deep breath. Slowly increasing his voice he continued, "So tell me men… Do you want to leave now, and risk the lives of your family? Or will you take this chance and stand here with me?"

Agreement echoed in the field as people slowly started to get fired up. The ones that previously lowered their weapons rose them up again. They even tightened their grip on their weapons.

Taking out his sword, Edward continued his words, "Now men! Show them what we are made of! How them, that they messed with the wrong person!" Swinging the sword over his head for a round, he pointed his sword to the front and shouted from the top of his lungs, "Charge!"

With that, orders rang over in the field as the various lieutenants started to give orders. "Infantry move out! Move out!" "Archers, follow ten paces back!"

The marching of the soldiers started to trembled the ground, as James' me were slowly getting closer to the defending positions of the Herewealth soldiers. With every second, the two lines were getting closer and closer to each other.

Watching the field from a distant, James noticed that Edward was patiently waiting to give a new order. Seeing that the two lines were closing in, he gave the order, "Archers!"

The same order echoed throughout the field. "Archers" With that, the various archers in the field readied their arrows, waiting for the second order to come. Seeing that everyone was ready, Edward lowered his hand. The moment that his hand was lowered, the order came, "Loose!"

With those order, dozens of arrows flew towards the direction of the enemies positions. Seeing this, orders were being shouted. Some of the men raised their shields up high to meet the incoming arrows. However, they were disrupted by their fellow soldiers, as there was a chaotic fleeing was going on. Ally bumped into an ally, making the formation crumble.

It was clear that the Herewealth soldiers were also demoralized because of their heavy losses of the day before. The effects were now felt.

Taking the opportunity of this, Edward shouted out a new order, "Fire another volley and have the men charge into the points where the formation is broken!" Split them in two and kill them all!"

His orders were spread through the field as the soldiers increased their pace, ready to charge into the gaps in the enemy line.

…