***
Achil knew that the army was exhausted in fact he felt drained also, but he could not let the Mandrake get away so easily.
“We should attack, I want the archers to light their arrows and fire them into the lines of the Mandrake. We will set their shields alight and destroy them here and now.”
The Prefect was also concerned about the army, the Dragon people had already lost many good men.
“I think to strike now would be too reckless a course of action,” he said. “Achil, your lands have been saved for the time being, giving us breathing space to prepare ourselves against our enemy."
“I know this Marshal Ti,” said Wei impatiently. “He was one of my people, banished from our lands long ago, if you do not strike now he will just return with a greater force.”
Achil looked at them both knowing that they were both right. He looked back toward the City of Findolin. Did he really dare lose it?
Andreas grabbed Achil’s hand, “Look.”
In the distance he could see to his surprise many of those that had been held captive by the Mandrake, in pens, being released. Slowly disorientated by their captivity and unsure of what was going on, they were being herded away from the enemy camp. Once they had made their way to the front of the Mandrake lines they stopped, as if ordered to; and waited, while behind them the orderly retreat of the Imperial army went on uninterrupted.
Achil smiled grimly, “He’s a clever one that Marshal Ti; we cannot attack now even if we wanted to. He has placed a shield made up of our own people between us and them, giving him time to organise his men and make good their withdrawal. Too many innocent people have died today, we shall not add to that: send a few people under a flag of truce to help the sick and injured and pass the word; it is time for us to return to the city.”
The Mandrake army with efficient ease struck camp, ready for the long journey east. For the first time they had left without the victory they had wanted but with them went many spoils of war. The Battle for Findolin was over; for the time being but the intended War for Suberia had yet to begin.
Achil & The Rise Of The Mandrake Page 42