[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/B7KsN1D.png[/img][/center]
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[h3]Location: Relouse city walls, near the eastern gate[/h3]

[color=F92D00]“From Echeran’s scarlet throne…”[/color]
[color=902EBD]“Descends a power on high.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“Safeguarding our souls…”[/color]
[color=1A7811]“Against struggle and strife.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“To the Bringer of War…”[/color]
[color=902EBD]“Friend to the wielders of fire and sword.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“Your servants pray to thee...”[/color]
[color=1A7811]“In our moment of direst need.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“Grant us the courage to face the enemy...”[/color]
[color=902EBD]“Fill us with strength unequaled.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“We are dogs that feed on carnage...”[/color]
[color=1A7811]“Our spirits flourish in the field of battle.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“By your command we face war unending….”[/color]
[color=902EBD]“In the darkest of hours, we heed thy call.”[/color]
[color=F92D00]“We shall give no mercy. We shall show no fear.”[/color]
[b]“In Echeran’s name we pray. Amen.”[/b]

The three Rezaindians sat cross legged atop the walls with their hands raised in prayer. While the garrison in the south engaged the Eskandr vanguard, those on the eastern battlements held themselves in reserve. As an auxiliary unit to Captain Auclair’s company, the trio of priests were under orders to remain on standby until further orders from the crown. 

The captain’s men showed exceptional discipline as they moved materiel back and forth across the walls. He had drilled them well, and everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going. Onagers and ballistae were wheeled in or assembled on site while sleds full of ammunition delivered bolts and stones to their defensive positions. Barrels of arrows were dragged into place where the archers could easily restock.  

Gerard stopped praying for a moment and twisted his upper body towards Auclair, who was eyeing the sky suspiciously. Unlike the common soldiery, the minor nobleman was clad in armor befitting his wealth. Heavy scales and lamellar plates shielded most of his body from harm. His status was conveyed by an intricate heraldic tabard which displayed his family’s crest and coat of arms. The plumage on the officer’s helmet blew about in every direction as a heavy wind slammed into the city walls, forcing many to brace themselves. 

[color=F92D00]“What do your eyes see captain?”[/color] Gerard questioned. Captain Auclair angled his head slightly towards Gerard upon hearing his voice.

[color=869D11]“The skies grow dark Red One, and storm clouds have begun to loom overhead. We may not be able to rely on your arcane power for much longer.”[/color]

[color=F92D00]“Do not worry. There is enough energy in this city for me to destroy a hundred longships.”[/color]

[color=869D11]“Truly? Well, I hope it won’t be necessary. If they’re smart they’ll realize how outmatched they are and leave quickly.”[/color]

The defenders continued to bide their time. Gerard scraped a whetstone against his seax, vigorously sharpening the small sword in preparation for close combat. Tristan and Misha used their Gift to help move equipment around. Captain Auclair gave orders to the various squads under his command while occasionally stopping to speak to one of his aides. If one strained their ears, they could hear the sound of battle over the increasingly loud winds. The Eskandr vanguard must have landed and engaged their fighters on the beach. 

Some time later, a messenger arrived at full sprint headed directly for the captain. The exhausted soldier raised the visor of his helmet and saluted.

[b]“Sir, I bring news from the beach head! We have been deceived. The enemy is splitting its forces!”[/b][color=869D11] “What!? Are you sure?”[/color] Captain Auclair gently pushed his assistant away to give the messenger his undivided attention.

[b]“Yes sir. Some of the lords are rallying men to defend the Witch Wood as we speak. How shall we respond?”[/b] The nobleman closed his eyes and considered the rapidly changing situation. Gerard and his two students began to rise to their feet, having overheard the new intelligence. 

[color=F92D00]“What of our generals?”[/color] The older man inquired. 

[b]“The king’s orders still stand sir. They want us to hold our positions.”[/b]

[color=869D11]“If we allow the heathens to capture our holds in the north and south, we will no longer be able to funnel them into our artillery. The tide of battle will flow heavily in favor of the enemy.”[/color] Captain Auclair grumbled. Gerard stamped his staff against the brickwork underfoot. 

[color=F92D00]“That would be the assumption if we were following Parrench military doctrine, captain. The Eskandr do not fight like us. Their attack on the Witchwood may be a diversion. As your equal, I suggest you continue to consolidate this position.”[/color]

The officer’s face became quite severe, but after pondering over Gerard’s words he nodded his head in agreement. [color=869D11]“Whether it is a full scale attack or a mere diversion, I am confident that His Majesty will answer appropriately. As you say, we should place our trust in the king and wait for further instructions.”[/color]