Battle of Larton

The Battle of Larton was apart of the Templar Counter-Offensive during the Second Uhekian Mage War. It was a good showing of Hansson's tactical ability was, taking command after the death of Lindblad.

## Prelude

After the success at the Battle of Cardend in **567PR**. Hosmer and the mages built up their supplies before moving out to take the capital of Uhek, Gartaca.

While most of the march was successful, the mages met some trouble in the Battle of Everton in **569PR**. Where Nordlund held them off for 5 days, inflicting casualties and burning some of their supplies.

Eventually, Hosmer and his mages met up with Lindbald and the rest of his army, marching together to Gartaca where they met the Templars under Solomon. This was the Battle of Gartaca.

Losing the battle and an experienced commander in Lindbald was a major hit to the Mages cause, who were now wavering with low morale. Hosmer decided to stop this by falling back a fair distance, letting him focus on saving his army.

It was this time that Hansson took command, placing one of his trusted officers, Dene as his second. Hansson knew that to win the war they would require reinforcements, which meant time. Hosmer continued to promise that reinforcements would come, something that began to wittle down into lies.

Knowing that he would not get reinforcements, he decided to stand and fight against the Templars near the village of Larton.

## Battle

Once again, the mages were on the defensive for the battle. Situating themselves nicely, they extended their line in order to avoid being encircled by the enemy cavalry. By this time, the mercenaries and followers had learnt how they charged, and placed wooden spikes in the ground to avoid another attempt.

Solomon had nothing to offer and moved slowly up, ensuring his troops were defended from the barrage of projectiles that met them. Eventually, the two groups met in melee combat.

While previously the Templars were always the better due to their experience and equipment, only lacking in number, it now became even. Hansson no longer followed Hosmer's orders, now placing the mercenaries in the front, with the spearman on the sides where they would be relatively safe.

Combat went slowly, with both sides once again taking casualties similar to Gartaca.

### Retreat

After an hour, a small break occured. With Solomon and his troops finally pushing through the line and bringing momentum to them. With the battle about to be lost, Hansson called for a tactical retreat.

Since the Templars had casualties while the Mages did not, Hansson prepared his archers to cover them during the treat. Every 10 minutes, the Mage soldiers would turn around and shield themselves against the enemy, thrusting their weapons forward before running some more.

Solomon, frustrated that the war would continue, called off the chase.

## Aftermath

Solomon did not accept this victory as his. Rather giving credit to Hansson who had proved himself a worthy enemy.

Hansson was able to claim victory for this, choosing to retreat before he was overwhelmed while dealing good damage to his enemy, even improiving morale.

The success of the battle for the mages kept the war going.