Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 199: Steel and blood(1)

Mavius sat astride his warhorse at the rear of the formation, his gaze piercing through the chaos ahead, trying to glean some sense from the turmoil of clashing armor and dust. His position in the reserve allowed him the vantage to observe the battle's flow, yet today, despite the disciplined lines and calculated movements, he struggled to read the unfolding action clearly.

Frustration lining his brow, Mavius turned to Lord Aron, who sat steadfast at his side. "What do you make of it,my lord ? I cannot even distinguish a break on the line from a rout, like this "

Lord Aron leaned slightly forward, studying the distant infantry ranks as dust rose from the battlefield, obscuring the view. "Your Grace," he replied calmly, "the fight only began scarcely an hour ago. Even with their movements, it is unlikely much has shifted yet. If changes are occurring, they will still be subtle. Too soon for the chaos to settle."

Mavius scowled, his eyes returning to the field, picking out pockets of movement. He had not expected to feel so blind, yet the dust, the roar, and the endless figures melding in battle gave him nothing but frustration. But he kept his composure; though his hands gripped the reins tightly, his knuckles paled under the mail of his gloves.

Did my father really love war so much?What is there to like?

Mavius squinted at the battlefield, his brow drawn in deep contemplation as he studied the enemy formation. "Look there," he said, a glint of impatience flickering in his eyes. "The lake may pins down their left flank, but the right... it's wide open. They've left it practically exposed. If only our cavalry weren't tied up with theirs, we could crush them here and now."

Lord Aron shifted in his saddle, his gaze following Mavius' pointed finger toward the unguarded edge of the enemy formation.

'The same could be said for ours ' Lord Aron wanted to say but refrained.

He was silent for a moment, calculating the distance and terrain. "Indeed, Your Grace, it may be exposed," Aron agreed, "but it's a long reach. It would take our reserve infantry at least twenty minutes to reach the enemy's flank, maybe more."