They were to the effect that they should offer the most determined resistance to the enemy, while at the same time they were to retire gradually but slowly from the actual position, as if yielding to pressure.

Their sturdy resistance was to cover the movements of the main body.
Tyope now stealthily crept away from the line of the fight.

Soon he met a group of his people who, outside of the range of missiles, were waiting to be called into action.

He sent the majority of them to the front to reinforce the others.

Two runners were despatched to the south and southwest with orders.