"And your Temple Knights?"
"I shall use the initiates to reinforce the flanks. The rest I will hold in reserve until you've weakened the enemy line."
"You surprise me," said the duke.
"Oh? How so?"
"Your initiates are all trained knights. Why do you have them serve on foot?"
The father general smiled. "Unlike the other orders, warriors come to our order already trained in the art of combat, but they often lack the experience of our seasoned knights. As such, we have them serve on foot for the first year of their service. It teaches them humility."
"Seems like a waste to me," said Heinrich. "The very idea of knights fighting on foot is counterproductive."
"I might remind you the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar are the premiere fighting force on the Continent," said the father general. "Our methods have been developed over centuries."
"I trust you won't be insulted if I lead my own knights into the fray?"
Hargild smiled. "Of course not. Our objective here is to defeat the enemy. Whether that's done by your forces or mine is of little consequence." He looked at the sun briefly before returning his gaze to the duke. "How long to get into position, do you think?"
"In a hurry, are we?"
"It would be convenient if we could wrap this up before noon," said the father general. "We still have a village to find after all."
"I should have the men in position by mid-morning. Will that be sufficient?"
"It would indeed."
"Then I shall be off," said Duke Heinrich. "There is more work yet to be done."
"The Saints be with you," said the father general.
Natalia stifled a yawn. She had not slept well last night, the burden of command weighing heavily upon her shoulders. In her heart, she knew making a stand was the best option, but looking around at the men and women gathered here, she began to have doubts. How many would die this day?
Off in the distance, she could make out individuals riding back and forth, cajoling the enemy warriors into position. Natalia knew this was typical for an army, her training had included such knowledge, but to actually see it was still intriguing. Looking at her own troops positioned before her, she saw a solid line of Therengians under Athgar's command. They were relaxed at the moment, the enemy still distant, but she sensed their unease as the full strength of the Holy Army unfolded before them.
Feeling the presence of an Orc at her side, she turned, expecting to see Shaluhk. Instead, she looked into the stern countenance of Voruhn. Kargen had told Natalia of their experiences in Khasrahk, leading them all to wonder about Voruhn's loyalty.
"Fear not," said Voruhn as if sensing the unease. "I shall do all I can today to ease the misgivings you have about me."
"You speak the common tongue?" said Natalia.
"I suppose I do," replied the shamaness, "though it is a surprise to me."
"You were unaware you spoke another language?"
"My mind is full of strange memories of late. I wonder if the Ancestors are speaking to me?"
"And what of Zahruhl?" asked Natalia.
"He, too, is eager to make amends. We shall both do our best this day. I promise you."
They stood in silence, mesmerized by the sight of their enemy.
"Such large numbers," said Voruhn. "How shall we defeat them?"
Natalia set her mind to work, burying her doubts. "They mean to push up to either flank. You can see by the way they're deploying their troops."
"Surely the centre is the most dangerous?"
"True, but their commander is cautious. He won't move up until either side is secure. He's worried about being attacked from the sides."
"And are we doing so?"
"No," said Natalia. "We have hunters on both sides, but their job is only to skirmish."
"To what end?"
"Fighting a battle is about stamina and courage. Break either, and we shall have a victory, but if we fail, we'll have no second chance."
"And so you mean to wear them down?"
"If we can."
"How do we do that against so many warriors?" asked Voruhn.
"By using the one advantage we have—magic."
"Magic is powerful against an individual, I will grant you that, but against an army?"
"Battle magic is not always about killing," said Natalia. "It is about destroying the enemy's will to fight. Mages are not common amongst Humans, and we know the enemy we face today has none. That also means they likely lack experience facing such foes. We can use that to our advantage."
"But surely they have mages in the Human kingdoms?"
"They do," agreed Natalia, "but seldom are they trained in the battlefield employment of magic. There is much more to becoming a battle mage than learning spells."
"So you are saying not all Human casters are battle mages?"
"Very few, if the truth be known. Only the family is said to provide such training."
"Then it is good you are on our side. We shall attempt to live up to your training."
Kargen stared out from amongst the trees at the distant warriors. Even as he watched, enemy archers were advancing towards the forest to his north.
"They mean to flush us out," he remarked. "I think it is time you strung your bows."
Kragor laughed. "We have plenty of time for that. At this speed, it will take them half the morning to get to us."
"Very well, but keep your eyes on them. We do not want to be taken by surprise."
"Do not worry, we will not fail you."
Kargen looked at the archer. "I have complete trust in you, my friend."
"And I, you," Kragor replied, "but I wish Laruhk were here."
"As do I, but it could not be helped. He and the others were needed elsewhere."
"Where are they?"
Kargen grinned. "You shall see, in time. It is best you do not know just yet. It might unsettle you."
"I am afraid of nothing," protested Kragor.
"So I see, and yet you should be. A little fear keeps an Orc alive."
"You are hiding something," his companion accused, "but I shall pry no further. It is not a hunter's place to question
