Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: mv kz-199i
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: Forest Fire Ambush
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Arrows flew wildly over the tangled mass of enemies and allies. From this point on, the Tang army's losses began to multiply exponentially. Pits as deep as a man's height quickly filled with corpses. Moments ago, a Tang soldier had been snarling as he tried to climb over the stepping stones, only to have a spear thrust into his throat. He lost his balance like a deflated doll and tumbled back into the pit. He thrashed about, spilling blood, but another body fell on top, hiding even his death.
"It's really fierce."
The Tang soldiers' attempts to somehow scale the palisade ended with them being stabbed by spears or bludgeoned by flails. Go Jeong-ui, who had been watching, remarked,
"It's evenly matched."
"If the momentum doesn't shift, we can hold."
But the deadlock gradually tilted toward the Tang forces. No matter how many they killed, the Tang soldiers stubbornly crossed the stepping stones and flung themselves at the palisade like moths to a flame. Kim Yushin reinforced troops at the points where the Tang were trying to break through and moved the wounded deeper into the forest. Seeing this, Geom Mojam guessed their next move.
"They're trying to lure us into the forest."
"Even if they do, if Tang cavalry appears from behind the woods, we'll be surrounded."
As Geom Mojam said, the rear was precarious. While watching from the observation cart, a messenger sent by Ggeljung-sang arrived and shouted,
"Hurry back, sir!"
"Let's go down."
At Geom Mojam's signal, his retainers released the ropes, lowering the cart's watchtower. They mounted prepared horses and hurriedly exited the forest. Descending the steep hill, they saw Ggeljung-sang's Mohe cavalry. Spotting him, Ggeljung-sang pointed ahead with his sword.
"That's them. Looks like fighting's already broken out near Nak Pass."
"Just as expected."
"How's the front?"
He answered Ggeljung-sang's worried question cautiously.
"Holding steady. What about your side?"
"Enemies appeared from the hills to the right. They'll probably charge soon."
"Numbers?"
"About two thousand riders, but there could be more. They might be hiding out of sight."
While listening to Ggeljung-sang, he gazed ahead. Dust rising from hooves shimmered between the hills.
"They're lying in ambush to lure us in."
"But stopping here is dangerous. If they charge all at once, we might not handle their speed."
"Send about five hundred ahead to circle around, shooting arrows to harass them. With Yeon Clan Bows, they won't get close."
"Understood."
At Ggeljung-sang's orders, some waiting Mohe riders advanced. They drew huge circles, firing arrows at the approaching Tang cavalry.
The improved Instant Legolas Yeon Clan Bow could loose multiple arrows in a short burst. Tang cavalry, unaware, toppled from their horses in droves. Horses turned into porcupines by arrows bucked wildly in pain. The goal was to buy time, so after a skirmish, they withdrew, sending out fresh riders.
"As long as the enemy doesn't commit fully, we can hold."
He replied to Ggeljung-sang not to get complacent and kept watching the front. Tension choked him, swallowing dryly. The battle on what was now the front—and former rear—would inevitably affect the tide. So when Go Dol-bal, commanding the right flank under Kim Yushin's orders, appeared suddenly while he was observing, it startled him considerably. Seeing blood splattered on Go Dol-bal's face and helmet made his heart sink.
"What happened?"
"Retreat order's come down."
"What? Already?"
"Yes, they pulled back briefly, then led with infantry and broke through the line."
"The rear's blocked by Tang cavalry."
"Orders are to push them."
Ggeljung-sang, listening beside him, snorted.
"What about all that Goguryeo Fire?"
His mind reeled, but orders were orders. He told Go Dol-bal to inform Nak Pass and issued commands urgently.
"Ggeljung-sang! Advance the unit!"
"The ambushers might emerge."
"Hesitate here, and we'll be crushed from both sides!"
At his outburst, Ggeljung-sang grimaced reluctantly and signaled to advance. Go Jeong-ui, who had been silently watching, suddenly drew his sword.
"Why are you...?"
"In case, I'll protect you."
"I'd protect you faster."
Shaking his head, he spurred his horse forward. Disappointed by Kim Yushin's quick retreat but deciding to trust him.
