Two Swiss columns approach through the forest

The Swiss form two pike bodies rather than the usual three: Conrad's Vorhut, or vanguard, will seize the guns, and the larger Bernese formation will follow in support. Conrad further divides the vanguard so a smaller detachment attacks the light pieces while the larger detachment goes for the heavy guns. A third contingent still on the road is assigned the rear-guard role when it arrives. The Swiss leave their own cannon behind because moving it through the forest would be too dangerous. Moving 5,000 troops through woodland should have exposed the attack, but the imperial cavalry has not established an effective picket line. Fürstenberg personally rides toward the noise instead of sending a scout, comes within halberd range, and is killed as the Swiss take the cannon.