The Hire 119.

Almaic. The Capital Of The Duchy Of Phelm...

"How many they fucken got?" asks Dorc da Orc "Not that many boss, er general" replies Teabagger the goblin Cunt, who continues with "About half a dozen or so".
"Fuckballs" mutters the large ork, who briefly pauses as he thinks of something, then he asks the small, bright green goblin "How many is that?".
"Six" is the answer from the goblin commander who keeps a straight face as his general works that out.
The ork warleader grunts as he understands that, then says "Tell 'em to fucken keep thems" the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world nods in the direction of the north wall of the city, and adds "Probably not gonna fucken work against that magicky shit they got".
As on cue, and to prove his point. A fireball cast by one of the spellcasters in their army. Hits the top of the north wall of Almaic. Where it splatters against the wards the enemy have got up.
"See" says Dorkindle, who then loudly mutters "The magicky fucken cuntheads".
Teabagger nods in agreement, and turns to one of his officers, and in the goblin language, tells him to spread the word down the trench, not to use the remaining mage canisters they've got, when they finally advance upon the north wall of Almaic.
Which will be soon, as a messenger from field commander Drubine arrived recently. And said the order to attack the north wall of the city will come soon. Especially now that they know the advance upon the east side of Almaic has been curtailed. If not failed completely.
Dorc da Orc who has gone back to looking at the magetube that's lying on the ground just a hundred feet away, about fifty feet out the from the city wall.
Knows that the soldiers and mercenaries in their army should be able to pass through most of the wards the enemy have got up. As he's been told most of them are to defend against spells.
So those going up the scaling ladders should have a fairly decent chance of getting to the top of the wall. Apart from getting shot at, or something falling on them. Or an enemy spellcaster burning them, or some other horrible way in which to kill them.
The ork weaponsmith also knows that he won't be going up a scaling ladder, for the simple reason he's far too heavy.
And unless there's an extremely large and heavy ladder that can hold his weight in their army that he hasn't seen yet. He'll have to find another way to get into the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
As a heavy longspear shot from an enemy ballista up on the top of the wall, passes over the long trench the ork general and the battalion of goblins are in. On it's way towards others in their army, advancing forward behind them.
The large ork, who is a member of the wolf tribe of orks. Who is still the largest member of his tribe. And one of the largest members of all twenty ork tribes. Who on average have about a thousand members in each tribe. With Dorkindle being the only one of his race outside of the southern polar region at this time.
Glares upwards at the sun in the afternoon sky, on what's been, and still is, a clear, hot summer's day here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
Before he looks away to the right, where in the distance he can see the gates in the north wall of the city, where the road from further north leads.
The road that's been laid with traps. And which the armies of both field commanders Drubine and Leivyn have avoided. Apart from earlier when Dorc and his battalion of goblins forced some of the enemy on to it. Where they fell to, and into their own traps.
"Hmmmm" murmurs the warleader of the ork race "What is it general?" asks Teabagger, who can barely see over the top of the trench they're in. While next to him, his general is sitting down, looking out of the trench.
"What are you thinking?" asks the small, bright green goblin who is one of the small number of original members of the battalion of goblins, who were formed in the southern kingdom of Melaurn. Where their general took them under his command during a conflict between two warring nobles in that kingdom.
"How we gonna gets in that fucken city" is the rumbling reply from the ork weaponsmith from the very bottom of the world. Where the winters are long, harsh and brutal. Where only ork kind, and the various animals that have adapted to live in those polar conditions, are able to survive and thrive.
The goblin commander nods, as he knows where their general goes, they go. And since the big, burly ork won't be going up a scaling ladder anytime soon. They won't be going up them too.
Which is probably a good thing in the opinion of Teabagger the goblin Cunt.
Who knows that if the battalion tried to go up the scaling ladders to top the north wall of Almaic. They'll more than likely accidentally kill themselves, and each other. More so than whatever the enemy might do to them.
The goblin commander knows the shortfalls, so to speak. Of his race. So finding an alternative way into the city of Almaic is probably for the best.
The small, bright, green goblin originally from the kingdom of Melaurn, figures whatever they end up doing. It will involve the magetube that's lying out in no man's land, just fifty feet from the north wall of the city.
"Right" says Dorkindle, who then adds "Listen up cunt, this what we gonna do".
The son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks nods towards the magetube lying out in the open, and says "We gonna gets that big boom boom".
Why am i not surprised, Teabagger dryly thinks to himself, who nods as his general tells him "We gets the magicky fucker when the army charges the fucken wall".
The large ork maybe stupid, and totally idiotic. But he is cunning, especially when it comes to warfare. And though he's not especially knowledgeable about a lot of things. He knows an awful lot when it comes to battles and war.
"Are we going to blast a hole in the wall?" asks the goblin commander "Nah cunt" says the ork general, who sees the battalion of goblins as his own army.
"We aren't?" asks a slightly surprised Teabagger, who thought that would be the first thing the big, burly ork would do when he got a hold of the enemy magetube lying out in no man's land.
"Nah, we gonna blow them fucken gates to bits" says Dorc da Orc with a nod of his large head in the direction of the main gates in the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
The goblin commander's eye ridges go up in surprise when he hears that. As the gates have been more or less left alone by the armies led by field commanders Drubine and Leivyn.
With good reason. As the road leading up to it, has been heavily trapped.
"We was over by that fucken road earlier, me could smell they had fuck all cunts behind them gates" explains the weaponsmith from the wolf tribe of orks, who continues with "And me bets all the fucken gold coins you got ya little green cunt, that there's not no fucken trap rights infront of the gates".
Dorkindle shrugs then says "Cause you know why?". The goblin commander shakes his head no, and the big, burly ork tells him "Just incase the fuckers have to do a fucken counter attacks, and come out em" he continues with "They gots to have a fucken clear bit to come out".
Teabagger the goblin Cunt slowly nods, as he's a little dubious of his general's plan. Seeing this, the large ork chuckles, then says "Trust me cunt".
