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Lady Ioetta Vetcel and Captain of the Silver Shield mercenaries in the city of Xoni was in a foul mood. First the incompetency of the cities High Constable had allowed the enemy to breach their defences. Second the reinforcements from Zlarver had yet to arrive. Fires had already began to spread in the east section of the city. The smoke bellowing into the blackening sky. The smell of burning wood mixed with the faint coppery scent of blood was heavy in the air even this far into the city.

Worse still the dark clouds overhead meant a storm was brewing. While that could be advantageous to the defenders; it would at best delay the inevitable. Who know how many had already gotten into the city? If the gates fell there would soon be a bloodbath to follow. Still as much as Ioetta wanted to lend aid to the embattled defenders at the walls her objective was clear. She was to remain here and defend the only entrance to the Grand Palace from any would be assassins. 

The wide doors into the main palace were sealed shut and the gates already in place. She stood near the base of that same entrance kriegsmesser in hand. At the very least this location was a good enough position to defend. The bridge she and her comrade found themselves on was no more than thirty two feet wide and served as an excellent bottleneck of sorts. She would have preferred a full company but considering the circumstance they would need to make due. 

The sounds of battle echoed from several yards away. Accompanied by screams and shouting. The sounds were getting closer and closer. The time was nearly upon them. She looked to her fellow Silver Shield-- Ser Grimsson-- as they waited. She did not know the man personally, though his reputation as a skilled fighter was rather well known. She was glad for his aid, she had a feeling it would surely be needed. Even if a few enemies were able to slip through the defences it would be a hard fight ahead. 

She heard a crashing sound as the main gateway on the other side of the bridge was forced in. The enemy had arrived. The stagecoach in the middle of the bridge was large enough to obscure sight of the enemy from this distance. Which meant they wouldn't be picked off from a distance for now… but should the enemy reach that stage coach it would be an entirely different story.   

“Come Ser Grimsson, let’s see whose come knocking. If we can reach the coach we shall at least have some cover.”