Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 647 - 285, Battle of Hemgart (Part 1)_3
So... how will Carl Franz launch an offensive?
Casvan looked at the map. His army was stationed halfway up the mountain, while the Imperial Army was camped on the open land in front of Hemgart City. The forefront of this open land was a shallow ford, then a narrow plain, followed by Casvan's camp.
The Duke knew he must use his advantage in knight numbers and their strong impact to have a chance at completely defeating the Imperial Army.
"Send out more scouts!"
"Yes!"
......
In the early hours of February 2, the sky was pitch-black.
The Emperor, leading the Rick Guard and several Imperial Knight Orders, set out. They were planning to bypass a hill, unexpectedly attacking Casvan's camp from the rear.
Umberto Prince-Elector, on the other hand, led all the Imperial Infantry, Imperial Artillery, and a small number of Imperial Knights to cross the ford.
In the darkness, the army solely relied on moonlight for illumination, not daring to light torches. The over 20,000 strong Imperial Army crossed the ford from the front. Because the weather was cold and it was the dry season, the crossing was relatively smooth.
"Hope everything goes smoothly." Umberto Prince-Elector was clad in Masterwork Secret Silver Plate Armor made by Dwarves. He rode a Half-Elf Warhorse, its armor lavish, and his robe resplendent with colorful plumes. He crossed the ford under the protection of the Personal Guard, with the river water only submerging the horse's hooves.
"My Lord Prince-Elector, why did Your Majesty let you command the grand army? Wouldn't it be better for you to lead the knights in a flanking maneuver?" remarked the Personal Guard of the Toscan Prince-Elector, knights from the Golden Fleece Knight Order of Avey Territory.
The Golden Fleece Knight Order was Avey Territory's most elite force, mostly handpicked by the Prince-Elector himself. They frequently battled Greenskins at the Black Fire Pass, boasting extensive combat experience.
"Because Carl Franz needs it. He needs sufficient prestige," Umberto Prince-Elector smiled, "This new Emperor is talented, but his current prestige is not enough to support his ambitions and beliefs. So he must continuously lead the army to victories himself. Only then can his policies continue to be enacted. Compared to those nobles, he trusts his army more. Quite a few nobles hate him."
In the early hours, under a sparse moonlit sky, a thick fog enveloped the area from the Gray Mountain Range and Doomsday Mountain to Hemgart, blinding visibility. Most of the Imperial Army had already crossed the ford.
Umberto Prince-Elector sensed something amiss.
Too quiet.
"My advisor, where's Odo?" the Prince-Elector called from behind him.
"I'm here!" A Light Element Legendary Wizard wearing a white robe and holding a Magic Staff hurried forward from the rear.
"Disperse this fog! Immediately!"
"Yes!"
As the spell was cast, the dense fog blanketing the valley and plain was dispelled.
The powerful Light of Exile illuminated the plain, not only dispelling the fog but also revealing the hidden large army within.
Banners stood like a forest, spears like rain. Over two thousand fully armed Brittania Knights, and over ten thousand Brittania Infantry Corps, had all formed their array. Their formation stretched from halfway up the mountain to near the Imperial Army.
"Alright, that's enough." Casvan, fully armed and riding a Pure-blooded Elf Pegasus, told a Lady God Prophet beside him. The beautiful Lake God Prophet nodded and ceased her casting.
Thus, the fog completely vanished from the plain.
Casvan had already led his main force down the mountain.
"Dammit!" Umberto Prince-Elector realized the plan had failed, for Casvan had taken the initiative in attacking them.
He immediately gestured for the Golden Fleece Knights to sound the horn. The Prince-Elector drew the Prince-Elector's Holy Sword "Mother of Destruction": "Imperial Army! Rally to me!" 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
The Imperial Army hastily formed ranks, then swiftly converged on the Prince-Elector himself.
"Advance! Britannia Knights!" Casvan raised his Cavalry Lance, and over two thousand knights did the same in response: "Charge! For the Lady!!"
"For the Lady!!"
Horses thundered, dirt flew, and the tide of Brittania Knights surged across the field.
A great battle was imminent.
