Chapter 41 Suspense (Part 2)

"Report! The Persians have left the canyon and are pursuing us!"

"Excellent. How many of them?"

"Approximately six or seven thousand. They seem to be mostly archers and mounted archers."

"Damn Persians! They must foolishly believe they can crush us completely with their arrows!"

"That's perfect! The more of them that come, the more we can kill!"

"Can Juleios hold them off?"

"That's why our attack must be swift and fierce!" Clearchus resolutely commanded, "Everyone, return to your command posts immediately, form up, and advance!"

"Hurrah!!..." The leaders rubbed their hands, eager to act.

Artoxares exited the canyon and eagerly arranged his troops in a combat formation, similar to the previous day, with archers in the center and cavalry on both flanks.

Barely two miles past the canyon's mouth, scouts returned with a report: "The Greeks are advancing straight toward us!"