Chapter 27

The sudden cavalry charge disrupted the enemy's attack. Believing they had successfully assassinated General Shane and General Keith, the French Army had expected to easily conquer Potsdam City, but they had not anticipated that an experienced veteran general remained within the city to withstand their assault. Although the outer wall had been breached, their forces had suffered heavy casualties and were temporarily unable to organize another effective attack. Contemplating this as he watched his soldiers fall one by one, the general ordered the attack to cease and the troops to retreat. Everyone atop the walls of Potsdam City watched the enemy withdraw, their faces finally showing the expressions of those who had survived a catastrophe. The old general looked at the retreating enemy forces with an equally relieved expression. When he had first learned that both generals had been simultaneously targeted in an assassination attempt, he had been frantic with anxiety, knowing that grave trouble was afoot. As expected, the enemy launched their assault at that very moment. Fortunately, the buildings of Potsdam City were solidly constructed and had not been easily breached by the French Army, buying them crucial time to organize a defense. The old general, who had long served as General Shane's second-in-command, was a battle-hardened veteran. Now that the fighting had ceased, a lingering dread still gripped him as he recalled the intensity of the recent battle.