The warleader of the ork race then points to the wall, and tells the small, bright lurid green goblin "When we gets the boom boom, we gonna go along the base of the fucken wall to the gates" the large ork then asks the goblin commander "You got that cunt?".
"Yes general" replies Teabagger "Good" grunts Dorc da Orc who then tells the commander of the goblin battalion in the Farqian mercenary army "Now tell the rest of the little fuckers what we gonna fucken do when the order to charge the wall comes".
The small, bright green goblin from the kingdom of Melaurn nods, then turns to the goblins nearest to them, and repeats the ork warleader's plan in the goblin language. And tells them to spread the word down the long trench that the battalion, along with captain Weldin's company are in. Waiting for the order to advance across the last bit of open ground before the north wall of the city of Almaic.
Dorkindle looks back, and sees that the army led by Tamric Drubine has moved up. And that more and more of them, are between the battleline he and his battalion are in. And the next one to the north.
Catapults are now in range of the north wall of the city. And are firing upon it.
And like the longer range trebuchets. The ork weaponsmith watches where those catapult loads actually hit the wall, and the top of it. And where they don't, as they've been stopped by the barrier spells the enemy have up amongst their wards.
The big, burly ork doesn't know a lot about magic. Just that he hates it. Unless he can use it somehow. And use it to his advantage.
What he does know about it. Is that it's far harder to maintain barrier spells compared to protection spells. For the simple reason those particular wards, the more often they're hit, the more depleted they become. Even if they're fixed wards. Like what the enemy have up infront of the north wall of the city that's the provincial capital.
Dorkindle sees where a boulder actually hits the wall with a thud. He looks at the spot, to get it into his memory. And though the ork weaponsmith forgets a lot of things. He tends to remember an awful lot during a battle.
The ork general grunts as he sees where some burning barrels of pitch hit the wards the enemy have up. Bounce off them, and fall to the ground where they shatter spreading flames across a section of the open ground infront of the north wall of Almaic.
The large ork from the southern polar region of the world watches the bombardment upon the north wall of the city. And the retaliation from the enemy upon the top of the wall for a little while longer.
And after some large rocks shot from an enemy catapult slam down in and around the long trench the goblin battalion and their general are in. Killing two of the goblins, and injuring two others. Who are carried back through their lines to be healed by either spellcasters or camp surgeons.
And an energyball from an enemy spellcaster hits the other end of the long trench. Where some of captain Weldin's company is located.
Dorc da Orc looks back and sniffs, trying to locate where commander Drubine and his senior staff are.
The weaponsmith from the wolf tribe of orks locates Mira Reinholt the mage first. Who is with Tamric Drubine and his command staff.
They're in one of the enemy fortifications in a battleline further to the west and north of where the ork warleader and his battalion are. About two hundred yards away, or nearly six hundred feet.
The large ork sees that most of the army led by young Tam is now infront of where the field commander and his senior staff are located.
"Cunt what's the fucken signal colours again?" asks Dorkindle "Green for go, and red for halt" replies Teabagger the goblin Cunt.
The ork general grins as they're his two favourite colours. Green, because well, he's green. And red because it's the colour of blood.
Then the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks tells the small, bright lurid green goblin beside him "Keep a fucken look out for the signal to charge" as he gestures back to where commander Drubine and his senior staff, along with the mage Reinholt are located.
"Yes boss, er general" says the goblin commander, who looks back in that direction.
While the big, burly ork, who is still wearing the rain poncho members of his battalion made for him. Goes back to keeping an eye on the magetube lying out in no man's land, and the continued bombardment upon the north wall of the city that's the provincial capital.
The ork warleader who is just watching lightning streak along the wards the enemy have up infront of the north wall of Almaic.
Looks at Teabagger who says "Boss the signal" as he looks back at their army behind them.
Dorkindle looks back as well, and sees a bright green light, the size of a large melon. Trailing green smoke behind it. Rising up into the clear, sunny afternoon sky from the fortification where commander Drubine and his senior staff are located.
The large ork grunts, as the army that's mostly composed of the armies of the robber barons Almard and Larimer. And led by the young field commander in the Farqian mercenary army, Tamric Drubine.
Charges forward towards the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
The goblin battalion led by the ork weaponsmith stays put. They'll only charge from an order by their general.
Captain Weldin's company at the other end of the long trench haven't advanced forward yet either. The captain in the forward elements of the mercenary army from the lands Farque is waiting for the ork warleader too.
Dorc da Orc who knows he can wait for a few moments as they're the closest to the city walls. Glances back, then grunts as he sees those behind them, are almost to the long trench he and his battalion of goblins are in.
"Right, time to fucken get some" says the large ork who chortles, then yells out in his loud voice "Charge!".
He grabs Teabagger in one hand, and the goblin on his other side with his other hand. And biffs them up and out of the long trench.
The big, burly ork from the very bottom of the world climbs out of the long trench simply by standing up, and stepping up and out of it.
While the rest of the goblin battalion scramble up out of the long trench. And at the other end, captain Weldin's company are getting out of the long trench too.
Dorc da Orc mutters "Get up you silly little fucker" and grabs Teabagger, and stands him up as the small, bright green goblin tries to get to his feet.
Then the battalion of goblins, some of whom have already tripped over themselves, rush forward across no man's land with their general the ork warleader.
Who has got his eyes on one thing, and one thing only as the army led by field commander Drubine. As well as the army further to the west led by field commander Leivyn make the final push towards the north wall of the city of Almaic.
Dorc da Orc is grinning as he runs beside Teabagger the goblin Cunt and others in the battalion he is the general of. The large ork is grinning as he looks at the enemy magetube lying out in the open, which he's getting closer and closer to, and will soon be in his hands.
"Fucken boom booms" murmurs Dorkindle as he runs, who then shouts "Get some!" as arrows and bolts fly all around him as he and his battalion of goblins charge towards the north wall of the city of Almaic . . . . . .

