Launching a frontal assault was not a wise choice given the disparities in numbers and armaments, with the enemy boasting formidable war elephants. Should the enemy close within fifty meters, their javelins alone could decimate half of Roach's group.
Roach's main advantage lay in his longbow, capable of precise shots at a hundred meters. Although his arrows lacked armor-piercing tips, they were effective against unprotected targets at this range.
In contrast, the enemy's ranged arsenal consisted of javelins and axes, effective only up to thirty meters, even with the most powerful throws stretching to sixty. By maintaining distance, Roach could eliminate them from beyond their throwing range.
As the simple-minded Tree Stump led the retreat with Western Gate and Big Door, guiding the group to safety, Roach, Big Tree, Tree Barrel, and Tree Stump prepared to cover their retreat.
Nervously gripping his spear as the enemy's elephants charged, Big Tree felt his hands tremble. But observing Roach's calm demeanor helped steady his nerves.
As the enemy drew closer, Roach measured the distance:
• At 250 meters… he noted their approach.
• At 200 meters… he readied himself.
• At 150 meters… he lifted his bow.
• At 100 meters… he placed an arrow.
• At 80 meters… he drew the bow fully.
• At 70 meters… he released the arrow.
With a swift whoosh, the arrow spun through the air, striking a forward enemy wielding an axe, ready to throw. The arrow pierced through his chest, causing blood to spurt out as he fell forward dead.
This sudden strike stunned the surrounding enemies. Two more arrows swiftly followed, each taking down another warrior—one fatally hit in the throat, struggling for air before succumbing.
The enemy's charge faltered. The elephant-riding leader, noticing Roach, roared commands to continue the assault with a barrage of axes.
"Run! Keep moving!" Roach shouted, pulling a dazed Big Tree along as they aimed to regroup. The enemy hurled their axes and javelins, forcing Roach and his companions to dodge desperately.
Tree Stump, protecting the rear with a large shield, absorbed several blows before the shield was punctured by a javelin—thankfully, causing only minor injuries.
Seeing an opportunity during a brief lull in the assault, Tree Barrel retaliated by throwing captured axes back at the enemy, managing to down two more attackers before Roach urged him to retreat.
This hit-and-run tactic continued. Roach and his group would sprint to safety, turn to unleash a flurry of arrows, and then move again before the enemy could close the distance. Each time, they managed to inflict casualties, gradually reducing the number of pursuers.
By the fourth exchange, Roach's group, breathless and exhausted, paused to recover. Tree Stump's shield was discarded, damaged beyond use. The chase had taken its toll on both sides, with the enemy now reduced to a mere handful of weary survivors.
As dawn broke, both groups faced each other across a distance of eighty meters. The enemy, now down to seven, was visibly fatigued. The leader of the elephant riders, consumed by rage and desperation, considered one final charge.
Roach, aware of their depleted state, prepared for another defensive stand. His group, though tired, was buoyed by the success of their tactics. The enemy, struggling to maintain cohesion, appeared less confident, their numbers dwindled by the relentless skirmishing.
In this critical moment, Roach knew the outcome of this next confrontation could determine the fate of both his tribe and the remnants of the enemy. He readied his bow, his resolve as firm as ever, prepared to protect his people at all costs.