The Mohe riders in line gradually picked up speed and advanced. Tang cavalry hidden between hills emerged one after another. Fortunately, Ggeljung-sang anticipated it and countered swiftly, avoiding major blows. But the enemy, expecting counterattacks, hit-and-ran, inflicting losses. Thanks to the Yeon Clan Bow's rapid fire, they held in firefights. Still, the battle not going as hoped weighed heavy. Geom Mojam, beside him, grumbled irritably.
"When the hell are Ogol Fortress reinforcements coming?"
"Good question."
Having left that to Kim Yushin too, he was at a loss.
"Push back the enemies in front first."
Nak Pass and Asil Buldo must have gotten word and advanced, clashing with the foe. No major losses yet, but anxiety grew. Go Jeong-ui echoed it, glancing around.
"At this rate, we'll get pinched front and rear, wiped out in moments."
"I know! Yushin must have a plan."
The Tang cavalry, pushed back earlier, suddenly closed in. But Ggeljung-sang timely rotated rear and front riders. Fresh troops threw back the charging Tang. Stragglers attempting breakthroughs faced arrow barrages or flail beatings.
"Cavalry fights are so different from infantry."
Unlike spearmen and shield walls in formation, cavalry clashed at blinding speed. They closed fast, shot arrows, withdrew. Spotting gaps, they clustered for breakthroughs. His side was mostly Mohe; theirs Iron Ri and Tujue, using similar tactics. Ggeljung-sang, Goguryeo-born but raised among Mohe, handled it masterfully. Plus Yeon Clan Bows and flails gave edge in range and melee.
'Fitting the father of Dae Joyeong, founder of Balhae.'
His death in 698, Balhae's founding year, made him practically its first king. Just as relief set in, drumbeats sounded, and Kim Yushin's army withdrew from the forest. Geom Mojam shouted,
"Our army's falling back!"
But Go Jeong-ui said,
"Withdrawing in perfect order—must be another plan."
"Same thought."
Too disciplined for defeat. Then Kim Yushin rode up, scanning the field.
"Can you hold here?"
"Yes. But what's next?"
Kim Yushin eyed soldiers exiting the forest.
"Trap them in the woods."
Understanding instantly,
"You scattered Goguryeo Fire in the forest."
"Did the smell give it away?"
"Not at all."
"Forest's full of scents. Covered it with leaves."
"Impressive, fooling even me."
"Gotta fool Li Shi-min too."
Goguryeo troops withdrew orderly from the forest, halted, and formed a shield-and-spear line. He yelled to Geom Mojam,
"Block their rear attack!"
Geom Mojam, grasping it, said solemnly,
"I'll hold with my life."
Last to retreat, Kim Heum-sun entered the shield wall. Kim Yushin shouted,
"Fire arrows!"
Archers behind shields readied incendiaries. As Tang emerged from the forest, he ordered instantly,
"Loose!"
Countless fire arrows arced into the woods, igniting Goguryeo Fire on ground and trees, erupting in massive flames. Lead Tang panicked at rising fire below, retreating hastily. But dense woods hindered movement. Flames climbed trees, burning branches fell. Tang soldiers panicked under fire from above and below. Arms crossed, Kim Yushin watched. He said,
"Turned the forest into a trap."
"A fire trap. We'll hold the rear."
"Don't worry. What if they flee back?"
"Told Ogol Fortress troops to block that."
"Pinch 'em both ways."
"Yeah. If rear cavalry behaves, victory's ours."
Seeing Kim Yushin's calm, he thought him ready for bigger fights. Then Ggeljung-sang galloped up, yelling,
"Master! They're fleeing!"
True enough, some Tang cavalry attacking Mohe turned tail, mostly Iron Ri and Tujue from afar.
"Bailing when odds turn."
Ggeljung-sang grinned excitedly at his words.
"No loyalty, no honor."
"Still, stay sharp. Keep messengers with Nak Pass. They might try a desperate break."
"Leave it to me."
Ggeljung-sang boomed, wheeling to his men. Meanwhile, the forest blazed fiercer.
"A massive furnace now."
April dryness fueled rapid spread; vast woods became a sea of fire, trapping them literally. Advancing forward met Goguryeo spears and arrows. Closer, jars of Goguryeo Fire flew. Tang hurled burning shields, only for arrows to pierce torsos. Flames spread to writhing bodies, consuming them swiftly.
"Gruesome."
Smell of roasting flesh mixed with blood. Countless Tang died thus. Heat drove some out, but they couldn't breach the line. Watching with Kim Yushin, an unfamiliar messenger rushed up breathlessly.
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