Chapter 421 Zhang Yang's Trap
The infantry advanced, the cavalry split up, and Zhang Yang circled to intercept.
The various arms of the Fiery Mercenaries cooperated well with each other. After the four rogue knights who served as leaders on the opposite side were killed, the morale of the remaining ones quickly dropped to freezing point and they were vulnerable.
Especially when Zhang Yang intercepted and killed two rogue followers one step ahead, and old Alec led the team to encircle them from behind, they finally chose to surrender.
In this battle, they killed 19 people, seriously injured 7 people, and captured 6 people, while their own side only paid the price of one death and three injuries.
The battlefield was cleaned up quickly, and everyone had to replace their weapons, equipment and horses in order of rank. This was necessary because after a battle, there would be a lot of damage, such as swords getting bent and broken, lances breaking, horses getting injured, armor collapsing and breaking, etc.
Zhang Yang had to consider whether to hire a blacksmith to accompany the army. Among all these weapons, only one kind of weapon was difficult to damage, that is, the talisman and inscription weapons, such as Zhang Yang's sapphire talisman flying knife, talisman long sword, and the ancient inscription shields in the hands of Old Alec, Robert, and Norton, because they were attached with magical power.
It's a pity that the rogue knight squad destroyed this time did not have any ancient inscription shields. After all, this thing is a scarce item. According to veteran Robert, even in the Sarion Royal Court, the number of ancient inscription shields that can be forged each year will not exceed two hundred.
This made Zhang Yang consider whether he could use the magic power of the giant dragon in the Nordal Ridge to make such a powerful shield. After all, no matter how powerful the infantry is, they will be at a disadvantage when facing cavalry holding lances and charging at high speed.
As for the battle just now, if Zhang Yang had not used the Spear of Confinement to kill the three most powerful rogue knights first, and old Alec had not shot and killed one, then even if the next battle was won, it would only be a pyrrhic victory.
Moreover, his three wooden imprisonment spears had consumed all their spiritual power and were no longer magical.
But for the time being, he can't get the demon gold, so he can't remake the Spear of Confinement.
"Sir, the battlefield has been cleaned up, and there are no more rogue spies nearby. If we leave now, they will definitely not be able to catch up with us."
Old Alec urged his horse over to ask, interrupting Zhang Yang's thoughts.
"Of course, we're going to Marion City. As the saying goes, if you don't return home when you're rich, it's like walking in the night in fine clothes."
Zhang Yang laughed. He came back this time just to make money from these rogue knights. How could he gain experience if he didn't alarm them?
Of course, it takes some skills to gain experience. He had already thought of several plans, and even the battle just now was part of the plan.
"Alec, let's rest until the afternoon, then you take all the rangers to kill or disperse all the rogue spies along the way. Then, we have to arrive at Marion City before dark, or at least appear within the patrol range of the city guards. Well, let me ask again, do these rogue knights really dare not take action in Marion City?"
Zhang Yang asked again. He had put a lot of thought into this goal.
"Yes, sir. I can guarantee that they won't even dare to take action in places where the city guards are patrolling. In the final analysis, they are just a bunch of bastards who only bully the weak and fear the strong."
Old Alec answered in the affirmative. He also knew Zhang Yang's plan, but even thinking about it now, he still felt it was too bold.
"Very good, then let's execute the plan."
Zhang Yang smiled slightly, feeling extremely confident, because he now had a powerful weapon in his hand that was even more powerful than Dragon Blood Warrior Bob.
Earlier on the Nordal Ridge, he had discovered that the veteran Robert was only a short distance away from breaking through to become a Royal Guard, so he immediately and decisively tried to win him over, even involving old Alec in persuasion, and finally got Robert to take 6 fake dragon tears, which was second only to Bob among all the people.
These six pseudo dragon tears increased veteran Robert's strength by 6 points and his agility by 6 points.
This doesn't sound like much, but as a veteran who has fought on the battlefield for more than ten years and grown from a recruit to an assault swordsman, every little improvement is difficult for Robert now, let alone this much.