The Hire 118.

The City Of Almaic. In The Duchy Of Phelm...

Over on the east side of the city of Almaic. Dalinvardél Tanith says "It's definitely crashed" as they look through the thinning smoke across the long boulevard that's runs down the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"At least it did its job i guess" says Shawtus McQuade referring to the duke's frigate that's gone down in the countryside to the east, on the otherside of the Mareb river.
Smawfri McQuade grunts in agreement with his slightly older and slightly taller cousin, as the two of them, along with the spy Tanith. Lead the small squad back across to the otherside of the boulevard, where it's up against the riverfront.
As there's fighting somewhere away to the north from them. They see the pier that they were opposite has been destroyed, and swept away when the river Mareb resumed flowing.
They also see that the nearest docks that run up against this side of the river has been badly damaged to. And that there's bodies jammed up against the north side of it.
It's presumably like that all up and down the length of the riverfront that runs along the entire eastern side of the city of Almaic.
The trio of nonhumans in the small squad, who are closely followed by the young squad leader Barron.
Spot the other squad leader Kamnix, from sir Yarrim's estates. Making his way, with a few others, towards them.
"There you are" says Kamnix, who leads the larger squad they're attached to "Where have you lot been?" asks the squad leader from along the southern border region of the duchy.
"Keeping alive and out of harms way" replies Dalinvardél Tanith who answers for the young squad leader Barron.
The elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alínlae. And who is now in the armies of Farque. Who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army.
Doesn't mention that he kept their small squad out of the way, for the simple reason he didn't want to encounter anyone from his own army, who were attacking the east side of the city that's the provincial capital.
Dalinvardél Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, then says "Seems you lot have been in a bit of a scrap".
Kamnix grunts, and wipes blood from the side of his face, from a cut across his forehead.
"Damn bastards" mutters the leader of the larger squad who have been defending between two of the towers along the boulevard, Kamnix then says "Some of them got across the river, and took it to us" he follows that up with "We gave it back just as good though". The two soldiers from sir Yarrim's estates with him, nod in agreement with their squad leader.
Kamnix looks around through the dissipating smoke, and though there's the sound of fighting further away to the north. As well as fighting away to the south along the long boulevard. There's no fighting here, along this stretch of the riverfront.
The squad leader from the southern border region of the duchy looks at Barron, and tells the young squad leader "Some of them got through, and are in the city" he continues with "Not many, but still enough to be a worry".
Squad leader Kamnix then adds "I want you and your squad to go after them and hunt them down". He gestures at the spy Tanith and the McQuade cousins, and tells Barron "These three should be able to track them down and find them".
"I like how the fucking prick refers to use as these, like we're not actually people" mutters Smawfri McQuade in the dwarven language to his slightly older cousin Shawtus, who though grunts in agreement with him, also nudges him with an elbow to shut him up.
The slightly younger, not to mention more temperamental of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains. Sourly smiles, though he does fall silent.
Young Barron nods to the order from the other squad leader. Then they all turn around as they hear someone call out Kamnix's name. It's sir Yarrim the sorcerer, who is walking across the boulevard with two of his personal household guards.
"Sir" says the squad leader Kamnix when he sees his lord "Kamnix send some men into the city, some of the enemy have got through our defences and entered" says sir Yarrim the sorcerer.
"Yes sir" says the squad leader from the nobleman's estates, who continues with "I was just about to send this squad after some of them" as he gestures at the small squad lead by Barron.
"We saw about fifteen of them had got across the boulevard" adds Kamnix the squad leader.
The nobleborn spellcaster whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy, nods his head, then says "We counted about a hundred and fifty of them in total down the boulevard who have got into the city" the powerful sorcerer continues with "I've ordered some others into the city after them as well".
Kamnix nods to that, then as he's just about to send Barron and his small squad of a dozen on their way, he asks sir Yarrim "How many do you think were swept away by the river sir?".
"Easily over fifteen hundred" is the reply of the second most influential noble in the duchy behind duke Hargen himself, he then adds "Closer to a couple of thousand is my best guess".
Dalinvardél Tanith almost winces when he hears that. For the army led by general Halvane, was the largest of the four armies led by him and the trio of field commanders from the lands Farque.
There was almost seven thousand in that particular army when it left the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains, and came south into the kingdom of Nastell, and its northern most duchy, Phelm.
The Farqian general's army, which was predominantly made up of all five robber barons soldiers and mercenaries. Had kept out of the battles further north in the duchy. Along the border, and at the city of Savariss. Which fell in just a single night.
The general's army was to be used only here for the battle of Almaic if the duke hadn't already been killed in the north of the duchy.
And to be used as the spearhead of the attack upon Almaic. Getting across the river Mareb, which seemed an impossibility to those defending the city that's the provincial capital.
It almost worked. But the attack upon the east side of Almaic has been halted. Due to the quick thinking of sir Yarrim. Who got one of the duke's warships to fire upon where the river had somehow been halted. How? the sorcerer Yarrim still has no idea. Though he doesn't care about that now. He's just glad he was able to help stop the enemy from gaining the advantage along this side of the city of Almaic.
Dalin, who figures at least five or six hundred of general Halvane's army must of got across the Mareb river before it resumed flowing. Figures that the Farqian general must still have a little over half of his army with him on the otherside of the Mareb. Unable to cross the river. Making them ineffectual, apart from the small amount of war machines they have with them. Along with their spellcasters. Though for all intensive purposes, they're out of the battle for the moment.
"Where will you be going sir?" asks Kamnix the squad leader as the nobleman and his two personal household guards start walking away.
"Across there" replies sir Yarrim who gestures across to the otherside of the Mareb river, then he adds "To see what we can do to help out those in the frigate that's crashed".
Kamnix nods to that, then the powerful sorcerer along with his two guards disappear as sir Yarrim teleports them away.
"You lot get going" says Kamnix to young Barron and his small squad. Barron nods his head, then says to his squad "Come on, let's go".
Then he along with the McQuade cousins, and the spy Tanith lead the rest of the small squad. Back across the wide, long boulevard that runs along the east side of Almaic. Through the ever dissipating smoke, and into the city proper. To track down the enemy who have got into the city that's the provincial capital.
"Well, seems like we might see some action after all" quietly says Shawtus McQuade to his cousin Smawfri McQuade "Looks like" replies the younger of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains as they follow Barron and Dalin across the boulevard, and into the lane they were previously in.
"Which way?" asks the young squad leader to the elf he thinks is just a mercenary ranger from the principality of Alínlae, as they head down the lane.
"Might as well go straight ahead for now" says Dalinvardél Tanith who will do his best to keep the small squad of a dozen well clear of anyone from his own army who has made it into the city.
"We're bound to run into some of them sooner or later" adds the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army.
The spy Tanith stops at the end of the lane, stopping the rest of the small squad behind him. He looks all around, and listens carefully. Then nods his head to cross the street infront of them.
The squad do, and Dalin leads them into a wide alley, that heads deeper into eastern quarter of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
Further east of the city of Almaic, about half a mile from the Mareb river. The sorcerer Yarrim reappears with his two personal household guards about fifty feet from the stern of the duke's frigate that has crashed landed.
They see that the airship is fairly intact, and in relatively good shape. Though the nobleborn spellcaster knows it's in no shape to fly until the damage to the keel is repaired. Which will take weeks to fix.
For the moment, the warship which is upright, and on a lean to starboard, is grounded for sometime.
The powerful sorcerer and his two guards can see some of the crew scrambling around on the deck. And a few others who have already got off it. Are on the ground inspecting the damage to the twin masted airship.
Suddenly one of the port side magetubes fires. And sir Yarrim watches the shot go north.
"Shit" mutters the nobleman whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy, as he looks north and sees a number of the enemy heading this way.
There must be over a couple hundred coming this way towards the downed warship. While in the distance, further to the north, at the edge of the river, the bulk of their army remains.
Sir Yarrim sees that the magetube shot is going to miss, and pass over the heads of the enemy, due to the angle the airship is on, as it's on a lean to starboard.
If it was leaning slightly to port, a magetube shot from the port side would more than likely hit the oncoming enemy square on.
"Come on" says the nobleborn spellcaster to his guards, and the three of them rush to the crashed airship, where more of the crew are getting off it. Climbing down the starboard side, and the aft section.
Sir Yarrim spots his fellow sorcerer Marx, one of the officers onboard, and hurries to where he stands on the ground at the stern of the downed airship.
"Marx, we've got to stop them" says the powerful sorcerer when he gets to the warship "We can't let them take the ship, and take the magetubes off it" adds the nobleman who is the most influential noble in the duchy behind duke Hargen of Phelm. Even more so now, considering the woman he's in a relationship with. The lady Elaine, who is the younger sister of the duke. Is the new heir to the duke of Phelm.
Sir Yarrim gestures to the city across the Mareb river and says "They'll use them to attack the city, and those defending it".
"Hell" says the sorcerer Marx as he realises what his fellow spellcaster is saying is true.
The officer who is glad to see the powerful sorcerer is here, tells him "Some of the crew are trying to set up some hanging rigs for a couple of the magetubes, so that they can fire at an angle at them coming this way" he then adds "But it'll take a while".
"Until then, we and the rest of the crew will have to hold them off" says sir Yarrim, who then quietly adds "Let's just hope they don't send the rest of their army this way".
The sorcerer Marx winces when he hears that, then nods in agreement with the nobleborn spellcaster whose estates are in the very south of the duchy, that's been invaded by the robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
From onboard, archers are called for. Those still on the downed airship find positions to best shoot at the enemy who are approaching from the north.
While others on the ground stand near the stern and bow, and wait for the oncoming enemy to come into range.
They're already in range of the two sorcerers, and the other spellcaster in the crew. A wizard, who is up on the deck of the frigate with the captain.
"Try and take out their officers" quietly says sir Yarrim to his fellow sorcerer Marx, who nods in understanding. And does so again when the powerful sorcerer tells him "I'll try and hit them right across their front".
The nobleborn sorcerer steps to one side, and a few moments later a firewave nearly a hundred foot in length, and about ten foot in height, four feet off the ground. Appears about thirty yards north of the downed warship.
Where it starts moving northwards, as fast as a person runs, heading towards the enemy who are rushing towards the duke's frigate that's crashed landed here in the countryside to the east of the Mareb river.
"Let's see what this lot can do" quietly says sir Yarrim as he watches his firewave tumbling and rolling forward like a, well like a wave really. Towards the oncoming enemy, who he sees aren't those in black he saw when he was at the north wall of Almaic earlier in the day. This lot must be some of the robber barons soldiers. And not the mercenary army they've hired.
"Spellcaster with them" says the sorcerer Marx "I sense him" says sir Yarrim, who also senses his fellow sorcerer is going to target the enemy spellcaster.
As they and the rest of the crew of the downed frigate do their best to stop the enemy from taking over the warship that's crashed landed on this side of the Mareb river, and getting their hands upon the magetubes onboard it . . . . . .

The Hire 117.

The Battle For Almaic...

