The Battle of Al Qubayyat, the Reckoning

Matthias swore. His men were tired, his bowmen and cannon were running low on ammunition. Even at full strength, he had doubts if his army could defeat the one advancing on him. Even if God granted him a victory, his army would be destroyed in the process.

Speaking briefly with his infantry commander, he ordered the footmen to regroup on the hill.



Waving over Andreas, Matthias dismounted. The young Crusader did as well and approached him. Glancing over the Squire's shoulder at the approaching army, Matthias spoke, "Your charge broke the Greeks, you have fought well. There is iron in you. Best do this while I can. Kneel."

Andreas knelt on the bloody ground while Matthias brought up Iron Faith.

"Andreas von Salzgitter, for bravery in battle and devotion to God's work in the Holy Land, I dub you a Knight of Outremer and the Reich. Rise Sir Andreas."

Clapping the stunned Knight on the shoulders, Matthias growled, "Now get on your damn horse, we've got more Greeks to kill."

While the infantry formed up on the hill and the cannons began firing, the Imperial cavalry waited patiently for the Greek army to pass by.



When the Greek infantry reached the base of the hill, the cavalry charged into their artillery. Another barb into the flesh.



At the same time, Matthias's subordinate on the hill issued orders for the infantry to fall back with the crossbowmen covering the retreat.



As the Imperial cavalry galloped off from their bloody deed, a rain of missiles fell on the Greek vanguard.



The Greeks may hold the field, but they paid a very high price.



Surprisingly the surviving Greek Captain retreated. Perhaps he did not wish to continue south without cavalry support as Captain Xenos's army had ceased to exist. Matthias was only too glad to take the victory and the field back.


[OOC: I thought retreating would result in a defeat, but even after my forces were gone and the timer ran out the battle wouldn't end until I exited, which is when I got the victory]

Giving thanks to God that his army was alive to fight another day, Matthias ordered the prisoners executed. Yet another barb in the flesh of the beast. The tide was turning.