The throne room was active. Serfs and soldiers were rearranging furniture, moving documents and equipment around. 

[color=fff200][b]"Greetings Duke Karstilli, we thought you might want a few more men to man the walls. I know it isn't much, but Lord Siegfried should arrive in the next two days with a company of 500 knights. Although I hope by then they will just be here for the clean up as we will have already finished this siege."[/b][/color] announced Prince Leonidas.
Balthazar then bowed, [color=#239C89][b]"Duke Karstilli. It is good to see you again, though I wish it were under better circumstances. Perhaps we can share our insights in regards to the battle to come; though I suspect it will not be anything you hadn't already known."[/b][/color] he said in turn. 

Amongst the serfs and soldiers going about their business, an old but tall man wearing a fine maroon robe and bronze plate crown stood up. He turned to see who it was who entered. He squinted trying to recognise the man in armour, [color=a187be][b]"Master Leonidas?"[/b][/color] after realising who it was, a smile crept up on his old wrinkled face and he made his way over.
Manuel Karstilli let out a laugh of relief, [color=a187be][b]"It is great to see you again your majesty. And of course, it is good to see you too Sir Balthazar, my wise friend."[/b][/color] he said bowing in respect.
He gestured to the room, [color=a187be][b]"As you can see, we are having to temporarily use the throne room as the war-room. The destroyed buildling outside was originally such. And unfortunately, some of my officers were killed."[/b][/color] he slumped feeling a bit embarrassed. 

With a cough he straightened himself, [color=a187be][b]"So my lord. You say Sir Siegfried will be bringing his knights to the foray? that is welcome news indeed."[/b][/color] he said with a grateful smile. [color=a187be][b]"Come, we no doubt have much to discuss."[/b][/color] he said leading them to an office, away from the activity. 

------- 

Rudolph made his way past the line of civilians, and down the street toward the guard barracks. He thought about what both the Prince and Balthazar said as he walked, [color=8493ca][b][i]Maybe the Prince is right in what he said. It probably is stupid to blame them for what happened. But I know the Drow have a long lifespan, and I don't doubt that some of the bastards responsible are still kicking somewhere. But i'll keep what they said in mind.[/i][/b][/color] he thought as he approached the barracks entrance. 

The barracks seemed to be mostly empty, unsurprising given the circumstances.
[b]"Morning Sergeant."[/b] greeted a soldier resting at a table, [color=8493ca][b]"Aye."[/b][/color] replied Rudolph bluntly as he rested his halberd on the weapons rack.
[color=8493ca][b]"Oi Portor, any news on Murz yet?"[/b][/color] he asked taking off his hat and coming to rest on the table with the private.
[b]"No sir. Its been presumed he's been killed, given the orc presence."[/b] he replied simply before taking a sip of his ale.
Rudolph sighed. [color=8493ca][b]Whos around?[/b][/color] he asked head resting on his hand.
Portor took a moment to think, [b]"Captains Helt and Haart are above in the officers quarters. Captain Fenne is out tending to the walls defences. Most of the sergeants are out tending to the city. And Sergeant Collur is here somewhere too."[/b] he replied before finishing his drink and standing up. [b]"Well sir, i'll you'll excuse me."[/b] he said giving a brief salute before heading to the troop quarters. Rudolph gave a nod to the man before he left the canteen. 

Soon after resting himself, Rudolph got up and went to the troop quarters to change into a spare uniform, before inspecting his gears condition.
He then went out to see if he could assist with the city's defences.