Along the top of the north wall of the city of Almaic. A lot of them see the smoke being blown away from the east side of the city as multiple magetube shots are fired from one of the duke's two warships he has here in the city.
And through the turbulence of the smoke being blown away. Many of those at the northeast corner of the city. Watch what happens down in the Mareb river. And how a large number of the enemy who are trying to cross over to Almaic, are swept away when the river resumes its natural course.
A couple of runners, or messengers from that corner of the city. Are sent along the top of the wall, to inform officers, nobles and others. To what's just happened along the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
One such person who is informed, is Beldane the cleric in the church of Glaine. Who has just seen the duke's warship in the distance, a frigate. Get hit by an enemy energyball. A lucky hit if the cleric has ever seen one.
As it just hit the magical keel on the underside of the frigate's bow. A frigate that drops down out of view on the otherside of the river.
The powerful cleric who suspects it will crash land in the countryside on the otherside of the river. Turns and listens to the runner inform him and the nearby officer of what happened in the Mareb river.
As the runner moves on, the officer, a commoner, turns to the member in the church of Glaine, and asks him "What do you think of that cleric?".
"I think we got extremely lucky" says Beldane the cleric, who continues with "Someone was smart and figured out what they were doing over there" the fighting cleric then adds "Because if they had crossed the riverbed in numbers and got to the city side of the river, we would of been in trouble".
Beldane then quietly tells the common born officer "Our forces are stretched thin down that long bloody boulevard, i suspect they would of got into the city itself pretty easily if a lot of them had got across the Mareb"
The officer in the duke's army nods his head in agreement at that assessment from the cleric in the church of Glaine.
Beldane, who has positioned himself near the officer, for the simple reason he's not nobleborn. Who tend to take umbrage whenever a commoner like the powerful cleric suggests something. They're loath to listen to him in the first place. Considering he's more experienced than most of them in combat and battle.
Looks away to his left along the top of the wall, and spots his friend, Dominic the sorcerer. Who has just been informed of what's just happened along the east side of the city, by the same messenger who told the member of the church of Glaine.
The powerful cleric nods his head, and mutters to himself "Figures" when his friend Dominic the sorcerer calls out to him "Sir Yarrim is over there!" as he points to the east side of the city, though further to the south.
Beldane, who doesn't particularly care for the nobleborn sorcerer, who happens to be the most influential noble in the duchy behind duke Hargen. More so, that the woman he's in a relationship with. The lady Elaine, who is the younger sister of duke Hargen. Is now the duke's new heir.
Waves to his friend Dominic, and calls out "That's definitely stuffed up their plans to take the city!". "I agree!" calls back Dominic, who gestures to the enemy just north of them, and adds "They'll try to take the wall now that their attack upon the east of the city has basically failed".
The cleric Beldane, who is originally from the central region of the duchy, not all that far from the capital Almaic. Where he was indoctrinated into the church of Glaine at a fairly young age. Who joined the church full time at the age of eight when his magical powers first manifested.
Nods in agreement with his friend Dominic, who also happens to be friends with sir Yarrim. Considering Dominic's father helped train and teach the nobleborn sorcerer along with his son Dominic.
The cleric in the church of Glaine wonders if the enemy were hoping the east side of Almaic would of been overrun by them pretty easily. After all, who would of thought they could of got their army across the Mareb river with ease. Turns out they almost did. Though eventually unsuccessfully. Beldane knows if they were successful there, the capital of the duchy of Phelm could of fallen fairly rapidly.
Considering there's hardly anyone defending the city, who is actually in the city proper. With only a small number at the ducal palace. And at city guard towers throughout Almaic.
Everyone else defending the city that's the provincial capital. Are either here along the north wall. Or out on the long boulevard that runs down the east side of Almaic. Or out on the streets, and amongst the buildings on the west side of Phelm's capital. Where the city has spilled out beyond where a wall would normally of been built on that side of the largest city in the northern most duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
Beldane, who has been keeping an eye out for that enemy mage. Who definitely isn't acting like an ordinary mage. Because if they did, they would of well and truly smashed through the fixed wards protecting the north wall of Almaic. Then smashed through the wall itself.
Looks down off the top of the wall, at the magetube lying on the ground, about fifty feet from the wall. The cleric in the church of Glaine then looks at the closest battleline that the enemy have taken.
The long trench that's full of goblins. And what appears to be a troll. The ugliest, and roughest looking troll Beldane has ever seen. True, he's only ever seen a couple of trolls in his lifetime. But neither one of them looked as demented and feral looking as the fat one that's in the long trench that's just a hundred and fifty feet away from city wall.
"When do you think they'll attack?" asks the common born officer standing to the right of the cleric who is in half plate, and chainmail armour.
"Once they get more of their army forward" replies Beldane, who points to the rear of the enemy army that's to the north of the city of Almaic, and he adds "See" followed by "There's scaling ladders back there".
"Hell of a day to fight a battle" murmurs the officer, who wipes sweat from his brow, as it's now the hottest time of the day.
The powerful cleric nods in agreement, then he looks away to his left as he senses his friend Dominic walking this way.
The sorcerer goes by the burnt and scorched part of the top of the wall, where Beldane was in the midst of an explosion from a mageglobe.
Then he walks by what remains of one of the catapults that was the destroyed in the same explosion. And joins the cleric in the church of Glaine, and the officer beside him.
After briefly waiting for the catapult further to their right to launch a load of rocks and broken bits of masonry at the enemy.
Dominic the sorcerer quietly says to his fellow spellcaster "Once they get as many of their men forward to those front battlelines, they'll rush the wall" the sorcerer continues with "They've got too much momentum now, they'll have to take on the wall. Especially with what's happened around on the east side of the city".
Beldane nods to that, and his friend the sorcerer tells him "You and that mace of yours better be ready when they do".
"I will" says the fighting cleric, who turns to a couple of nearby archers who have just made their way up to the top of the wall, after coming over from the east side of the city "Shoot at those goblins in that long trench there". After the archers glance at the officer, who slightly nods, they both say "Yes sir cleric".
Beldane wryly smiles at being called a sir, something he's definitely not. As he's just as common born as the two archers themselves.
The member of the church of Glaine turns back to his friend Dominic, who has just sent a fireball towards the enemy, sending it further back amongst them. Where they're still making their way forward through the battlelines that are further away from the north wall of the city.
"You pacing yourself?" quietly asks Beldane "Have to" is the quiet reply from Dominic as they talk about magic.
"Don't want to burn myself out" adds the sorcerer, who continues with "Have to keep maintaining the wards too".
The cleric nods to that, as he isn't required to help with the fixed wards upon the north wall of the city.
He hasn't cast anything yet during the battle, as the enemy aren't close enough for him to be truly effective.
And the only time he's actively been involved with any magic so far today. Is when his magical mace protected him on its own. When an enemy mageglobe exploded near the cleric. The mace which protected Beldane and three others who were standing close to him in the explosion.
The sorcerer Dominic then says "Not a lot of hard wards up, so if they get to the top of the wall, they'll be able to go through the protection spells".
The fighting cleric nods in understanding, then says "We'll have to get as many of them on the open ground infront of the wall as we can".
Beldane looks out at the enemy, then quietly says "If we hold them out for the rest of the day, and through the night. Then this battle will be one of attrition" he continues on with "If that happens, we'll be the victors. Because they're all here, and they have to take the city with who they've brought".
The heavily armoured cleric, who is in the church of Glaine, after momentarily pausing, adds in a slightly dry tone of voice "That's unless they've got another army further to the north that's ready to attack us".
Dominic the sorcerer chuckles, then says "I doubt it" followed by "They're all here, and they want the city, and the duke dead" he then adds in a slightly sour tone "Those robber barons aren't exactly known for their cooperation. So the quicker they can take the city, the better it is for them".
Then in a more regular tone of voice, the sorcerer says "Like you said, the longer we can hold out, the better it is for us, and the more difficult it becomes for them".
Beldane nods to that, then he points at an enemy soldier in black, who has come forward, and hopped into the long trench that's the closest battleline, where all the goblins and the ugly looking troll are located.
"In black like those goblins are" quietly says the member of the church of Glaine, which is the most popular church here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell, especially in the towns and cities. While the harvest gods are more widely worshiped in the countryside, and farm villages throughout the north of the kingdom.
"The same mercenary army those robber barons have hired" says the sorcerer Dominic, who points further away to the west along the same battleline, where there's other mercenary soldiers wearing the same lightweight black cloaks and tabbards.
Beldane looks further west, and sees more of those mercenary soldiers in black in the battlelines that are closest to the north wall of the city of Almaic.
"Must be their best soldiers, considering they took all our battlelines north of the city in half a day" quietly says the fighting cleric, both the sorcerer and the officer nod in agreement with Beldane. Who then points at the enemy further back, and says "That's the robber barons rabble" he continues with "Fresh, having done no fighting so far, and only having to avoid our war machine shots, and our spells sent their way".
The cleric in the half plate and chainmail armour looks at his friend Dominic, and the common born officer with them, and says to them "It'll be them who'll do the bulk of the attack upon the wall itself since they've yet to be really involved in the battle".
"Fresh troops" mutters the sorcerer, who then dryly adds "That's all we need". The cleric Beldane wryly smiles in agreement with his friend and fellow spellcaster.
The fighting cleric is about to say something else, when he pauses as one of the ballistas further to their right shoots off a ten foot long heavy spear at the enemy.
Then a magetube further left along the top of the wall, near the main gates, fires a shot off at the enemy who are just north of the city of Almaic.
As Beldane watches the twelve foot wide ball of pure magical energy streak through the early afternoon sky, passing over those enemy at the front. And head towards the rear of them, where they're still making their way forward.
The powerful cleric says to his friend the sorcerer "I wonder if they'll turn on themselves?". "Huh?" says the sorcerer who is busy watching the magetube shot. Which he senses, shatter through an enemy protection spell. And land amongst them towards the rear. Where it explodes, sending dirt, debris, and bodies flying up into the air in a fiery explosion.
"Like i said, they're not normally the cooperative bunch those robber barons" says Beldane, who follows that with "I wonder if they'll turn on one another?" he then adds "Win or lose".
The sorcerer, whose family has lived here in the city of Almaic for generations slowly nods to that. While the officer next to the follower of Glaine asks "You think they will cleric?".
Beldane nods, then asks "Why are they here in Phelm?". "To kill the duke and take over the duchy" is the answer from Dominic as that's fairly obvious.
"How many of those robber barons are here?" asks the fighting cleric in the mix of half plate and chainmail armour.
"Five of them" is the reply from the common born officer, as that too is fairly common knowledge.
"Well, how many of them can be the new duke?" asks the cleric in the church of Glaine.
"Just one" answers the sorcerer Dominic.
"Well, there you go, they're bound to turn on one another eventually" says Beldane, who continues with "No matter if they're victorious or not" after a brief pause, he adds "I'm surprised no one has thought about that before".
The sorcerer nods in agreement with his friend, then quietly says "Best we hold them out no matter how long it takes, and let them turn on each other".
"Yes, lets" quietly says Beldane the cleric, who then points down at the closest battleline that's full of goblins and one ugly looking, not to mention fat troll, or what he thinks is a troll. As he notices something, and he says "Movement down there" followed by "They're up to something" . . . . . .

The Hire 116.

Almaic. Phelm. Nastell...

