Skurr had dealt most of the damage he could.  There were few defenders on this part of the wall, most had gone below or fallen to crossbow bolts.  He was almost entirely alone.  That wouldn't bother him normally.  Most tavern brawls were much the same.  However, he had gathered far too much attention.  For all his ability as a fisherman, he was no soldier and certainly no hero.  He didn't care to die and staying here meant death.

He had killed his last opponent at the top step of the stairs on this side of the gatehouse.  Of all the places to use a flail, fighting up a slope is one of the worst.  If the man had succeeded in getting to the top before he used the flail then Skurr would only have had about two feet on his sides to use for dodging.  But, the man was still below him on the stairs and was flinging his spiked ball up that slope at Skurr.  The fisherman, used to bad footing and small boats, had the entire length of the wall on either side to use for evasion.  He simply took a step to the side and then lunged before the man could react.

But, this time he didn't go for a kill.

These men were acting feral, they were mad with battle and the only way to stop them would be to either break them from their madness or kill them all.  He couldn't kill them all.  But, just maybe, he might be able to have a greater effect by inflicting suffering... permanent suffering.  He lunged low and deep, piercing the man's torso just under the ribs of his left side.  The tip of his spear emerged from the man's back smartly in the center, through the spine.  The wound could be fatal, but death was not guaranteed.  However, the man would never use his legs again.  The shock and confusion on the man's face as his legs seemingly disappeared out from under him made Skurr's gut twist but he had no time to hesitate.  He kicked the man off his spear, causing him to tumble down the stairs into the legs of the men behind him.  The resulting confusion and falls brought about many injuries and a delay of nearly a full minute before the next reached the top from that side.  He didn't wait that long.  As soon as the crippled man began his fall, Skurr began his flight back along the wall, staying low and fast while seeking a good way down off the walls.

The other stairs by the gatehouse were less effectively defended.

A couple men had managed to make it to the top in spite of the remaining defenders and their best efforts.  Several of those who had tried lay dying or had fallen below.  But, the defenders were being forced toward Skurr's side of the gatehouse.  They would be pinned soon if they didn't move.  Thankfully, one of them had the wits to call for a retreat from that position and the perception to realize that they had to flee along the wall.  The two who still stood followed that order and disengaged from battle but one wasn't fast enough and was cut down from behind.  The smart one and the survivor were pursued instantly.  Still, they fled quickly and were able to catch up to Skurr, instinctively forming an improvised squad.  

The two men were wielding a sword and a spear that had lost some of its shaft.  The swordsman also had a small shield but it was split and nearly useless.  But, in spite of the poor condition of their equipment, they still had fight in them.  They reached a place where a small stairway descended from the wall.  The two soldiers were still following Skurr but they turned down the stairs, calling for him to return and follow them.

Skurr had passed the head of the stairs by only a short distance and did turn.  But, he turned to attack.  They still had pursuers, three of them.  The leader had a sword, the second had an axe and the third was carrying a pair of oversized cleavers.  All of their weapons were bloodied.  This was a risk, but if Skurr kept running then he would end up being the fish instead of the fisherman.  A deep lunge allowed him to strike the leader through the center of the chest before he could understand that his preferred prey were now merely a distraction.  The spine was still the target and the strike was good, but this blow was higher.  The man would not be able to breathe.  It would not be a quick end for him.  The ferociousness of the remaining two prevented any hesitation and Skurr was forced to jump backward to avoid a deadly slash from the axe.  He had lost momentum but gained time and claimed the attention of these two enemies.  They were focused on him now and heedless of the fact that with a few careless steps they had passed the top of the stairs and left their backs open to an emboldened charge by the two soldiers who had headed down below.

The resulting skirmish was brief and the two soldiers and the fisherman headed down the stairs and into an alley during the brief lull in the action that surrounded them.  However, they had little chance to catch their breath.  One of the soldiers spotted the princess being carried down the street.  He also saw that she and her guards were being pursued.  The soldiers were worried and lacked confidence in their ability to help.  It showed in their faces and in their hesitation.  Skurr broke the tension quickly.

"What're your names?"

They looked at him and blinked for a moment before they gathered their wits enough to answer. "Rod Kalehew." Said the one with the damaged spear.  "Longton Ash."  Said the swordsman with the damaged shield.

"Skurr Nippledbottom.  Well met.  Head back to the gate and help the best fighter you can see.  Get attention and buy time.  Stay alive.  I'll help her."  Skurr said flatly.  He wasn't feeling great.  His breath was ragged.  His skin was pale.  He had the blood of strangers on his spear.  His bare feet were sticky with blood and worse, and was trying to not think about the fact that his odds of surviving this battle were dropping.  He might need to flee and seek refuge on one of the ships before this was over.  But, he had to try and achieve something or he wouldn't be able to gain passage.  Even in these times, merchant vessels rarely did anything for free.  He would need collateral or connections.  Collateral was difficult to run with.  Connections... if he could make an impact protecting the princess's life he might be able to secure his own survival at the same time.  He pulled himself up straight without waiting for a reply and quietly dashed in pursuit of the men pursuing the princess's guards.