The swords sharpened for war slashed through the tough skin of the dire wolves and the dark red blood of beasts not quite monsters painted the tree trunks and white snow on the forest floor.
Despite the strong skill of the frontmost knights, they couldn't rely on skill alone to protect the less experienced. There were too many dire wolves and too many opportunities to get through the defenses.
The formation the knights took in order to keep apprentices and the supplies in the center was flawed. The weakness was immediately taken advantage of as they had to traverse through trees and a dire wolf lunged at Henry from the leeward side of an oversized tree
As he raised his sword with the intention of blocking the beast before it could do harm, he had to let go of the reins of his horse.