The reason why Zhang Yang didn't let Robert take more fake dragon tears was that he was afraid that Robert's intelligence attribute was not high enough and something might go wrong. After all, he was not Bob, and his loyalty to Zhang Yang was unparalleled.
But even so, Robert is actually only a little bit away from upgrading.
In the battle just now, Robert easily killed two rogue followers, and then successfully upgraded his job. All he needed to do next was to equip himself with the right equipment, and he would be the strongest human civilian infantryman on the continent, and one of the signature items of the Sarion Kingdom, the Sarion Guards! In the battlefield that Zhang Yang had experienced before, only a dozen Sarion Guards could face off against dozens of Dasha Sword Saints.
Now, is it possible for Robert, who already possesses an ancient inscribed shield and is fully armored, to teach those rogue knights an unforgettable lesson in a specific terrain?
Zhang Yang is looking forward to it.
Next, Old Alec led the rangers to kill and expel the rogue spies. Zhang Yang and his men followed behind and buried 300 barricades at a distance of 15 and 12 miles from Marions City according to the terrain.
This was originally intended to be used against the Jatu people, but now Zhang Yang is no longer interested in passing through the Jatu Prairie, so it would be a good idea to use it against those rogue knights.
Then, they dithered, stopped several times, and only paid the toll and entered the city of Marions after dark.
The moment they entered the city, they felt the hateful gazes from all around them, even in the darkness. A few big men even openly issued threats and intimidation on the streets. However, since they were in official territory, the rogue knights did not dare to act rashly.
Zhang Yang first asked old Alec to sell all the spoils and extra war horses. Thanks to the old man's former status as a local tyrant, he actually got a high price of 2,400 silver dinars this time.
"Sir, should we hire some mercenaries? Those rogue knights have already started to gather. Maybe tomorrow morning, we will have to face at least three or more rogue teams. Even if we have made plans, I'm afraid we won't be able to handle them."
Old Alec said with some concern. Although he had taken six pseudo dragon tears in succession to bring his physical condition back to its peak, he was alone after all. The two Jatu attackers and the five noble sons would need at least two or three battles to be able to upgrade again. So if more than three teams of rogue knights joined together, it would be a disaster for their mercenary group.
"Alec, do you think you can hire powerful mercenaries under the current circumstances? No one is a fool."
Zhang Yang smiled, unmoved by the imminent crisis.
He then went on to buy 1,000 dinars of food, fodder, and wine, and used the remaining silver dinars to buy iron ingots, forging tools, charcoal, etc.
"Notify everyone to take a good rest."
Zhang Yang gave an order and went to rest. Those rogue knights still had some power in the city, and it was estimated that their sales and purchase lists would be known to them soon, but this was the fog that was released for them.
The next morning, Zhang Yang and his companions had breakfast and left Marions City only after they were full and satisfied. There were four carts in total, but the loads were different. However, the guys who were following them would not notice such details.
Less than five miles out of the city, some riders began to gallop past the caravan arrogantly, with the eyes of a pack of wolves looking at their prey.
After walking another five miles, we were out of the patrol range of the Marions City Guards, and they would no longer care about killing people.
But those rogue knights still did not show up. After all, this time they gathered at least eighty cavalrymen, which caused too much noise. If they attracted the Marion City Guards, it would be imperfect. So they didn't mind letting the prey live for a while, and this was also within Zhang Yang's calculations.
"Sir, we will see trees on both sides of the road no more than five miles ahead. I estimate that they will launch the attack there."
Old Alec whispered.
"We can't bet on these scoundrels. When we reach mile twelve, we will stop immediately and pretend to set up a position." Zhang Yang said decisively. This was also the reason why he buried chevaux de frise traps at mile twelve and mile fifteen yesterday. Along the way, those scoundrels who were showing off their might were very arrogant, and even more than a dozen spies had passed by.
"Yes, sir."
