But being on constant alert meant they couldn't rest. With the enemy holding back, this war of attrition was simply agonizing.
They even suspected the enemy was already fast asleep—perhaps after having a good laugh at what idiots they were.
Time ticked by, and the soldiers' stamina and energy drained away. Their eyelids grew heavy, and their bodies began to sway.
But just as they were about to collapse, they would recall the terrifying legends of Henry's army, remembering the scenes of stone shot falling like rain. They had no choice but to rally their spirits and continue to stand fast.
Rumor had it that Henry and his army ate human brains. They would supposedly chop off their enemies' heads, scoop out the brains to eat, and then pile the empty skulls into a mountain of trophies.
There were many such legends—the kind that could stop a child from crying at night.
Enduring this torment, the soldiers grew increasingly agitated.
