CHAPTER 20: A DESPERATE CHARGE

Although Charles was greatly perplexed by Sylvanas's sudden anger, this was not the time for inquiries.

After Harlaz and his forces had met with Nerolak, the two elite warriors led another wave of trolls charging toward the elves. The battle had erupted so suddenly that Charles and his scouts didn't have time to set traps. Facing a formidable assault from both the trolls and the few remaining Raptor Knights, Charles's sharpshooters, including Sylvanas, quickly unleashed a volley of arrows in response.

However, the trolls that made up the Raptor Knights were battle-hardened elites, with most of them at the intermediate level. As they raced forward, they maneuvered their mounts skillfully to dodge the majority of the arrows, making only a few casualties. Three unlucky ones found themselves in the crosshairs of Sylvanas, Ulfarn, and the sharpshooters, meeting their untimely demise.

As seven of the Raptor Knights approached the elven lines, it appeared that the situation might take a dire turn. If these trolls penetrated the ranks of the high elves, their formation could disintegrate, leaving them in a vulnerable position. But just as they neared the elven formations, Shawn Dawnrunner, who had been underestimated and scorned by Sylvanas and Ulfarn, made a daring move. With a teleportation spell, he positioned himself amidst the Raptor Knights and unleashed a powerful Frost Nova, freezing most of the trolls in their tracks.

The remaining two trolls, now isolated, were quickly dispatched by precision archery. Even the Raptor mounts, riderless but still charging, posed no significant threat.

Once the last Raptor Knight fell, Shawn dispelled the Frost Nova and returned to the elven lines. Despite the victorious outcome, he shivered uncontrollably. Encased in thick ice as he was, it was only natural that he felt the cold. The mages swiftly provided him with a thick blanket to ward off the chill.

Shawn couldn't help but gloat, "So, how did I do? I reckon I've earned my keep this time, haven't I?"

Ulfarn, quite pleased, responded, "Haha, young Shawn, you've truly surprised me! Well done! It appears that the house of Dawnrunner has not produced an unworthy scion."

The trolls had gone mad with rage, and their leader, Nerolak, couldn't see reason. Ignoring the subtle warning from the witch doctor with the grotesque voodoo mask at his side, Nerolak gave the order for an all-out assault.

"You trolls! Bring me their heads! Tonight, we feast on their flesh and satisfy our revenge!" he roared.

Frustrated and blinded by anger, Nerolak was oblivious to the warnings of his witch doctor. Regardless, he persisted in launching the assault.

Ulfarn sneered, "Fool! Your rage clouds your judgment. For all these years, you've made no progress."

Ignoring the potential consequences of his actions, Nerolak was determined to continue the attack, despite being trapped in a minefield of snares. It was Sylvanas who kept a cool head.

"Scouts, set the traps and fall back by 200 yards," she ordered with calm authority.

Sylvanas regained her confidence as she reclaimed control of the situation. The scouts quickly set up a series of traps while the high elves retreated with precision.

Trained in hit-and-run tactics, the high elves had utilized such strategies for thousands of years. Apart from the Troll Wars, during which they had humans to act as their front-line shields, the high elves had mainly relied on guerrilla warfare tactics, employing their knowledge of the forest terrain and their various traps. In a colloquial sense, they were akin to flying kites.

Although Sylvanas and her arcane archers were fatigued and somewhat shaken by the sudden attack, they could easily stall the trolls for a brief period.

"Our scouts have set the traps. Now, fall back!" Charles commanded.

In a well-coordinated manner, the high elves withdrew further into the cover of the forest.

Nerolak and Harlaz, consumed by their fury and pride, ignored the pleas from their witch doctors and warlocks. They charged onward, venting their frustration on the snare traps they had triggered.

Despite their previous battle experience, their determination led them to fall into the elven trap once again. They would soon realize the true consequences of their irrational decisions.