The Battle at Yurba Fort (5)

I shook off the pursuing Demon Army cavalry and headed straight for the camp the Demon Army had established in the rear.

Around the Demon Army's tents, guards in red armor and baggage-train soldiers noticed our movements and suddenly sprang into action.

A normal baggage train would abandon its cargo and flee, or drive off its wagons to minimize its losses. But though panicked, they formed up and prepared to meet us, despite their small numbers.

The Demon Army had at most thirty guards. About ten appeared to be elite soldiers in red armor, but that was far too few. We still had well over a hundred cavalrymen. The disparity in strength was obvious, yet they did not flee. There had to be something there worth defending to the death.

"Al, Ray."

I called to the two behind me and slowed my horse.

The two answered, overtook me, and the cavalry following them charged the enemy, each man eager to be first.

A hundred cavalrymen crashed into thirty infantrymen. Given the numerical difference, the disparity in fighting strength was overwhelming. I thought we would crush them at a touch, but the Demon Army fought so brilliantly that, enemy though they were, I could only admire them.

Though wounded and covered in blood, they shielded one another and continued fighting without fear of death.

The ten red-armored Demon Army soldiers, in particular, were the heart of the resistance, fighting with fierce spirit...