the unexpected defeat

The general consciously closed his mouth after a long jaw-dropping moment of shock as the realization of his unforgivable mistake sunk in. He cant help but mentally kick himself for the just-concluded battle. Even as he sat here, going through his post-battle analysis and debrief, he knew that his reputation as a renowned tactician was gone.

His self-remorse was not unexpected. In the past week, he had unleashed forces upon forces of his army upon the outposts guarding the strategic points in the enemy territory. Each battle was a clean sweep as his clearly superior forces overwhelmed the defences, neatly executing each of his strategies and cleverly manipulating the opposing troops like Yuri against a zombie. With minimal casualties, fortress after fortress crumbled against his unstoppable onslaught.

But the age-old adage "pride comes before a fall" rings true once again as the general approached the final battle with a dangerous level of complacency. Heady with the recent chain of victories, he was confident of this last skirmish, and spent the night before revelling in drink and dance, instead of his usual formulation of battle plans. This proved to be a horrible mistake.

On the fateful day of his defeat, he rode into the battlefield with all glory and might. Blowing a strong note from his horn, he led the bulk of his strike force against the main walls of the last fortress. However, these walls were designed to be impregnable, and he knew that this was akin to splashing water on a rock. But this strike force was just a distraction. A smaller elite hit team was at this moment sneaking up on the weakly defended rear of the fortress. Taking the defence forces by surprise, the two-pronged pincer attack was sure to overwhelm the defences.

However, his plan had a major tactical flaw. He totally forgot to provide cover for the archers, which were the main assault component of this hit team. After the initial surprise from the first volley of arrows, the defences' counterattack totally overran the hit team. Without the cover of pikemen, the archers were utterly trampled and decimated by the calvary that quickly rode out in retaliation. 24 of his finest archers fell just like that. Realizing his foolish mistake, the general organised a hasty retreat. But it was too late. Emboldened by this victory, the opposing forces poured out and harried the retreating army, resulting in massive casualties.

Back in base, the general chided himself yet again for commiting such a stupid mistake. Even though this round of battles were over, this single heavy defeat was a significant black mark against him in the war. He let out an inward sigh. Even before the battle reports come out, he knew that he already owed his commander friend a cool, refreshing ice lemon tea.