"Madness," Cormrant said. "You're putting blood on our hands, Patrick."
"The villages would bleed far more blood than I," Oliver said, "that I assure you, Vice-Commander. We have an opportunity. We have done well today, and proved our strength. Indulge my childishness for a mere few moments, but prioritise the lives of your men above mine. I will test the limits of this darkness."
"Damn it all," Cormrant said, stomping his foot. He shook his head with more anger than any sane man would dare project towards a noble. "I can't understand you, Patrick. Damn it all, I can't understand you." Nevertheless, he gave the signal.
"MEN! PREPARE TO CHARGE!"
The men assumed the spear ranks as their discipline demanded from them. Even as their arms shook from the presence of the supernatural, they stood off, at the other side of the cavern, facing the bandits, their spears lowered, and their now-useless bows cast aside.
