The reinforcement group stalled the foe ten times their size.
They requested help from the Headquarters multiple times, and with every subsequent call, their distress signal revealed their increasingly precarious situation.
The officer from the headquarters replied that she understood their situation and honestly told them they couldn't find any more reinforcements.
And that woman, who was easily recognized as one of the master tacticians of their era, requested them softly. "Please hold them back as long as you can."
No help was coming.
It was expected but perhaps they were hoping for a miracle. It didn't come.
The hope didn't diminish though. Such a fickle thing hope was, in times like these, instead of getting crushed, it bounced back and blazed, making their hearts yearn for another miracle.
Their rational minds didn't think anyone was going to come to their rescue.