Chapter 192: The War Between the South and North 7

As Chris IV’s army prepared to march after concluding their overall discussion, Mansfeld and Christian commanded a 20,000-strong contingent positioned to one side.

Bolstered by Chris IV’s support, Mansfeld’s mercenary band had grown formidably.

While still harboring misgivings, the two commanders felt they had adequately insured themselves against undue risks.

“Though unsettling, at least we’ve avoided directly engaging Tilly – a fortuitous boon.”

“I concur. Facing that veteran strategist would prove far more perilous than contending with a relative novice. Should the main force falter, we can still execute a measured withdrawal.”

According to their preplanned assault route, they would not directly confront Tilly’s forces.

Their designated – or rather, self-appointed – role involved striking the Imperial army’s flank under a commander far less renowned than the esteemed Tilly.

“Wallenstein, wasn’t it? Rumor has it this upstart purchased his generalship by lavishing exorbitant sums upon the Emperor. Combating such an adversary should prove relatively straightforward.”

“While overconfidence remains unwise, he cannot possibly outmatch Tilly’s prowess. Even should Chris IV’s main host suffer catastrophe, we could still extract tangible gains before retreating.”

An inexperienced political appointee – one whose credentials spoke for themselves.

Thus assured, they commenced their advance, confident of securing victory without undue difficulty.

“I’m told the enemy occupies the far bank of the Elbe. Once we cross the Dessau Bridge, we can march directly upon their positions.”

“The Elbe…given its breadth, we must exercise due caution during the crossing.”

“Fortunately, nightfall approaches. Let us exploit the darkness to swiftly execute the river crossing. Unleashing our vanguard cavalry in a rapid thrust could penetrate their defenses decisively.”

“A sound stratagem. Let us proceed accordingly.”

While river crossings inherently risked the attacker, Mansfeld remained sanguine.

Being springtime, the water levels remained manageable. Moreover, according to scout reports, the enemy seemed ill-prepared to defend the river and bridge sectors effectively.

By swiftly capitalizing on the night’s concealment, he calculated they could achieve victory with minimal casualties.

Propelled by such expectations, Mansfeld’s forces initiated their operation.

Shortly thereafter, upon nearing the Elbe, Mansfeld dispatched forward scouts to assess the situation.

“Report the enemy’s disposition.”

“All appears quiet. At most, a handful of sentries guard the bridge – no other hostile presence detected.”

“Excellent, we shall advance immediately and seize the crossing in one decisive stroke.”

“All forces, forward march!”

Per Mansfeld’s orders, his troops swiftly converged on the bridge – their path ostensibly unobstructed beyond a paltry enemy screen, posing no apparent dangers.

At least outwardly.

An emboldened Chris IV, witnessing the Imperial army’s ongoing disarray, issued his advance without hesitation.

“Valorous warriors of Mark! Crush these foes immediately! In God’s name, exterminate these degenerate pawns of the corrupt Church!”

“Uwwwaaaarrrghh!”

“Forward march!”

“For the Lord’s will, we shall annihilate these wicked scum!”

Roused by Chris IV’s exhortations, Mark’s soldiers commenced their 30,000-strong advance supplemented by numerous mages and scores of cannons.

Propelled by such overwhelming might, they charged impetuously toward the Imperial positions atop a low ridge, confident of effortlessly obliterating their adversaries.

Then:

-KABOOOOM!-

“Wha—what was that?!”

“What’s happening?”

A sudden, thunderous explosion erupted behind them, sowing instantaneous bewilderment across Chris IV’s rapidly advancing ranks.

His eyes beheld a massive conflagration engulfing their rear encampment – an inexplicable sight leaving him utterly dumbfounded as he demanded answers:

“What…what’s going on? What caused those flames?!”

“That’s…that was our main camp! But…how…?”

The unforeseen calamity triggered widespread disarray among Chris IV’s disoriented troops.

Then, a wounded soldier staggered toward them, his anguished words further compounding their dismay:

“My…lord…catastrophe…has befallen us…”

“Explain yourself! Where did you sustain such injuries?”

“Soon…as your main host departed…they launched their ambush…even now, they occupy our camp…and advance toward us…”

“What…what did you say? How can that be? The enemy deploying to our rear…how could we have remained oblivious?!”

Chris IV’s panicked bellows reflected his incredulity.

Beside him, an aide’s ashen features and tremulous voice conveyed their collective realization:

“We…were deceived…thoroughly ensnared by the enemy’s stratagem…”

“What…what do you mean…?”

“Consider: the enemy deliberately created an illusion of disorder within their own ranks – naturally drawing our scrutiny, including our scouts’. From the very start, that was their intent! To divert our attention and lull us into complacency!”

“But…did you not report infighting among their forces? How could they have executed such a ploy…?”

“All lies and deception!”

“Our situation grows dire. We must withdraw from this place by any means!”

“This…this cannot be…that I, Chris IV, should suffer such humiliation…”

Despite his subordinates’ adamant appeals, Chris IV remained seemingly in denial of their plight.

However, though profoundly misreading the situation and issuing ill-advised orders, one critical advantage still favored their sovereign under such dire straits.

Namely…

“…Dammit. No recourse remains…”

“Sire…?”

Chris IV’s tone abruptly hardened with grim resolution as he unsheathed his blade, addressing his stunned commanders and troops:

“Conventional retreat proves impossible given our current quandary. Then we shall continue our advance upon the enemy’s positions.”

“My…lord…?”

“The foe now marches upon our rear. If death looms inevitably regardless, would it not befit the descendants of the mighty Odir…the disciples of the great mage Doroshi…to claim a few more souls as our fellows in the hereafter?”

“…Hmm…”

“Well spoken, my lord.”

Despite their operation’s catastrophic failure leaving them severely compromised, they remained the valorous Northern warriors – imbued with an intrinsic pride that inspired unflinching courage even in the direst extremities.

Reckless, perhaps – yet that fundamental valor shone as a beacon amidst their current plight.

“Onward, then! Brave soldiers of the North, crush these foes before us without mercy!”

“For Odir!”

“For Doroshi!”

Animated not by hopes of victory but a willingness to sell their lives dearly, Chris IV’s forces flung themselves against the Imperial positions with reckless abandon – profoundly disrupting Tilly’s intended plans to exploit the enemy’s perceived disarray.