In the second place, I would rather, with your permission, remain by your side.

You will naturally command the force that opposes the direct attack, and, as the bulk of the fighting will fall on them, I should prefer being there.

I will act as your lieutenant." "Well, since you choose it, perhaps it is best so," the count said.
"These peasants fight best their own way.

They are given to sudden retreats, but they rally quickly and return again to the fight, and they will probably fight better under their own local leaders than under a stranger.

You will see they have no idea of fighting in a body; the men of each village will fight together and act independently of the rest.
Many of them, you see, are headed by priests, not a few of whom have brought rifles with them.