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The fighting in the woods was fierce and drawn out. But finally, the skirmish is over.
Vjeran rides alongside the rest of his contingent, retreating from the site of the bloodshed. The rebel knights are disoriented and have suffered many losses.
The loyalist commander deliberately let groups of knights cross without challenge before isolating and slaughtering the outnumbered enemy. The rebels quickly grew wise to this strategy, launching a full-frontal charge, inflicting severe casualties upon the loyalists and driving them off.
Vjeran's riders paid a heavy price for the bold maneuver. Nearly half of the loyalist contingent lies dead or wounded in the soil. The wounded, being of lowborn status, are worth nothing in ransom.
They will be executed.
As Vjeran takes one last look back at the rebel riders.
Despite the sacrifices, the men did their job. The rebel riders will be delayed, and with any luck, might not show up to the battle at all.
Vjeran just hopes it's enough, and that his men have not died in vain.
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