Chapter 254: Protect Arkansas (5) Smooth Plan
"There you are," Varkas uttered in disdain.
The battle commenced with a fierce intensity. Varkas’s strategy was clear: eliminate Lyan, the lynchpin of Arkansas’s defense, and the city would fall. Varkas watched as his soldiers surged forward, clashing with the defenders in a maelstrom of steel and screams.
Lyan moved through the chaos like a phantom, his glaive flashing in the moonlight as he cut down enemy soldiers with practiced precision. His presence seemed to bolster his troops, their formation shifting and adapting to his commands with an almost preternatural fluidity. It was as if the defenders could anticipate every move Varkas’s forces made, always one step ahead, always in perfect sync.
"Focus on Evocatore!" Varkas shouted, rallying his men. "Cut off the head, and the body will fall!"
The battle raged on, and despite their best efforts, Varkas’s forces struggled to gain ground. Lyan’s strategic prowess was evident; his formations shifted like the tides, making it nearly impossible for Varkas to adapt. Every attempt to flank or outmaneuver was met with a swift and decisive counter.
But Varkas was a veteran and a skilled strategist. He observed, analyzed, and adapted. Gradually, he began to discern patterns in Lyan’s tactics. With careful maneuvering, he succeeded in encircling Lyan, his forces closing in from all sides.
"Now!" Varkas roared, signaling his men to tighten the noose around Lyan.
Just as it seemed the defenders would be overwhelmed, a trumpet blast echoed through the night. From the shadows of the forest, a massive contingent of soldiers emerged, their armor gleaming in the dim light. They charged into the fray, smashing into Varkas’s forces with unrelenting force.
"Reinforcements?" Varkas spat, his eyes narrowing. "Where did they come from?"
He had no time to ponder. The new arrivals fought with a ferocity that rivaled his own men. Varkas found himself at the forefront, his sword slicing through the air as he engaged the enemy.
The battle grew more chaotic, the lines blurring as both sides clashed with renewed vigor. Hours passed, and the fighting showed no sign of abating. Varkas’s sword arm grew heavy, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Yet, despite their efforts, the defenders seemed unyielding, their numbers inexplicably undiminished.