— 16 —
"We'll deploy the catapults here," Nelson explained to Critos and Gaius, "back a distance on this rise." Nelson sketched a map in the dirt with a stick. None of his men were used to reading maps yet; Nelson was glad that in this first battle the field was small and relatively flat, so they could see exactly what he was talking about. "Array the catapults in a wedge. Put the front one here, right where I'm standing."
"A good choice of ground," Gaius commented. "Although the slope to this rise is very gentle, a catapult commander can stand on the platform of his machine to gauge the range and spot his targets, seeing over the protecting pikes in front. Even this far back, the entire enemy army is visible."
"Good, Gaius. You're learning." And he is learning, Nelson thought. Learning fast. "And you're quite right. I want the pikes in front of the catapults, forming two sides of a square; one line of pikes running north to south, and a joining line, facing the enemy directly, running east to west.
"We'll put fifty mounted archers out in front. Critos, you must take personal command of this force. I know you don't like to fight mounted, but an officer's job isn't fighting, it's leading. These mounted archers will have a special role."
"What role?" Critos asked, puzzled.
"They're part of the key to our battle plan. The Karinthians are proud—very proud. Their commander, Hectris, has deployed for a defensive battle. We have to use their pride against them, make them attack us. The mounted archers will advance to start the battle. They will march obliquely across the enemy's front, taking care to stay out of bow range, until they reach the point where the river turns from north to northeast. From there I want them to riddle the cavalry on the enemy's right with fire—goading them to advance and attack. When the enemy does advance, the mounted archers will withdraw, firing as they go, to take up a position near our light cavalry. Our remaining horse archers can come forward if needed to deal with the enemy cavalry."
"I see the problem," Critos answered, nodding. "If their charge overtakes our withdrawal . . ."
"Exactly. But we must make the enemy advance."
"What if he advances his whole force at once, and executes a turning movement?" Gaius asked. "The cavalry on his left flank could ride to the north of this rise, turning our pikes, while his own pikes come up the rise from the southwest. See, he could pivot his line, based on his right-flank cavalry."
"Yes, and if he does that properly, we're probably done for. But a pivot movement is difficult. The outside force has to move very rapidly, while the inside forces move slowly. Invariably someone moves at the wrong speed and the attack comes in piecemeal. That's what we're counting on. If our plan works, his right-flank cavalry, his pivot force, will already be committed when he begins his movement.
"The overall goal is to lure his pikes forward alone, so we can smash them with catapult fire. If his pikes are broken, the rest of his army will collapse." I hope, Nelson thought. Oh, how I hope.
"What about the remainder of our cavalry?" Critos asked.
"The light cavalry I want at the north end of this rise, out of sight. The remaining one hundred horse archers I want on the north side of the low hill to our left. From there they can move to plug the gap between the low hill and our pikes, when the enemy's right-flank cavalry advance. Or, they can support the light cavalry if the enemy does make a flanking movement to the north.
"One more thing. As the army comes up to deploy, keep all the cavalry out of the enemy's sight behind the rise and the low hill, except the fifty horse archers. If he thinks we're as tiny as we'll look, he may be further tempted to a premature, piecemeal attack."
"My lord, will you address the troops before we deploy?"
"Maybe I'd better."
"Soldiers!" Nelson shouted to his assembled troops. "You have worked hard to earn that name. For many ten-days you have obeyed without question and labored without ceasing, learning many things that were strange and new. Some of you could see little sense in what you learned. Today, you will see the fruits of this labor!
"The enemy in front of you says you are not soldiers, but murderers, cutthroats, brigands, and slaves! Know this: if you falter today, you are surely doomed. But if you are obedient to your orders, no matter how strange they may seem, never again will you be labeled 'bandits.' And what is more, the spoils of victory shall be yours to share!
"Now, forward, for your futures and your honor!"
It took two hours to get the army in position. Thank Yatar, Nelson thought as his troops took their positions, that Hectris is a patient man. And now that we're deployed, ye gods of battle, make him impatient!
Nelson took his place inside the corner of the pike formation and surveyed the field one last time. What have I overlooked? And how in the world did I become an officer?
He raised high a large black flag, and his horse archers began their oblique advance to within range of the enemy's right flank cavalry.
Nelson's horse archers are advancing with their flank seemingly exposed to the enemy. The enemy's cavalry on the right flank must check Morale to see if they obey their orders to stay in position, or, in a burst of enthusiasm, charge.
Roll the two dice. The cavalry's Morale value is 7.
If the total of the dice roll is 7 or less, go to section 18.
If the total of the dice roll is 8 or more, go to section 20.