Hjergir too split his forces and formed up into the two columns that would be moving along the left and right flanks, though he also dedicated a smaller force to assisting the members of Meesei’s pack that would be assaulting down the center. In such a narrow pass, it was more possible for a smaller force to defeat a larger one, but they would have to make sure their frontline never faltered, as there would not be many reinforcements to fill in the gaps. 

Meesei and Lorag were front and center on the frontline of the left flank. Hjergir was just behind them, while to the left and right there was a shield wall of both Nordic and Dominion troops extending almost to the sides of the passage. The front was supported by mages on the second rank back, with similarly alternating ranks heading all the way back to the rear of the column. Ahnasha had joined Fendros on Leaps’ saddle, and they were moving near the front along with the Senche cavalry. 

On all three flanks, the type of resistance the allied forces would face were similar. The Skaafin had neglected to reinforce the last few watchtowers so they could take the time to fortify these passages. Metal barricades had been moved into position about halfway through each of the three passageways. On the left and right flanks, the barricades were simple, spiked barricades not unlike the wooden versions used by armies in Tamriel. They would primarily deter cavalry, but the Daedric spearmen holding behind them could attack while soldiers were slowed by them as well. In the center passage, there was much less distance for the barricades to cover, so the Skaafin had been able to build up stronger defenses. In addition to the spiked barricades, they had also assembled walls out of metal posts, with elevated platforms behind them from which they could attack with spells, arrows, and long spears. 

Meesei was at the front on the left flank, so she was the first to encounter the other defense the Daedra had prepared. Out of seemingly nowhere, a small orange, disk with four spike-like claws appeared in front of her and jumped up spinning into the air. Reflexively, Meesei formed a ward in front of herself, which did absorb the fireball from the ensuing explosion. Meesei shouted and brought the column to a halt, then cast form dispelling chains from both of her hands. As the chains cuts across the area in front of them, they stripped away the illusions the Daedra had put in place to hide their traps. From one side of the path to the other, dozens upon dozens of these mechanical fireball traps had been placed. Although the traps were no longer hidden, they would still have to deal with them as they pushed forward, and the Daedra ahead had already begun shooting volleys of spells and arrows. The other two paths were defended by illusion-obscured traps as well, and would need to be dealt with swiftly.