Years ago, I had mounted a horse myself to lead the army.
Even when it seemed like everything was coming to an end, I continued to move forward, seeking a new beginning. Of course, the current situation hasn’t improved significantly. The formidable Ottoman remains powerful, and our strength is still insufficient. However, to say that nothing has changed would be overly modest.
The 2,000 soldiers are not merely recruits handed spears. They are a restructured force with higher morale, shaped by the advice of Western European military experts. They are no longer helpless individuals awaiting inevitable doom.
The moment to witness the fruits of our past efforts was now upon us.
“Your Highness, it’s the forces of the Duchy of Athens.”
Adrianos pointed to another group of soldiers in the distance. As expected, their numbers were similar to ours, or slightly fewer. They, too, were sons and fathers. However, one side entered the battlefield as vassals of the Ottomans, while the other stood as allies of the Ottomans.
Vassals and allies. The subjugated and the opportunists.
A slight difference had led them to point their spears at each other. Now was the time to conclude the long-standing conflict over interests under the same faith.
“Adrianos, take the cavalry and strike the enemy’s left flank.”
“As Your Highness commands.”
Adrianos promptly turned his horse and retreated. Entrusting a former bureaucrat like Adrianos with the cavalry was naturally a cause for concern. I wished to lead the cavalry myself, but I judged that the outcome of this battle hinged on the infantry’s deployment. Pitting Morea’s meager cavalry head-on against powerful knights would be foolish.
Thus, the infantry had to shine.
Our formation consisted of 600 spearmen to withstand the knights’ charge, 400 heavy infantry, and 200 light infantry. I positioned the more mobile light infantry as reserves behind the wings. To prevent flanking, it was better to place the heavy infantry at the ends of the wings.
“I will split the heavy infantry into two, placing them at the ends of each wing. The light infantry will serve as reserves, with the spearmen as the main force confronting the enemy.”
The orders soon mobilized the soldiers. Under the direction of the officers, the formation gradually took shape. In response to our evident battle readiness, the enemy also began to react.
“The enemy’s front line is pulling back on both sides!”
Emerging from the center of the retreating formation were, as expected, their praised knights. Armed with lances and clad in heavy armor, they were the epitome of Western Europe’s military might, which had shaken the East for so long. Even during the Achaean expedition, the knights inflicted significant damage on the expeditionary forces with their small numbers.
This would be the battle that set the tone for all future strategies. As I steeled myself, I realized I had been clenching my fists tightly.
Soon, the tense standoff began.
In this brief period of tension, countless thoughts must have crossed our minds.
But what was certain was that we were the ones who moved first.
“Advance the flanks first. Have the shield-bearers block the enemy’s arrows.”
As hundreds, thousands of soldiers moved in unison, the scent of grim death seemed to spread around the battlefield. Flocks of crows, anticipating the feast of flesh, circled high in the sky. Beneath the raised spearheads, a battle of banners was about to unfold.
Which banner would fall first under the weight of bloodshed? As thoughts raced, the distance between the two armies steadily decreased. What were the soldiers gripping their spears thinking? Were they truly yearning for the glory of old?
The path to the answer was opened with a cacophony of spirited shouts.
The knights charged first, spurring their horses forward. The sound of clattering hooves was accompanied by the cries of soldiers. In unison with their commands, the soldiers lowered their spears, pointing the sharp tips at the approaching knights.
Teetering between fear and courage, their true feelings would soon be revealed. As the distance closed enough for lives to be taken, the expected collision occurred.
Impact.
The momentary cries of the wounded were quickly drowned out by a surge of battle cries. Amidst the fallen soldiers and beasts, those standing held their ground, spears unwavering. The first charge had failed. Realizing this, the knights abandoned their broken lances and retreated.
The gap left by the knights was soon filled by advancing enemy infantry.
Yet, if even the knights couldn’t break through, could mere infantry succeed? The densely packed spears clashed, and it was our side that struck first, piercing the enemy’s throats. Perhaps our spears were longer. The skill of our spearmen was undoubtedly superior.
While an attack on the enemy’s flanks with our heavy infantry would be advantageous…
“They’re Latins! They’re maneuvering to flank us!”
An officer, observing the battlefield, shouted urgently. The retreating knights were circling wide, clearly intending to deliver a devastating attack on our rear. But we had a cavalry unit too.
“Relay to Adrianos: lead the cavalry and strike the knights the moment they hit our left flank!”
Yet, if our formation collapsed before Adrianos could strike, all efforts would be in vain. Someone needed to hold off the knights. In this critical moment, if anyone could be trusted…
“Advance the heavy infantry on the right wing to strike the enemy’s flank! The light infantry on the right will assist and pursue the fleeing enemy! The light infantry on the left, follow me!”
“Your Highness! Are you planning to enter the front lines yourself?!”
Ignoring the officer’s protests, I dashed toward the front. The key now was to delay the knights as long as possible. As expected, the knights noticed the heavy infantry shifting to intercept, though the formation was already somewhat disrupted.
The clash began soon after.
With the harsh sounds of collision, soldiers were flung aside. The knights continued to tear through the ranks with relentless force, their overwhelming might scattering our forces like sand before a powerful wave. No, this battle must be won. This is a fight upon which the fate of the nation rests.
We cannot fall here!
Kicking my horse furiously, I gripped my spear so tightly my arm went numb, silently urging myself onward.
Faster, swifter!
No! Look here, not at them!
“Behold, remnants of the intruder! The rightful lord has come to reclaim what was taken!”
The outcome was a success. A few knights turned their gaze toward me.
TL : It’s a bit late to say this, and I don’t know if this might be a spoiler, but in real life, Constantine only married once, and it was not to the Serbian princess. In fact, the Serbian princess didn’t exist in real life and the Lazarević family she’s from ended because Stefan( her father ) didn’t had any children. And you know the Kantakouzenos girl who was supposed to marry Constantine earlier? She was married to a Serbian prince in real life.
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