After the wounded had been treated and the dead counted, King Edward strode among the soldiers and called for their attention.
Torches burned as night fell. The men stood in uneven lines, many with bandages on their arms or blood still on their armor. Their faces were tired, their eyes dull.
"My soldiers," he said, his voice firm, "do not let lies weaken your hearts. These rumors are baseless. They were spread by our enemies to divide us."
He paused, looking across the crowd.
"We do not serve false gods. We serve the one true God, and He has not abandoned us. Today's battle proves that. We were tested, and we stood our ground."
Silence answered him. King Edward was disappointed, but he did not show it.
Some soldiers lowered their heads. Others stared into the distance. No cheers followed his words.
Seeing this, Edward continued, his tone sharper. "Doubt is more dangerous than any sword. If you let fear rule you, you will destroy yourselves before the enemy ever can."