Dorc da Orc and Teabagger the goblin Cunt look at one another as they definitely hear magetubes firing somewhere around on the east side of the city of Almaic.
The large ork who has been staring at the nearby magetube that's lying out on the open ground, just out from the north wall of the city. Wondering how he's going to get it without getting himself killed.
Grunts as he hears more magetubes firing. Then he and the small, bright green goblin who commands the battalion of goblin in the mercenary army from the lands Farque. Look towards the Mareb river, as they hear something.
"Fuck" growls Dorc da Orc who immediately recognises what's happened, as he catches a glimpse of the river through the smoke, and sees that it's flowing southwards again.
Teabagger grimaces as he too understands what's happened along the east side of the city that's the provincial capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"An enemy airship you think boss, er general?" asks Teabagger the goblin Cunt "Fucken probs" is the reply of the big burly ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world.
After a momentary pause, the goblin commander asks "Think many of them got across?".
"Fucken maybe" says the ork warleader, who figures, correctly as it turns out. That a lot in the army led by general Halvane who were attacking the east side of Almaic. Were killed, and swept away as the Mareb river resumed flowing again on its course southwards. The small, bright green goblin guesses something similar.
Then the large ork, who helped come up with the plan to attack the city of Almaic. Who now knows that plan has just had a serious setback. Goes back to watching the magetube lying out in no man's land, just fifty feet from the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"That was definitely magetubes firing" says Mira Reinholt the mage who looks eastwards through his leather wrapped brass, cylindrical eyepiece "One of those two airships in the palace grounds?" asks Tamric Drubine who is standing at the end of an enemy battleline, that the army he leads has taken over.
With the young field commander and the once powerful mage is subcommander Waiamin, and others in the senior staff of the nobleborn teenager who is originally from the kingdom of Sarcrin.
"More than likely" says the mage Reinholt who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. Looks eastwards through his own brass, cylindrical eyepiece.
Then one of the nearby spellcasters calls out that indeed it is an enemy airship on the east side of the city that's firing its magetubes.
The mage, who also happens to be a highly skilled swordmaster. Who can't sense that far to the enemy warship.
Catches a glimpse of the Mareb river in the distance through the smoke. And when before when he last saw it, the river was fairly still. It's now moving, and flowing again. Which can only mean one thing.
"Fuck me" mutters the Vexilian mage in exile who winces "What?" asks Tam "The river is flowing again" is the sombre reply from the swordmaster Reinholt.
The young field commander in the armies of Farque grimaces, then mutters "Hell".
The nobleborn teenager who is a former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine in the kingdom of Sarcrin, quietly says "I hope there wasn't too many of them trying to cross the riverbed when it started flowing again".
"We can hope" quietly says the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Though the mage Reinholt suspects there was probably an awful lot of the army led by general Halvane crossing the riverbed when the Mareb resumed flowing.
And that now the attack upon the east side of the city of Almaic, has been severely hampered. If not outright curtailed.
"That sounded like magetubes firing in the distance" says Darid Parsen the cavalry commander, next to him. Both his second in command Kalleb, along with the runner Lisell Maera nod in agreement.
It's confirmed a few moments later when the lead scout, the water elemental spouter Zaneff appears and says that indeed it's magetubes, most likely from one of the two airships that the enemy have had lying in wait, in the grounds of the ducal palace, that's firing around on the east side of Almaic.
"I'll go up and get a better look" says Zaneff the water elemental spouter who points up at the early afternoon sky.
Commander Parsen nods and gives his permission to do so, though the member of lord Farque's personal council orders Zaneff not to go eastwards, as he knows how important the water elemental spouter is. As he's extremely rare, less common than the coursers of his race. With there only being three of his kind in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
Zaneff who turned to mist, isn't gone for that long. And he soon reappears next to councilor Parsen.
"The river's flowing again" quietly says the water elemental spouter, the cavalry commander winces when he hears that, and he mutters "By the tundra gods" in the hordes dialect of the southern tundra.
And with the Mareb river flowing once again can only mean one thing. And that thing isn't good for the attack upon the east side of the city of Almaic. The side of the city that seemed least likely to be attacked. And the side of the city, where the attack was most pivotal if they wanted a quicker, and more assured victory over the duke forces protecting the capital of his duchy.
"Now what?" quietly asks the second in command Kalleb , as he looks at the councilor, and the lead scout as they stand amongst a burnt out enemy fortification. Here on the north side of the city of Almaic.
"We continue onto the wall i suppose" says the cavalry commander, who in actual fact is really a hordes outrider by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of Darid Parsen, who was formerly a foot soldier in the army of lady Linara Lé Dic, in the kingdom of Druvic.
"Grind it out i guess" adds councilor Parsen, who after a brief pause, glances over at Lisell Maera, and says "But first commander Leivyn needs to be told about what's happened on the east side of the city".
Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman looks beyond the attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a runner in the armies of Farque.
He looks beyond sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is once again pacing back and forth, wanting to get underway again.
To where commander Leivyn and others in the attractive field commander's senior staff. Are watching the progress of their army upon the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"You want me to tell her?" quietly asks Lisell Maera, who like the other three in the cavalry company, is speaking in the elven language.
Darid Parsen doesn't even contemplate that, and he says "I'll tell her" the cavalry commander continues in common with "We might as well all go over to her and her staff".
Darid aka Zubutai the son of Timagin, nods for the pacing sir Percavelle to follow him and the others as they make their way over to field commander Leivyn, to inform her of what's happened along the east side of the city that's the provincial capital.
Around on the west side of the city of Almaic, near one of his catapults, which is now firing upon the enemy.
The war engineer Tovis looks a little worried as he looks up at the clear early afternoon sky. To where his second in command, the sorcerer Larris, is once again floating up in the air above the army led by field commander Talbot, which is attacking this side of the city.
The fairly powerful sorcerer has gone up again, this time even higher into the sky. Because he's sure he sensed magetubes firing in the distance, clear across on the otherside of the city.
Larris, who holds the rank of subaltern in the armies of Farque. Disappears as he teleports, a moment later and an enemy energyball streaks through the sky, going through the exact spot where the sorcerer was levitating.
The second in command of the engineers corp in the Farqian mercenary army is on the ground, about fifty yards to the right.
And he jogs back to where Tovis is standing with Shur Kee the monk near one of the catapults. Which is being reloaded, to fire upon the west side of Almaic, where it has spilled out beyond where a wall would normally be.
The spellcaster in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, who is now holding his power within himself, rejoins the young engineer and the short, statured monk near the catapult.
"It was that airship firing alright" says Larris the sorcerer, who after he pauses for a moment, adds "The Mareb is flowing again, i could see all the water away to the south of the city now".
Wincing, Tovis the war engineer mutters "Damn" before continuing with "I hope there wasn't too many of the general's army crossing when it resumed flowing".
Next to the young engineer, the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li nods in agreement with him.
"Let us hope so" says the sorcerer Larris, who like Tovis and Shur Kee, has a feeling that a lot of general Halvane's army were caught in the riverbed when the Mareb river resumed its course southwards.
"If a lot of them didn't make it over, then the attack upon the east side of the city is well and truly blunted" quietly says Tovis, who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic, where he was the war engineer to a certain baron Harkonin.
The young engineer, who holds the rank of captain in the armies of Farque, who commands the engineering corp in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, that has been hired by the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, who have banded together to wage war upon duke Hargen of Phelm, here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell. Looks around, and spots a nearby runner, who he waves over.
"Commander Talbot needs to be told of what's happened over on the east side of the city" says Tovis to Larris and Shur Kee, the young engineer who hails from the kingdom of Druvic continues with "With the general and his army failing to push through and quickly enter the city from the east, this battle has just got a whole lot harder".
Both the second in command of the engineers corp, and the physical adept nod in agreement with the war engineer. Who turns to the waiting runner, and tells him to report to field commander Talbot, to inform him of what's happened along the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
Within the city of Almaic, Helbe the elven thief who has just shifted to a roof top near the northern quarter of the city that's the provincial capital.
Glances sideways at Narladene the ground pixie who has just briefly dropped down to the rooftop, before returning to his right shoulder, where she's just muttered "Fuck".
"What?" asks Helbe the elven thief "The river is flowing again" replies the naturally magical creature, who continues with "Swiftly too".
"Fuck alright" mutters the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who knows he could of done something to prevent that. But he has more important matters to attend to.
Though he knows his army, which is attacking the city of Almaic, won't see it like that.
Such is the position of responsibility, the elven magic user sourly thinks to himself, then he along with the ground pixie who is attached to him, look away to the east across the city.
"Well, at least someone got it" says the elven masterthief as they see in the distance, the enemy warship drop out of view beyond the city, and the river that runs along the east side of Almaic.
Then the highly talented elven spellcaster, who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, senses all around him again, searching for clerics.
"Do you know which church or temple he belongs to?" asks Narladene, who can't believe they're looking for a cleric instead of concentrating upon the battle to take the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"Not really" says the elven master assassin "You mean no" dryly says the tiny winged creature who originally hails from the Sunreach Mountains, who met the young elven noble a dozen years ago in the city of Leeabra, the capital of the kingdom of Druvic, where she was living at the time.
"Yes, i mean no" mutters the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, the elven master archer then adds "I'll know it when i see it".
The naturally magical creature nods her head, as the elven princeling has described to her what the cleric they're searching for looks like, and the vestments he wears.
"Well, since he's a fighting cleric he's probably in the battle already" says Narladene, who then adds "Or at least waiting to get involved".
Prince Helbenthril Raendril nods his hooded head in agreement with the tiny winged creature who is perched upon his right shoulder, then murmurs "That's what I'm afraid of".
The elven masterthief who is a member of the royal family that rules the principality of Laerel, which is the oldest nation in all the Southlands. Hopes to the forest gods that the cleric by the name of Beldane, who he's searching for. Isn't in the battlelines to the north of the city. Which the elven magic user suspects have all fallen to the armies led by the field commanders Leivyn and Drubine by now.
And that the cleric who was revealed to him when he was unconscious from his powers of foresight. Isn't in the midst of the battle along the east and west side of the city yet.
"Clerics prefer to be in melee combat, they're more powerful there" muses the elven princeling, who then adds "So if he wasn't in the battlelines outside of the city, or on the boulevard along the riverfront, then he's probably still alive, waiting to get involved".
Narladene contemplates that for a moment, then nods her head in agreement and says "Sounds plausible" followed by "Hell, it better be".
I know, Helbe the elven thief thinks to himself, who knows that his actions, or to be exact inaction. Has allowed the duke's forces to severely blunt the attack upon the city of Almaic. Now that general Halvane's army, or what's left of it. Are unable to cross the Mareb river, and enter the city that's the provincial capital.
The elven spellcaster, who like the ground pixie on his right shoulder, has sensed a number of clerics in the city, looks around as the sun continues to beat down this clear, sunny and hot summer's day, here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
"Which way?" murmurs the blurred and shielded elven magic user "One is as good as any" says Narladene, who then adds "Pick one".
The young elven noble from the principality of Laerel, who is now a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, does so. And he shifts away, in search of the cleric named Beldane, who his powers of foresight revealed to him, must be found as he's now part of the grand scheme that lord Farque has in the rebuilding of the armies of Farque . . . . . .

