CHAPTER 18: A DESPERATE MOMENT
Not long ago, Sylvanas led her troops silently through the woods, arriving at a small hill between the Sunwell Temple and the Farstrider's camp just before dawn. From this position, they could clearly see the main Troll force that had just launched the attack.
"Send the Farstriders to watch our flanks and eliminate any Troll scouts immediately; we cannot reveal our presence," Sylvanas ordered.
Although Sylvanas hoped for a decisive victory to prove herself, she wasn't blinded by ambition. Along the way, she had been cautious, sending scouts to investigate. Unfortunately, the novice Farstriders lacked experience, and Zul'jin, who was experienced and familiar with the terrain, had given orders to ambush some scouts near this hill.
Unaware of all this, Sylvanas continued to observe the battlefield. The frontal battle was far more intense than the conflict near the Farstrider's camp. The well-organized Trolls had towering warriors leading the charge, and occasionally, the poison-tipped spears they hurled caused significant damage to the Farstriders.
Furthermore, the muttering Witch Doctors and Hexers in the rear were causing trouble for the High Elves. Their healing chains were keeping injured Trolls in good health, and various spells with sinister green glows were launched at the High Elves.
However, under Liadrin's command, the situation was well under control. Lawful discipline and training prevented many High Elves from being struck by the spears, and any unfortunate casualties were quickly dragged away by their comrades for treatment by the Priests.
Magical attacks were countered by the Arcanists, who had trained for years in spell combat. As usual, they handled the situation efficiently under Liadrin's leadership.
The battle had unfolded according to Liadrin's expectations. With the number of troops Zul'jin had, there was no way he could break through the High Elves' defenses. Now, they only needed to wait for the Troll's offensive to wane, and then they could counterattack.
Nalorakk, although infuriated by the situation's development, was unable to find a breakthrough point under Liadrin's well-structured orders. When he was about to issue a withdrawal command, a scout approached and reported something to him.
"Haha, excellent! Some ignorant little brat wants to offer themselves as sacrifices!"
Nalorakk burst into excited laughter upon hearing the scout's report. He immediately ordered his troops to withdraw systematically.
With the enemy retreating and their rear protected, Liadrin couldn't find a good opportunity to give chase. It seemed like Nalorakk had won this round, and there was no need to risk a one-on-one fight, especially with the help of the Farstriders.
Finally, Sylvanas, who had been observing the battlefield, decided to withdraw. She knew that giving such an order meant admitting her plan had failed utterly. This not only resulted in her inability to inflict significant damage on the Trolls but could also disrupt her mother's original strategy, adding uncertainty to a campaign that was already bound for victory.
However, it was already too late to retreat. Harallaz had positioned his force of about a hundred Trolls to block their path effectively.
Sylvanas' team was missing a fatal component – a front-line fighter who could break the shield wall. If they had one, they could have easily broken Harallaz's defense, with Farstriders, Magicians, and Archers providing long-range support. Unfortunately, they found themselves in an awkward situation. Harallaz and his Troll forces all stood firm like turtles, shields held up in perfect formation, blocking the Farstriders' retreat.
Their method of defense was sound but posed no direct threat to the High Elves. Yet, it successfully delayed their retreat long enough for Nalorakk's vanguard to draw near.
"This is bad! We can't break through their defense. My lady, we need to return to the hill, use the terrain to our advantage, and hold off for now. We'll have to rely on reinforcements from other directions," suggested Yawen.
The experienced Farstrider understood that escaping was no longer an option. There would be a significant disadvantage when surrounded by the enemy, making retreating the best choice.
Sylvanas, pale-faced, gazed at the still-intact Troll shield wall below and let out a bitter laugh.
"Is this the catastrophe that an incompetent commander brings to her subordinates? I've blinded myself with thoughts of glory and glory alone, and now I've jeopardized all of you."