Chapter 157: Focus of Men
The midday sun bathed the coastal plains of Howth, Ireland, in a warm embrace. On one side stood the formidable assembly of Templars, Holy Knights, and mages, banners fluttering in the gentle breeze. Across from them, the protecting soldiers of Howth formed a determined line. Every single one of them was etched with steadfast resolve.
The horses had stopped. Territory advantage was of course tilted to the soldiers of Howth. There was one way to get to Howth as it was surrounded by water, thus leaving it with one side to defend.
The armour of the Holy Dynasty was a classical example of fantasy. White tabards underneath golden cuirass’ with the Maltese arrowhead; eight points, each created by the V-shaped indentations at the ends of the four arms of the cross. No helmets, golden gauntlets and greaves, and capes that amped them with speed. To avoid injury of their horses, the Holy Knights were the ones to leave their mounts and begin the assault.
Kazi was not one of them. He didn’t have to be.
The soldiers of Howth were ready but not ready enough.
"Chaarrge!"
"Attack!"
The protecting soldiers of Howth faced an onslaught that seemed insurmountable. The clash began with swords and shields. Following that, a torrent of arrows from the Templar archers. Their aim was well and true and struck their enemies without compromising their fellow Holy Knights. It was a gamble. If someone messed up, then discord would erupt amongst them. The tension between the two guilds was that sensitive.
Upon the second rain of arrows, the soldiers of Howth braced themselves for the impending storm. The Holy Knights backed off for but a minute and went back to attacking.
Death was limited. It seemed the Holy Knights weren’t too keen on a one-sided slaughter. They kept many of the Howth soldiers alive, either knocking them unconscious, knocking them to their knees, or disarming them and then threatening them to run.
The Howth weren’t finished. Though their perimeter was breached, they still had archers remaining in their territory. Too bad Cillain was amongst the Holy Knights. Otherwise, their strategy might have injured a player.