The rebel light cavalry was chasing down the retreating soldiers, slaughtering them along the way, while the rebel heavy cavalry was already poised to charge.
The retreating soldiers at the front were scrambling and crawling under the spears toward the human barricade. Some veterans grabbed them by the collars and pulled them behind the line.
Under the protection of the phalanx, they suddenly felt at ease. Some sat limply on the ground, laughing and crying, while others, terrified stiff, were convulsing uncontrollably like those seized by a severe illness, drooling.
"Don't let them in!" Major Wale shouted the order, striding to the edge of the phalanx. He yanked a retreating soldier from the ground and forcefully thrust a broken spear into his hands: "Stand up! Take up arms! Or get out!"