The Hire 115.

The City Of Almaic...

The port side magetubes onboard the twin masted frigate in duke Hargen's small fleet, opens up.
They don't fire in unison. They fire over a few moments, as the warship slightly rises at an angle once it's over the boulevard, then the river Mareb along the east side of the city of Almaic. The capital city of the duchy of Phelm.
Magetube shots, some of which are easily sixteen foot wide. Streak through the smoke, easily burning it away when the balls of pure magical energy come into contact with it.
It's pretty much impossible not to see them. Even amongst those on the ground. Many of whom jumped in fright at hearing just over fifteen magetube firing within moments of one another.
One of those on the ground who didn't jump in fright at hearing the broadside from the nearby warship in the early afternoon, smoke shrouded sky.
Is Shawtus McQuade, who says "The smaller ship, the twin masted one". The slightly older and slightly taller of the two dwarven warriors from the Sunreach mountains adds "The frigate".
Those at the end of the lane just off the boulevard, look up as Shawtus and Smawfri both point up to their right, as the first of the magetube shots comes into view. Followed by another, then another, and so on.
Going from their right to left, scorching away the smoke they come into contact with. Allowing those in the lane, and along the boulevard. To actually see a bit of what's happening.
Also watching the broadside that's just been shot from duke Hargen's airship over this part of the city. Is sir Yarrim the sorcerer. Who along with two of his personal household guards. Is upon a rooftop on a street, just back from the long boulevard that runs along the east side of the city of Almaic.
They watch the magetube shots burn away a lot of the smoke, first over part of the boulevard. Then over the Mareb river which the balls of pure magical energy start heading along.
The first few of the magetube shots are slightly lower, and are going downwards quicker than those following.
This isn't worrying to those watching. Well those, watching from the city side of the Mareb river.
Where the fighting amongst the smoke, along the riverfront and the docks. Briefly pauses as the combatants turn to see what's happening.
To make sure that none of those magetube shots come flying their way.
The fighting resumes fairly quickly once the shots have passed overhead. Magetube shots that are steadily dropping in height. As they were shot downwards at an angle.
Then the first couple of shots drop down below where the surface of the water would normally be.
Those in the army led by general Halvane in the Farqian mercenary army. Who are crossing the empty riverbed. Look up as the first of the magetube shots pass overhead.
The order to hurry comes from many of the officers crossing the dry riverbed.
Soldiers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque. As well as soldiers and mercenaries in the armies of the five robber barons of the Colevar Mountains. Who have invaded the duchy of Phelm, to wage war upon it and its duke.
Start rushing across the riverbed to the city side of the Mareb as they see the magetube shots are heading straight to the wall of water. That's holding back the Mareb along much of the east side of the city of Almaic.
Then as the port side magetubes upon the duke Hargen's frigate start firing again, though one by one now.
And a fireball, along with an energyball cast from the otherside of the river. Strike the bow of the airship. Doing no damage as the barrier spells cast by the practitioners of magic onboard, protect it from harm.
The first of the magetube shots strike the wall of water where the Mareb river has been stopped. First one, then a second, followed by a third magetube shot hit the wall of water. And disaster ensues.
The water elementals coursers in the Mareb river. Who have halted its flow here along the east side of the city of Almaic.
Stay in the water for as long as possible. As large explosions occur across the wall of water. On the normally steadily flowing river. That's fifty to sixty yards across on some parts of the river.
They stay in the water for as long as possible for the simple reason to give those crossing the dry riverbed. Enough time to get across to the city side of the Mareb.
Those going down the ladders to the riverbed, hurry back up. As do those who have just climbed down. While others who are already down in the dry riverbed race across to the otherside. And try to get up one of the scaling ladders to the docks and piers on the city side of the Mareb. Where on the riverfront, the docks and the wide boulevard behind them. Both sides of the campaign, are fighting one another.
Another magetube shot hits, quickly followed by two others. Then two more hit in unison. Striking the wall of water in pretty much the same place.
And as water fountains up into the air from the multiple explosions. The inevitable happens when another magetube shot hits and explodes, followed by another.
One of the water elemental coursers is unable to avoid the concussive effect of a magetube shot exploding right next to him. And he's killed instantly.
And though pure fire would of been more devastating. The magetube shots fired from the nearby frigate are bad enough.
And the section of the wall of water that, that particular courser was holding back. Erupts outwards, spewing forth the water he was holding back.
Another of the water elemental coursers in the Farqian mercenary army tries valiantly to hold back that part of the wall of water along with her own. But she's unable to. Especially as another of the magetube shots hits nearby. Sending her swirling through the already turbulent water.
And since the water elementals coursers have been working in perfect unison to hold back the Mareb river. When one fails, due to being killed. They all fail.
And the wall of water can no longer be sustained. And the river Mareb resumes it's normal flow. All at once, all at the same time after the initial surge from part of the wall of water.
The Mareb roars back to life along the east side of the city of Almaic.
Thousands upon thousands of tons of water. Slams forward, sweeping away everything in its path as the Mareb flows once more. That includes those who are in the riverbed, still trying to cross it.
Soldiers and mercenaries, whose armies are attacking the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm. Are swept away. Many are killed instantly by the pure force and weight of the water hitting them as the rush across the riverbed.
Those climbing up the ladders on both sides of the Mareb are struck by the water. Smashing apart the scaling ladders, and those climbing them.
The water rushes forward, heading south, as the Mareb resumes it's course. Sweeping away those who try to avoid the oncoming water, which tears down the course of the river.
Very few of those who were trying to cross the Mareb. Get out alive when the river resumes its natural course.
Those that did, were on the scaling ladders, on both sides of the Mareb. Furthest south in comparison to the other scaling ladders that their fellow soldiers and mercenaries were hurrying up, trying to get out of the riverbed.
With the magetube shots continuing to slam into the water that's now flowing again. Magetube shots that have burnt away a lot of the smoke that was in their path.
Many of those on both sides of the river, catch sight of what's happening. They see the water rushing by at force as the Mareb river resumes to flow.
Among those who see, are the small squad led by the young squad leader Barron. And from where they stand at the mouth of a lane off the long boulevard that runs down the east side of the city that's the provincial capital.
They more or less see what's happened. Or to be exact, see what goes by them along the Mareb river.
They didn't see the wall of water collapse, and the Mareb initially resume its flow.