"Everyone get in the car and speed up."
"Rangers, follow me!"
Old Alec set off at once, leading the rangers in the front. As they moved, the rogue spies who were watching from all sides also moved, and shouts continued to be heard. These guys were too blatant.
"Quick! Speed up the carriage!"
Zhang Yang also shouted. He had a hunch that those rogue knight squads might be lying in ambush several miles away. As long as they were alert, the enemy cavalry would surely rush over like a tide.
In fact, it was only a dozen minutes later when Zhang Yang and his team's four carts arrived at the designated ambush site. Dust rose on both sides, and then the sound of horse hooves was heard behind them. There were not many sounds, but they were meant to cut off their way.
"Get off the car, set up the barricades, and raise half of the barricades from last night!"
Everyone worked together, even the rangers dismounted, and with four large carts as the center, they quickly smashed chevaux de frise into the mud. There were a hundred chevaux de frise on each cart, which was also to confuse those rogue knights.
In addition, thirty large wooden shields were taken out and placed flat on the ground. If the enemy did not have archers, it would be fine. But if they did, they would immediately set up a shield formation.
In short, everything is arranged clearly.
It didn't take long for Zhang Yang and his men to throw a hundred chevaux de frise on the ground when two cavalry units of rogue knights charged over.
Their cavalry did not have a very strict formation, just like a pile of loose sand.
But there are more than 60 cavalrymen here, which are enough to crush Zhang Yang and his team many times in such a plain area.
So these rogue knights are really hyena-like lunatics. How bored must they be to send out more than 80 people at a time? No, even more, because they also have infantry.
What hatred and grudge is there!
At this time, as the rogue cavalry approached, they were obviously surprised. After all, the two things that cavalry hated most were the terrain and the chevaux de frise. Fortunately, the chevaux de frise were sparse, so they could just charge through them.
Therefore, there was no command or leader at all. The cavalry formed by several rogue teams did not even have the patience to wait for the follow-up infantry and rushed forward all at once.
The cavalry is invincible, and they return from the battle formation. This momentum must be very intoxicating.
Until the two rogue horse groups had rushed forward thirty meters, with a horn sounded, the rows of barricades in the mud were suddenly pulled up, like demons from hell baring their sharp fangs.
Caught off guard, or in other words, at the highest speed of charging, even if the warhorse was frightened, it would be too late.
There was a neighing sound, followed by a snap, snap! In the cloud of dust, at least half of the rogue cavalry was killed here, but the rogue knights and rogue followers on horseback did not suffer too many casualties.
However, the most obvious fact is that they have become infantry! "Kill!"
With a lion-like roar, Robert rushed out first, followed by veteran Norton, veteran Iger and old Alec. Everyone rushed forward and started a one-sided killing spree. Well, it was mainly Robert's own performance.
These rogue knights are not regular troops. They are completely crushed in terms of attributes and skills. Except for their better equipment, it is basically useless.
Zhang Yang stayed behind and watched Robert use the Ancient Inscription Shield to blast away two rogue knights at first sight, and then stabbed and strangled the third rogue knight with a sword.
Looking at veteran Norton and veteran Iger accompanying Robert, they were like an iron triangle, causing people and horses to fall wherever they went.
Looking at the sword and shield infantryman Tony, the armed infantryman Ruger and a group of low-level soldiers followed the iron triangle, fought together, and strangled in groups.
Watching old Alec leading the rangers, they formed an unmounted shooting team and continuously covered the enemy with feather arrows.
Of course, whenever he found a soldier in danger or a stalemate, he would immediately throw a javelin to resolve the situation instantly. As for those enemies who wanted to retreat and were still on their horses, he also killed four of them by name.
In just a few moments, more than thirty rogue knights who had fallen off their horses and their rogue followers were killed or wounded, and the rest retreated hastily, and the people who had fought to the utmost also withdrew quickly and did not pursue them.
"Shield formation!"
