Unitas' last defense (standard:fantasy, 0 words)
Author: Zephyr	Added: Jul 10 2001	Views/Reads: 3112/2264	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Ok. It's about a contry's last stand against their invading sister country. Same story as before, just this one's not so rough.

The intimidating general Kurn sat silently in his saddle, viewing the
wide tree-surrounded field below.  In his dark thick armor with a 
Kheldan-style knot in his blonde hair that was pulled through the crown 
of his helmet, he looked like an immobile piece of art from a lost age. 
 His large sword in its scabbard was big enough for most men to need 
two hands to wield, and his mighty nightmare stallion was nearly twice 
the size of the local horses.  This country was very different than his 
native Kheld.  The mountains here were covered in forests, and it 
rained nearly every day in the wet season.  Clouds touched the ground 
at times, and rivers and lakes dotted the entire country.  Unitas was 
very different. 

He wondered dispassionately why the wily Captain Dinsefar allowed him to
appraise the Unitahite armies from the wooded hilltop. The woods 
covered area offered no open valley except the one that the captain 
occupied. The native troops were at an obvious disadvantage in open 
areas. Their mages would have an advantage against Kheldan troops, but 
they were a handful at most. Captain Dinsefar didn't have any airborne 
attack to aid in open combat. Kheldan troops were more experienced, 
better equipped, and more numerous. They outnumbered the native 
Unitahites two to one. Broad-chested Kurn's cavalry alone nearly 
matched the entire national defense army man for man, and their mounts 
were taller, wider, and more deadly than horses. 

Scout Leader Sil broke Kurn's concentration. "High general, the forests
behind the field in which Dinsefar is situated will give him easy 
passage for retreat. Our cavalry might have problems following him 
there." 

General Kurn acknowledged the report with a glance and his stone face
cracked into a smile. Dinsefar planned to play hit and run. He would 
not take risks against the renowned Kheldan army. "And to the north and 
south?" He asked bluntly. 

Lanky blue eyed Sil quickly explained the details of those thicker parts
of the forest. At the general's word, Scout Leader Sil left to call the 
commanders to plan for the next battle. 

As he waited, General Kurn reviewed the dozens of muddy red armored
cavalry troops not hidden by the forest. Most of the soldiers were 
taller than the Unitahites, and much stronger. Most had large swords or 
axes with broad shields. Their lancing poles had not been of any use, 
though they would get their chance to use them on the coming day. Each 
had a large and powerful nightmare stead similar to his own. The 
nightmares alone were a powerful foe. Their sharp hooves and teeth 
could trample rend flesh. The smell of these military beasts caused 
their smaller cousins the horses to panic. Had the Unitahites not had 
so many ways to avoid fair combat, this war would have been over long 
before. The general gripped the small object that rested against his 
black mail. Part of his famous bravery was the protection against 
incoming projectiles that the tiny pendant gave him. As always, the 
general would lead his armies to battle on the coming day 

By the light of the white moon that extended the day most evenings High
General Kurn explained his plan to his commanders. Two of them would 
wind around through the forest with all the infantry of the Kheldan 
army. Their troops were composed mostly of goblins who were often 
unwilling compatriots to the Khledan’s schemes. They would cut off the 
Unitahites' anticipated retreat route and keep them in the clear where 
they could be slaughtered by the Kheldan cavalry. The Unitahite cavalry 
would do little good against infantry in the forest, and could not face 
nightmares on the plain. The Unitahite ground troops would be nearly 
helpless before the onslaught of the nightmare-riding warriors. 
Commander Plig asked candidly "What if they discover our infantry 
before the cavalry can engage them?" 

"That will not happen. I will arrive with the cavalry even as the
infantry positions itself." No one responded. "Our infantry alone is an 
even match for their army." The general added. Not one of the 
commanders doubted it. Commander Plig did not doubt the plan would 
work. But the costs of winning could be lower, he silently opinionated. 


Captain Dinsefar reviewed his leather armored troops. Only a few of the
cavalry had metal armor. It just was too much of a hindrance for most 


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