Chapter 112
The sudden retreat of the Sandoria and Westhaven soldiers left the Starhaven army stunned. Hearing the retreating horns, they initially suspected a Sandorian tactic to lure them into an ambush. However, after consideration, the Starhaven army realized there was no need to pursue them beyond Simonton City. Their objective was to drive them away, not to annihilate their entire army.
The Starhaven army watched as their foes fled, abandoning armor and weapons in their hasty retreat. Was victory truly so easy? They had prepared to fight to the death. With Westhaven's significant assistance, how could the enemy retreat so readily?
Even with Rafael personally on the battlefield, the fighting had been fierce. The reality was harsh—the city was awash in blood, littered with corpses. Even the falling snow couldn't mask the overwhelming stench. Simonton City was vast, extending beyond its walls to numerous villages.
Timothy hurried back to the command post. "Marshal, should we pursue them? We need to prevent them from slaughtering civilians and ravaging the villages."
"Liam wouldn't do that, but Victor might. Send General Sinclair with the Mystic Army to pursue them," Rafael replied.
Rafael knew Liam well. He was never a warmonger in Westhaven, and atrocities like destroying villages were unthinkable under his command. Victor, however, had spent years on the Southern Frontier without achieving any military distinction. He might resort to killing civilians out of frustration. The pursuit would keep Victor occupied and prevent further atrocities.
"Understood, sir!"
Timothy mounted his horse and set off to find Carissa to deliver Rafael's orders. Carissa raised her Rose Spear and shouted, "Mystic Army, follow me! We're going after the Sandorian soldiers!"
The Mystic Army, their eyes bloodshot from battle, moved out, determined to see the Sandorian soldiers flee Simonton City. Other soldiers followed suit.
Meanwhile, Barrett searched for Aurora amidst the retreat, shouting, "Aurora! Aurora!" His calls were faint amidst the chaos and resounding footsteps. Without hesitation, he followed Carissa in pursuit of the Westhaven forces.
When the two armies clashed within the breached city, Aurora led her troops in pursuit of the Westhaven soldiers, targeting several junior officers in distinctive attire. What Barrett didn't realize was that Aurora had already fallen into a trap.
Her plan was to capture these junior officers and force Liam's withdrawal. If Westhaven retreated, the Sandorian forces, unable to withstand the pressure, would collapse. Capturing these officers would be a significant victory.
As she chased them, she realized she was on the right track. The group ahead was clearly trying to avoid fighting and heading straight out of the city. These were likely nobles and royalty seeking battlefield glory to bolster their positions at home.
Aurora had successfully used this tactic before and was determined to see it through. Leading her men, fewer than a thousand, she pressed on relentlessly.
After chasing for about half an hour, the group ahead finally stopped, gasping for breath. Aurora's men were also exhausted, some barely able to lift their weapons.
Just as she ordered her men to attack, many Westhaven soldiers, waiting in the alleys, surged out from all directions. She noticed the smug grins of the junior officers she'd been chasing. She'd been lured into a trap. Her exhausted troops were no match for the well-rested soldiers lying in wait.
A commanding officer's voice rang out, "Kill everyone except that woman!"
The Westhaven soldiers, highly trained and ruthless killers, brandished their large blades and advanced with fierce determination. Their movements were swift and merciless.