They do see it rush by the spot that they look out from. And even the humans in the small squad can see through the thinner looking smoke.
And see the bodies and debris rush by, as the Mareb resumes it's flow southwards.
"Poor bastards" mutters Smawfri McQuade of the enemy who have been swept away to their violent deaths. His slightly older and slightly taller cousin Shawtus nods his head in agreement with him.
As does the other nonhuman member of the small squad. The elven spy Dalinvardél Tanith. Who knows that some of the dead that he sees being swept away are from his own army. He might of known some of them. He's pretty certain of that.
"They're not going to like that" quietly says Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy, the McQuade cousins, who hail from the Sunreach Mountains glance at him, and slightly nod.
"Expect a retaliation" quietly says the spy Tanith to the young squad leader Barron, who is from further south in the duchy.
"Aye" says Shawtus McQuade in agreement with the elven spy who he, and the rest of the small squad thinks is a mercenary ranger from the principality of Laerel.
"Aye" adds Smawfri McQuade, the more temperamental of the two dwarven warriors, whose clanhold is in the Sunreach Mountains, continues with "They'll definitely want revenge for all that".
As he waves towards the Mareb river which has resumed its course. Where bodies and debris bob up and down in the water, as they're swept away southwards along the river that runs down the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm. The duchy that's the northern most duchy, not to mention the largest duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
On a rooftop of a three storey building a couple of streets back from the long boulevard that runs down the east side of the city of Almaic.
Sir Yarrim the sorcerer watches the Mareb river flow again. The nobleborn spellcaster whose estates are on the southern border of the duchy. Nods his head when one of his personal household guards with him, points away to the south at the river, and says "Not many of them trying to cross would of survived".
The second most influential noble in the duchy of Phelm behind duke Hargen himself. Sees through the clearer air. The bodies and debris being swept southwards as the Mareb river resumes its normal course.
The powerful sorcerer faintly smiles at the destruction the warship has brought about. Sir Yarrim looks away and up to the right. And watches the twin masted airship heading upwards, and cross the Mareb river.
He slightly nods as he realises the frigate is now going to fire upon the enemy who are still upon the otherside of the Mareb river.
And through the smoke that's been thinned out quite considerably. The sorcerer Yarrim sees that there's still a large number of the enemy across on the otherside of the Mareb.
Not to mention that there's an awful lot of them over here on the city side of the river. On the docks, and on the long boulevard. Fighting the soldiers, mercenaries and city guards who are defending the provincial capital.
The magetubes on the duke's warship, one of two vessels that were lying in wait within the palace grounds. Fire again, this time upon the enemy across on the otherside of the Mareb river.
And as a bolt of lightning strikes the airship, lightning that cascades around it thanks to the barrier spells protecting the frigate.
The magetubes, on the port side again, fire at their own pace upon the enemy from the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains who have invaded the kingdom of Nastell, and its northern most duchy, the duchy of Phelm.
As catapults that have been brought forward to the edge of the river, launch loads across to the city side of the Mareb. The first of the magetube shots slams into the army led by general Halvane, and explodes.
It's followed by another, and another. As the duke's frigate starts circling as it's now over on the otherside of the Mareb river.
Sir Yarrim nods in appreciation as he sees that the captain of the warship will soon be firing upon the enemy from behind them, as the airship's magetubes bring down destruction upon the enemy.
Then the powerful sorcerer who is in a relationship with the lady Elaine, who is the younger sister of duke Hargen of Phelm.
Senses one of the enemy casting. And though it's a little difficult, for even him to sense what the spell is. As multiple magetubes firing tend to overshadow everything else that's magical in the area.
He slightly frowns as he senses it's a dispel spell. Not particularly large, though it is pretty powerful.
He doesn't know where it's directed. But he assumes the airship. Which it turns out is correct. As he also senses another enemy spellcaster, casting an energyball. Which he sees leave the ground across on the otherside of the Mareb river. And head up towards the circling warship.
"Shit" mutters sir Yarrim the sorcerer as he realises that two of the enemy spellcasters are working in unison as they attack the duke's frigate.
The nobleborn spellcaster from the southern border of the duchy doesn't know if they'll be successful. As the dispel spell, because it isn't particularly large, could hit anywhere on the warship.
Sir Yarrim doesn't bother getting in contact with his fellow sorcerer upon the airship. For the simple reason he doesn't want to distract him.
Instead the powerful sorcerer casts a large fireball, and sends it across the Mareb, to where he can sense the two enemy spellcasters who are working in unison.
Sir Yarrim then quickly looks up at the warship that's over on the otherside of the Mareb as he sees the energyball is going to hit it. He wonders if it will be successful and go through the barrier spells protecting the frigate. It is.
As the dispel spell, hits the warship, where two of the barrier spells are overlapped, as it's protecting the most important part of the vessel. The magical keel.
And though the dispel spell wasn't that large, it was powerful enough to dispel a small section of the barrier spell over the hull and keel of the frigate. Though large enough for a four foot wide red energyball to go through, and slam into the keel and explode.
Wood and flames go flying in all directions. As a chunk of the magical keel is destroyed. And though the chunk isn't particularly large. Any damage to the magical keel of any airship. Is a serious matter. As it's the keel of a flying vessel that keeps it afloat in the air.
The frigate is immediately jarred to starboard, and starts listing that way. And it suddenly starts heading that way, away from the enemy army it was firing upon. A couple of magetube shots go up into the early afternoon sky, before the heavy weapons below deck stop firing as their airship is suddenly out of control.
"Hell" mutters sir Yarrim as the frigate heads away from the enemy army, and the city, heading southeast, trailing smoke from the damaged underside.
The powerful sorcerer knows that the captain and his crew will have to try and set their vessel down on the ground as best as they can. Or at least try and not to have it crash so heavily. The only good thing about it is that they're not flying all that fast as he head away from the battle.
As his fireball hits amongst the enemy across on the otherside of the river. Which he senses missed the two spellcasters he was targeting who got out of the way.
The sorcerer Yarrim knows that the duke's frigate is now out of the battle, as it's damaged keel won't keep up in the air for much longer.
Still, the nobleborn sorcerer knows that the warship has been successful, as it's got the Mareb river flowing again. Severely blunting the attack of the enemy upon the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
And though sir Yarrim doesn't know it yet, but it's also blunted the overall attack on the city of Almaic by the enemy . . . . . .

The Hire 114.

The Battle Of Phelm...

