At midday, Senopati Narendra was drenched in sweat. It was because of multiple reasons: the scorching sun, the heat of the burning city, and the agonizing pain across his body. He was extremely fortunate, he knew, that the arrows did not hit his vital organs—one was struck in his thigh, one hit his arm, two grazed his shoulders.
By sheer numbers, the Srivijayan men—including Narendra himself, ignoring his wound—were able to hunt down all of the Mongol archers who shot from hidden vantage point. But still, more than half of the host was slain. After the battle, the injured men—including the Senopati—were tended by the uninjured in several of the resident houses which had not been burned yet.
“Bayutala didn’t make it, I saw his body—penetrated by a dozen arrows,” Amar said.
Despite the desolation, at least Narendra could be grateful that Amar, his most reliable hulubalang, was alive. The Senopati then said thoughtfully: “We could not go on like this, we need to get out of this city.”
“I’ve sent scouts to observe the situation and to find the other host. Bad news, the enemy have burned buildings north and south—the way we entered the city—so we need to find another way to escape,” said Amar.
The battle had been dramatically turned, thought Narendra, Srivijayan army had become the attacked, trapped in the city it planned to save.
Amar went on: “As of Anathapindika and her host, they were on the south of the city, engaged in a battle with the Mongol riders. Vimala and his men were heading toward here, he’ll arrive soon.”
Shortly after, Narendra had a heated debate with Vimala. Outside, the catapult attack had stopped.
“I could not believe you just give up like that!” shouted Vimala.
“Look, half of our men had gone. If we insist to attack, it would simply mean a suicide.”
“So be it! My sword had not tasted even a single drop of Mongol blood—I can’t just turn away from the battle.”
“To hell with your sword! I cannot risk my men to be burned alive or to be ambushed by archers no more!”
Vimala looked away in distress. He then said: “You cannot risk your men—but I can. We Syailendran are of a different breed, Senopati Narendra. If you want to go, just go. I will not hold you back, but you must not hold me back also,” bargained the young Senopati.