Chapter 54: Triple Creek

POV Rena

I cursed inwardly as I shifted in my saddle. Shyora winked knowingly and took to the skies, having flown me to my brigade. My officers, knights of some standing chuckled at my discomfort. A quick glance silenced them. I was quite taken with dispensing 'extra duties' to those that had too much time on their hands.

"My lady, General Fulton has ordered us to wait for 3rd brigade before beginning our advance." One of the knights spoke up.

I nodded. "Very well, we'll have the griffin battalions lead, i'm sure they'll love to show off their new drill for her majesty's army."

"Of course my lady, it will be done." They bowed their heads and dispatched messengers to rearrange the battalions to follow my instructions. I watched the brigade change formation like we'd drilled and a small smile crossed my face as I readjusted myself in the saddle.

It was another hour before 3rd brigade crossed the fords, it's columns quickly forming up with the ease only veteran soldiers had. With the brigades forming assault columns I gave the order for my troops to advance into the forest to the sound of battle. I watched the brigade molt into the trees, the advance was slow due to the crossing of the rough ground. But surprise was paramount to the plan and it would help 1st and 2nd brigades break the front lines and together we'd roll the flank.

I marched with the brigade, my knights and officers forming a loose circle around me. Two hours of marching through the brush and the sounds of battle filtered through the trees to us. Steel rang and warriors cried, all about us was the dull roar of battle. I nodded to my officer and they quickly rushed to their battalions.

My brigade emerged from the forest, and upon the small rise that I stood I was able to see almost the whole battlefield. Just to my brigade's left was the exposed rear of Golmor's left flank, four companies of mercenaries and the 80th regiment. The line was under pressure from the assault columns of Tullio's brigade and I could see Ponatoski's brigade waiting in reserve.

Further along the line several regiments of the Queen's army massed to break Golmor's center, it was slowly gaining ground, but was far from breaking through. I looked to the rear of Golmor's army, several regiments were massed, in position to relieve the center or left wing. I took one long look across the battlefield as I recalled my orders from the previous night.

'Drive deep into the enemy, smash them and break their spirits.' I glanced at the left wing then shook my head. Isser and her brigade could just as easily break that. But those reserves… I drew my sword and pointed at the enemy's reserves. The brigade advanced in a sweeping motion, almost across the field before they realized we were upon them.

The regiments rushed to form a line of battle as my battalions engaged them. I wished to join them, to fight the honorable battle my soldiers were embroiled in. But Smith's teachings were absolute, a commander should not fight unless absolutely necessary. I begrudgingly held back from the fighting but rode up and down the line, shouting encouragement at the soldiers, and directing the wounded to gather to the rear.

Soon the cries of battle from the enemy's left wing turned to despair as Isser's brigade attacked their rear. Barely half an hour passed before their left wing completely collapsed. I shouted encouragement to my battalions as Isser's brigade strengthened my own line. I ordered a general advance and the troops screamed as they bore into the enemy regiments. Several of them started to give way and a white flag was raised above them.

Isser and I halted our troops from continuing the slaughter as a few officers rode towards my brigade in resplendent armor turned filthy with the rigors of campaigning. I called for the General but he'd already appeared, as if he knew I'd call for him.

"If she's going to surrender, David said to let her." He grumbled as we rode our horses to meet them between the lines.

"Golmor knows she's bested, she is likely trying to end the battle before any more unnecessary blood is spilled." Isser replied.

We stopped a few paces short of Golmor and her knights. The knightsess removed their helmets to reveal their faces. I quickly recognized Golmor from the scar across her right eye, its milky white orb wandered lazily about. She looked as if she'd aged decades since I'd seen her last year. Wrinkles covered her face and she seemed weighed down by time, a far cry from the boastful and arrogant knight I'd known.

We warily eyed each other before Golmor cleared her throat. "I am Knightess Juliet Golmor, of the Golden Dawn mercenary company."

"General Smith Fulton, commanding the Army of the Lobau." Smith replied evenly.

"It is good to finally meet you, my nemesis." Golmor nodded to Smith.

"Spare the General the pleasantries Knight." Isser replied.

Golmor sighed and offered her sword. "For the sake of those under my command I must offer my sword."

The General urged his horse foward and took her sword before handing it back. "Lead your troops in laying down their arms. I will speak to my brother about treating the prisoners well."

I bit my lip but refrained from commenting. The Fulton brothers lacked the tact of proper nobles, this would snub those of higher rank that an unlanded relative of a noble accepted the surrender when the queen herself was on the field. But that probably had much to do with the Queen's leniency as their own lack of tact. Perhaps i'd talk with Baron Fulton about it later.

"Viscountess, your brigade will oversee the surrender of arms here, ensure the fair treatment of the enemy." Smith turned to me. I nodded before glancing at Golmor. It was going to be a long day…