Chapter 44: Pre-Battle Meeting in Dendram

After a whole day of reconnaissance, Guillem brought back no good news.

Roderi's army was very close to Dendram Harbor, mixed with many local Irish lords' armies. In addition, the army of Decus and Roderi's forces converged from the north.

The flag of Cayman's family was also raised in the grand army, confirming his betrayal.

John also understood that there was no escape for him this time.

With the arrival of the second day, the enemy began to appear outside the city. They began to establish a large camp to the west of the city, apparently preparing for a siege.

Perhaps they thought John would rely on the city walls to defend Dendram Harbor. But in reality, John had his troops ready to charge out of the city and engage in a major battle.

Martin landed with militiamen from Waterford at the harbor. Most of these men were citizens of Waterford, armed temporarily and forming a quite capable army.

John now had a large army at his disposal, high morale, and sufficient combat power. It would be embarrassing if he continued to hide in the city and avoid battle.

But before the battle, John summoned all his generals.

This was John's first formal pre-battle meeting. After all, the significance of this battle was different from before. Everyone present was tied to the same rope, and if this battle were lost, no one could guarantee their survival in the post-battle reckoning.

John held the meeting in a small house, the room lit by candles like a lord's great hall. A crude map was placed on the table in the center of the room. The dim lighting would have made anyone sleepy, but everyone present was wide awake, showing no signs of drowsiness.

"Everyone, given the current dangerous situation, I'll keep this brief," John said, placing his hand on the map. "We have limited food supplies, enough for about a week at most. We cannot sit back and wait to die. So, I will inform you of our tactical arrangements for the upcoming battle."

These words weren't entirely true, especially regarding the food supplies. John actually had plenty of food stocks that could last for a long time, but he didn't say that directly. He was concerned that revealing this might make the generals hesitate.

To win decisively in the final battle, there had to be an air of desperation.

Everyone listened intently, waiting for John's words, afraid of missing a single detail.

Several chess pieces rolled from John's palm and tumbled across the tabletop before coming to a stop.

As these pieces were set in place, John slowly began, "Our tactical arrangement this time has only one objective: to flank and crush the enemy."

Two knight pieces were pushed to the sides, with three pawn pieces lined up in the middle.

"We need the knights to split on both wings, striking the enemy from both sides," John pounded the table heavily. "Layce, lead the knights of Lencaster in a charge from the left wing."

Then, John pointed to the pieces on the right wing, "Hugo, Gerard, you two lead the royal knights and Gloucester's knights on the right wing. I will charge with you against the enemy."

John's proposal was not rejected.

The warrior king tradition of England led them to cherish a monarch rich in martial virtues, and the best way to demonstrate these virtues was to join the battle in person.

As the owner of this body, John was naturally aware that this body was already considered quite strong for this era. This stemmed from the knightly education John had received in his youth, which every English heir to the throne had to undergo.

"As for the center, it will be commanded by Brulot and Rolf," John nudged two pawn pieces. "Martin will lead the militia from Watford as the reserve, stationed in the rear."

There were no objections to the previous arrangements, except for one that was questioned.

"Do we trust these mercenaries?" Gerard was the first to raise objections. Following closely behind was Roland, who noticed that John's deployment seemed to exclude him.

Roland asked somewhat puzzled, "Your Highness, what should I do? Should I follow Gerard?"

John shook his head and said, "I need you to help me hold the rear and guard Dendram."

While this task was reasonable, Roland was clearly dissatisfied. He, like John, was young and eager to make a name for himself on the battlefield, so being left behind in the rear did seem to slight him.

However, John indeed needed someone trustworthy to handle this task.

"The task of guarding Dendram is extremely important, and I must make use of your talents, Roches," John said seriously. "Look at those people in Dendram Castle. They are always prepared to counterattack, and only you can defend against them."

Such attempts at reassurance were in vain, and Roches could only reluctantly accept this reality.

Next, John turned to Gerard. "Brulot has already proven his loyalty in previous battles, and as for Rolf, I am willing to believe he will not betray us."

Gerard waved his hand. "No, Your Highness, what I mean is, can these soldiers withstand the charge of the enemy's center?"

This question brought a moment of silence to the room.

Indeed, if the enemy strengthened their center and launched an attack, John also did not know if those soldiers could withstand the charge. The biggest issue when facing cavalry was morale, and John couldn't guarantee if those soldiers' morale was high enough.

But the situation couldn't remain silent forever.

"I think soldiers trained in this way can withstand the enemy's charge," John said firmly. "They just need to not be overwhelmed by the enemy."

Martin chimed in, "And there will also be the militia from Watford supporting them from the rear."

The two spoke in harmony, and Gerard, half-believing and half-doubting, chose to trust John and did not continue to question.

After completing the arrangements, John glanced around at all the officers. Everyone sat up straight, their faces serious.

"If there are no objections, you may go," John said finally, marking the end of the pre-battle meeting.

When everyone dispersed, Roches remained behind, his expression clearly discontented.

"Your Highness, my father sent me here not just to guard the rear," Roches spoke unabashedly. "I am a knight, and I should be fighting at the front lines for you."

Roches's thoughts indeed mirrored those of most young knights.

Initially, John had been prepared to simply order him not to press the issue. But he reconsidered, realizing that he would continue to employ Roches in the future, so he might as well be clear.

"I understand your dissatisfaction, Roches, but I would rather you become a comprehensive commander. In the future, whether it's on the front lines, behind enemy lines, or in castle sieges, you can play a crucial role," John said.

To John, these words meant little, but to Roches, they were John's heartfelt words.

"Moreover, you are different from them. Your greatest trait is loyalty, you understand?" John said firmly. "Some things can only be entrusted to people who are loyal enough."

After saying this, John patted Roches on the shoulder and pushed him out of the cabin.

Roches, who hadn't had a chance to thank John, felt his body filled with motivation. This was an expectation from the prince, and he would surely live up to it.

John didn't have as much on his mind as Roches did.

All he had to do now was wait for the next battle.