[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/LnLAzSS.gif[/img][/center]

[center][h1][color=DF7401]Iowerth Rhydderch[/color][/h1][/center]

Admittedly, this plan was not Iolyn's first choice, like every knight present he would have conducted the battle differently if it were him in charge. Different commanders, different plans, different styles. Preferably, he'd have commanded a unit of more lightly armed troops and held back while the other three groups closed in on the enemy. Then, when the rout began and there was an obvious path of escape, they would have chased down the cowards, preferably with the "Bandit King" among them.

Ultimately, this was not an ideal situation for him. The man preferred mobility. With Zidra beneath him he could easily keep his distance and wear the enemy down with bolts from far, or quick darting charges at gaps in the enemy formation. At the very least, he could keep an eye open for enemy commanders from the rear and try and snipe the enemy into chaos. Still, though, a knight of his rank was as accustomed to taking orders as giving them, and he voiced no dissent at the current state of things. Indeed, with their few numbers, any charge would need him added to it in order to give it strength. If worst came to worst he could always use the woman in front of him as a big undead barricade to fire missiles from behind.

As it stood though, he only expected to take one shot in the battle today, and hopefully it would find Jeremiah like a kiss from Death. His crossbow was knocked at his side for just that purpose.

"[color=DF7401]Admittedly this wasn't the kind of chess I had in mind when I made the offer. Should be easy enough to clear a board of pawns and a king though.[/color]"

Iolyn was not a pious man himself, but he could respect the woman's dedication to her faith even so many years after her "death". An existence like that could easily be considered a curse, although if tales were true she could be killed if she ever tired of her duties. Still, she seemed far too stubborn to ever consider dying. Truly, she was far more terrifying once one got to know her, the enemy had no idea.

"[color=DF7401]Keep your discipline men, do not let your charge devolve into a skirmish. Break their formation while keeping our own and the dogs will realize quickly how much more bark than bite they have. We follow the longest serving knight in the Order! Let her see your resolve today and be proud of what the Iron Roses have become![/color]"

Iolyn himself was never fond of speeches, but it could do wonders for the morale right before a charge. Some of these men and women were far too green to reliably hold the line when push came to shove. With any luck, their determination would be steeled, and a potential disaster prevented.

His hand gripped the Kriegsmesser at his side tightly as a grim smile spread across his own face. Yes, words could have immense power in a battle, but it was still steel that would carry the day in the end. He was prepared to spill blood in order to make the countryside safer.

It was a good day for regicide.