Bang, bang, bang, one large wooden shield after another was erected against the cart. These wooden shields were equipped with legs on the back, so although they were very heavy, they were very convenient to use.
The rogues who retreated were cursing loudly, and some rogue knights among them were shooting with bows. Soon, a team of 20 hired armored crossbowmen arrived. These were also mercenaries, but they had joined forces with these rogue knights.
They began to shoot continuously. While they were suppressing the enemy, those rogue cavalrymen tried to take the opportunity to rush up and pull away the barbarians.
This is a really good routine.
But Zhang Yang has his own way.
"Alec, give your Ancient Inscription Shield to Iger, then lead the Rangers and prepare for a volley!"
"Yes, sir!"
Soon, behind the wooden shields, Robert, Iger and Norton each rushed out holding an ancient inscribed shield. Naturally, they were greeted by a rain of arrows, because at this time, those rogue knights had gathered nearly thirty archers on the opposite side.
Unfortunately, although the rain of arrows was fierce, it was still not enough against the ancient inscription shield.
At this moment, the five rangers, Alec, Carly, Anderson and the two Jatu attackers, immediately leaned forward, locked onto the target, and launched a rapid round of shooting.
Screams rang out immediately. Two mercenary armored crossbowmen were shot dead and two were wounded. The effect was very good. At least they would never dare to carry out feather arrow suppression wantonly again.
Then, under the cover of Robert and his two companions, even though the opposing crossbowmen quickly changed their strategy, old Alec and his four companions still seized the opportunity to kill or wound several enemies who were dragging the barricades.
The two sides entered a stalemate.
But Zhang Yang was not in a hurry. He had chevaux de frise outside, a shield formation in the middle, and a carriage inside. The carriage was loaded with enough food and clean water. He just had to wait and see. Who was afraid of whom?
This place is near the trade route, and he doesn't believe that these rogue knights really dare to continue such a high-profile siege.
Moreover, he has already made a guaranteed profit in this wave, with 17 rogue knights, 12 rogue followers, and 2 hired armored crossbowmen. This is a lot of experience points.
At least in the team, the armed infantryman Luger has been successfully upgraded to an assault swordsman. He is the fourth veteran in the team.
Then, three militiamen were promoted to infantrymen, and two infantrymen were promoted to armed infantrymen.
Even Carly and Tony were promoted one level each.
As for the five second sons of the nobles, one of them is about to be upgraded to a rogue knight or adventurer, which is also a famous profession, because if the adventurer continues to upgrade, he will become an adventure hero famous throughout the continent.
Of course, this is too far-fetched for the five second sons of the nobles. But old Alec is very qualified to break through his own shackles and become an adventure hero.
"shoot!"
When the infantry and cavalry of both sides are in a stalemate, the only ones who can still be active are the archers.
Old Alec commanded and formulated the tactics personally. This old guy was so experienced that it was despairing. He performed all kinds of hat tricks and cooperated with the three powerful meat shields, Robert, Norton and Iger. After just a dozen rounds of shooting, they made people feel scared.
Of course, this was the feeling of the enemy. Even if those rogue knights dismounted and formed a shield formation to protect the archers, it was useless. Twelve mercenary armored crossbowmen were shot dead, four were wounded, and four rogue bow-wielding followers were shot dead. This result was more than brilliant.
Even the two Jatu attackers who had been keeping a low profile as if they didn't exist, finally had a big harvest at this moment because of their accumulation along the way, and both were upgraded to Jatu Hussars.
Even Anderson, who had been lagging behind, got a kill.
As for old Alec, from the beginning of the battle to this moment, he has shot and killed as many as 13 people. He is more than just brave and brutal.
Just like that, an hour later, the rogues finally retreated, because they had never encountered such a hedgehog-like opponent and had no way to fight against it. If they continued, they would only lose lives in vain. They had no choice but to do nothing.
But the feud was settled.
But why would Zhang Yang care? After this battle, Zhang Yang's gains were enough to make the mercenary group grow rapidly.
(End of this chapter)
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