[center][@Zool][@Loksfjoer][@Saiyan][@Teyao][@Zapdos][@Jay009][@Dark Cloud][/center]

[h3][Center][i][u]General Saladin's Marquee, The Head of the Besieging Force Encampment...[/u][/i][/center][/h3]

The Orc Captain of Engineering stood in a permanent salute as he gave his report to his leader, who was stood with his two bodyguards on either side of him.

"An additional 100 catapults will be built by the end of the day.  We are chopping down the nearby forest for more materials as we speak, sir."

General Saladin smiled.  "Good.  The enemy have nowehere to run.  Their closest possible armies are 3 weeks away, in Fornost.  And with The Wellsprings currently broken, there will be no chance for any strong Adventurering Parties to get here in less than 2 weeks."

"Then we continue the bombardment, sir," the Orc Captain surmised.

"Yes.  We will maintain artillery fire for 10 days.  Run dry the cities magical reserves on artillery defence.  Then a full-scale assault will be child's play."  General Saladin laughed.  "The Free People's Empire cling tightly with both hands on Fornost, leaving no one to catch Valhiem as it falls into our hands."

In the corner of the tent, a mouse was scratching it's ear with a foot.  Occasionally it looked around, seemingly oblivious to where it was.  But it's eyes had a faint turqoise glow to them.  It was no ordinary mouse.

[h3][Center][i][u]The Citadel, Valhiem...[/u][/i][/center][/h3]

"Cavalry forces circle the outskirts of the city," Commander Thorn replied.  "Lizard Heavies and the faster Dark Riders.  Within 2 days, enemy regiments will be posted on all roads out of the city."

This was the 2nd War Room meeting.

Mayor Pendlebury was sweating, clearly stressed.  "Then if we cannot evacuate the city, we should begin drawing the citizenry up the mountain."

Clarissa Shields entered the War Room late, bringing with her The Academy's best Druid.  Everyone's head turned as she spoke.  "10 days."  She came to the table but did not take a seat.  "10 days of bombardment from their artillery.  5 Source cannons.  An every-growing number of catapults."

"Good information?"

Clarissa motioned to her Druid friend.  "We got a spy into their camp."

Enio Ivey, Director of Witchcraft and Wizardy Studies, shook his head.  "10 days of constant bombardment is going to drain our defensive lines.  Our Ritual Barrier's are keeping out 100% of missiles and magic attacks so far, but keeping the city safe for 10 days is going to render our Magic Regiments ineffective by the time the real fighting comes.  We'd be better off if they attacked [i]today[/i]!"

Clarissa Shields disagreed.  "Maybe not.  My team have recently come into possession of an enemy artifact.  Our current analysis of it suggests that it might be helpful, if we can just figure out enough to get it working.  But we aren't close.  We need more testing.  Everyday is crucial."

Mayor Pendlebury spoke again.  "So we keep the city running, business as usual, for now?"

"Business as usual," Clarissa replied.  "No sense in crowding The Academy and Citadel until it's absolutely necessary.  We must be efficient with the time we've been given."  She turned to the two men in the fanciest armour.  "Commander Thorn & Inquisitor McGarren and their men will be able to operate in preparation more effetively if half of our defence force isn't bogged down in unnecessary 'people moving' just yet."  She then turned back to everyone.  "Any news on Director Reginald De Wran?"

"Not yet," answered another Academic.  "We believe they will try to sneak into the city by the South River.  We are watching hawkishly.  There's been no sign of trouble or fighting in that direction, so that's good reason to believe they are biding their time for a good moment."

High Septum Areleth, who'd been quiet up until this point, now spoke.  Everyone listened.  "With any luck, his secret operation will bear the most fruit on this barren tree.  Getting into contact with the mysterious adventurers who claim to be from another world... this should remain a top priority."

[h3][Center][i][u]Temple Hill, Northern Central Mytheria...[/u][/i][/center][/h3]

Food, medicine, bandages, antiseptic.  Non-magical healers and well-wishers.  Hardul had summoned all Cherrad could offer to come and help their saviours, Second Chance.

By the time they arrived atop Temple Hill, the rain had slowed to a stop.

First aid and potion administration was done on the spot, at the shelter.  But there were offers to bring Second Chance back to Cherrad for a real shelter with real opportunities for bedrest.  The loggers and lumberjacks who'd come in case there was a need to search for survivors in the collapsed temple entrance, were also ready to clear a Flat-Bed Wagon and Horses and offer Second Chance a ride back to Valhiem.

But one step at a time, the villagers only wanted to make sure that Second Chance were fit and hale.