The wind chant dies in Gnnamme Wasa’s raw throat. Hoarse and winded, he stands on the hillcrest as enemy riders force their way toward the lower shelf.
Below, the mounted archer captain, a middle-aged human woman with a lean build, sun-browned skin, a square-jawed face, and auburn hair beneath a rust-red helm over dark leather armor, rallies shield bearers around the struggling line. Their boards lock together just as Cho Sios Wata’s compact cavalry wedge reaches the shallows.
the mounted archer captain
Shields forward! Hold the shelf! Riders, circle wide and strike their flank before the wedge reaches us!
Gnnamme’s surviving riders wheel from behind the ridge, hooves tearing through the tall grass. They angle toward the enemy flank, carrying the battle’s narrow opening with them.
Cho Sios Wata
Wedge tight! Ignore the flank and break their shield line! Press through the crossing!
Gnnamme Wasa
The cavalry wedge is still short of the defensive line.
Arrows flicker above the river while the shield bearers brace against the approaching impact. The surviving riders gain speed, but the enemy formation is nearly upon them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Hold the defensive line
✓ Quest Accepted
Survive the battle