Pushing at the face of Helbe the elven thief. Narladene the ground pixie says in the elven language "Wake up damn it".
The naturally magical creature sourly smiles and mutters "Fucking hell" in the ground pixie language as the young elven noble remains unconscious and unresponsive.
The tiny winged creature who is originally from the Sunreach Mountains, who first met the elven masterthief in the city of Leeabra, in the kingdom of Druvic over a dozen years ago.
Sighs as she looks away from the elven magic user who lies upon a rooftop, across the street from the western side of the ducal palace.
And looks away to the east across the city and sees one of the duke's airships flying over the city, heading towards the Mareb river that runs along the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"Drats" mutters Narladene as she watches the warship in the distance. The ground pixie who can already sense the increased casting upon the east side of Almaic, from both sides of the battle. Knows that the attack upon the east side of the city by the army led by general Halvane. Is well and truly underway.
She can feel through the building she's on top of, and down through the ground beneath it, and away to the east.
That the river Mareb has been halted by the water elemental coursers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
And that soldiers and mercenaries in the army led by the Farqian general. Are crossing the riverbed to the city, while others are already across it. Fighting the duke's men along the riverfront on the city side of the Mareb.
The naturally magical creature who has the ability to feel movement for miles in all directions, however minute, through the ground. After all, she is a ground pixie.
Who like all pixies and sprites, is immune to spellcraft and magic. And can sense all magic, moments before it's even cast.
Looks at the warship in the distance to the east across the city. A vessel she knows Helbe the elven thief can bring down with ease. Even if it's got barrier or protection spells around it.
The tiny winged creature sighs once more, then sits down on the roof next to the face of the young elven noble from the principality of Laerel, who is lying on his side, completely oblivious to what's going on at the moment, as he's unconscious due to being under the influence of his powers of foresight.
Which are not magical in anyway or form. But a unique ability or power that Helbenthril Raendril has. An ability he shares with his grandfather, Prince Raendril of Laerel.
Though for the grandson, he's yet to master the power of foresight. Which always seems to knock him out for an intermittent amount of time.
Narladene hopes it isn't for too much longer. As both the enemy sorcerer, sir Yarrim is around on the east side of the city. And soon one of duke Hargen's warships will be there. Attacking the army led by general Halvane. Both sorcerer and airship, who Helbe the elven thief would be able to deal with if he was conscious, and awake.
"Drats" mutters the ground pixie once again as she continues to wait for the elven princeling, who is a member of lord Farque's personal council, to wake up.
They watch the red energyball head through the smoke, burning away any of the smoke in it's path.
The two personal guards from sir Yarrim's household glance at one another, then one says "I think it's going to hit that wall of water.
"I hope so" says sir Yarrim the sorcerer, who continues with "Because that's what i targeted".
The nobleborn spellcaster whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy of Phelm.
Senses an enemy spellcaster across on the otherside of the river, a wizard this time, casting a spell.
The powerful sorcerer increases the strength of his barrier spell around him and his two personal household guards. And expands it, so it's completely domed shaped, so that it covers them.
An instant later, a bolt of lightning shoots down out of the clear, blue early afternoon sky. And strikes the top of the barrier spell.
Sir Yarrim and his two guards shut their eyes from the white flash of the lightning striking them. Or more precisely, the sorcerer's barrier spell.
The nobleman from the very south of the duchy opens his eyes a couple of moments later. And doesn't bother to retaliate against the enemy wizard across on the otherside of the Mareb.
The sorcerer Yarrim goes back to watching his red energyball as it heads northwards through the smoke, at the height of where the surface of the river would normally be.
As it goes in a straight line, the energyball cast by the powerful sorcerer slowly drops in height as it heads north along the Mareb river.
It's now just below where the surface of the water would normally be. As it continues to burn away the smoke in its path.
Then about a third of a mile north of the building that sir Yarrim and his two guards are on. Just beyond where the nobleborn spellcaster's firewave hit amongst the enemy on the otherside of the river.
The energyball hits the wall of water that marks where the Mareb river has stopped flowing, and has halted.
The red energyball goes into the water and explodes. And though some water explodes upwards into the air through the smoke.
More of the water pours forth from the wall of water. Like from a hole in a bucket. It does so for a few moments, hitting the riverbed, and some of those crossing it near the wall of water.
Then all of a sudden, it stops flowing. As if it's been plugged up. Which is indeed what's happened.
And though some of those crossing the riverbed near the wall of water, got drenched. And some got knocked off their feet. They continue on towards the nearest scaling ladder that's up against one of the docks on the city side of the Mareb river.
"Er?" says one of sir Yarrim personal household guards, while the other says "Huh?" after seeing what just happened with the powerful sorcerer's energyball.
As for the nobleman himself, he just frowns and murmurs "Hmmm?" as he tries to figure out what just happened, but more importantly, what to do.
Now i didn't expect that, sir Yarrim thinks to himself, who after a few moments contemplation, spins around and looks at the approaching frigate, which is only a few hundred yards away now.
The nobleborn sorcerer whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy of Phelm. Gets in contact via a mindspeech spell, with a fellow sorcerer upon the approaching warship.
The powerful sorcerer who is in a relationship with the younger sister and heir of duke Hargen. Tells the spellcaster onboard the duke's vessel, to have the captain change his plans.
And instead of firing upon the enemy who are crossing the riverbed. To have the magetubes on the airship shoot at the wall of water too.
Sir Yarrim gives the distance of the wall of water from the building he's on, so that the magetube crews on the twin masted frigate can shoot into the smoke without trying to figure out where their target is.
"Kamnix!" calls out the squad leader Barron through the smoke across the wide boulevard that runs down the east side of the city of Almaic.
"This way you idiot!" calls out the young squad leader from further south in the duchy, to the other squad leader from sir Yarrim's household, who is in charge of the larger squad that's defending this section of the boulevard between two of the watch towers.
They can hear fighting, from near the tower just to the north, across the boulevard from where Barron and his small squad are.
As the young squad leader goes to call out through the smoke again, Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy tells him "He either heard you or he didn't".
The elf, who is originally from the principality of Alínlae, who is now a spy in the armies of Farque, who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army, says "No use giving away our position to the enemy".
Dalinvardél Tanith, or Dalin as he's more commonly referred to by those who know him well, it's also the name he's going by whilst embedded in the duke of Phelm's army, then says to Barron "Into that lane up on the right".
The spy Tanith continues with "We should be able to hold it" followed by "And the smoke isn't so thick there".
The young squad leader nods his head at the suggestion from the elven spy who he thinks is a mercenary ranger from Alínlae.
The McQuade cousins, Shawtus and Smawfri lead the way along the front of a building to the lane that leads into the city proper.
As they do, Barron mutters "Wish another one of those spells would go by and burn more of this smoke away". Infront of the young squad leader, the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army, nods his hooded head in agreement.
Once in the lane, and as they look out of it, into the smoke across the boulevard, one of the squad asks "What are we doing?".
"Keeping you alive" says Smawfri McQuade in a combative tone of voice, the more temperamental of the two dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains continues with "You think you can tell friend from foe in all this shit?" as he waves towards the smoke covered boulevard.
The slightly younger, and slightly shorter of the McQuade cousins, who also happens to be bald, but also has the longer and thicker beard, then adds "Even Shawtus and i, along with Dalin would have trouble telling who is who in all that damn smoke".
The squad member shuts up, as all in the small squad, who survived a battle along the northern border of Phelm against the enemy. And also the fall of the northern city of Savariss.
Knows it's best to not get in an argument with either of the McQuade cousins, especially Smawfri. Who is likely to start a fight if you argue too much with him.
"There's something" quietly says Shawtus McQuade "What?" demands his slightly younger, and slightly shorter cousin Smawfri, as the slightly older and slightly taller cousin looks upwards into the smoke shrouded sky.
"Shut up you bald prick, I'm trying to listen" says Shawtus McQuade in the dwarven language "Tall git" mutters Smawfri McQuade, who does fall silent so that he too can listen for whatever it is that his cousin has heard.
A few moments later, and the slightly older of the two dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains, where their clanhold is located, nods his head, and says "I thought so" Shawtus McQuade continues with "An airship approaching".
"From the west, and a bit to the south of us" says Dalinvardél Tanith who has heard the vessel too "One of the duke's warships perhaps?" asks Barron the squad leader "I'd say so" is the reply of Shawtus McQuade, and his cousin Smawfri nods in agreement.
While the spy Tanith just hopes that there's someone nearby in his own army who can deal to the duke's warship. As he knows if a barrage of magetube shots from it would hit the wall of water where the Mareb river is being held back. It'll more than likely kill the water elemental coursers holding back the wide flowing river that runs along the east side of the city of Almaic.
Or the water elemental coursers would flee from an airship barrage if one's fired at them holding back the Mareb river.
Either way, the river will flow again. And those in the army led by general Halvane crossing the riverbed at the time will be struck by thousands of tons of water, and swept away to their deaths.
Narladene the ground pixie who is looking away to the east across the city, at the enemy warship in the distance that's getting closer and closer to the river Mareb, which runs along that side of the city that's the provincial capital. Spins around when she feels Helbe the elven thief starting to stir.
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel starts moving as he lies on his side. The elven princeling, who is a member of the royal family that rules Laerel. Who just happens to be a masterthief, among other things.
Slightly groans, as his eyelashes flutters before he finally opens his eyes.
The highly talented elven magic user blinks his eyes a few times, and finds a grinning Narladene standing right infront of him.
"You're awake!" says the ground pixie in relief "Barely" croaks Helbe the elven thief, who clears his throat, then sits up, though he slightly struggles to do, as he's bit disoriented after what's just happened.
The naturally magical creature who hails from the Sunreach Mountains recalls what knocked the young elven noble out, and as she flies up to his right shoulder, she asks him "What was it?".
"Was it someone?" adds the tiny winged creature after landing upon the right shoulder of the elven princeling she's attached to.
Helbe the elven thief rubs his temples with his right hand as he winces from the sunlight beaming down upon the roof he's on.
The elven master assassin puts the hood of his cloak back onto his head, and pulls the front down over his forehead, and the top of his face. Then he suddenly freezes as he remembers what he saw as he was unconscious, and his power of foresight took over.
"Hell" mutters prince Helbenthril Raendril, who then tells Narladene "Yeah it's somebody" he briefly pauses, then adds "Someone here in the city" as he recalls the details of his latest bout with his uncontrollable powers of foresight.
"Oh hell" mutters the ground pixie, who briefly looks away to the east of the city, before she looks back at the face of the young elven noble from the principality of Laerel.
"Who?" asks the naturally magical creature.
"Some guy called Beldane" is the reply from the elven master archer, who faintly winces as he pauses for a moment or two, then he carries on with "He's a cleric".
Narladene's jaw drops as her mouth opens wide in surprised. The tiny winged creature is speechless for a few moments, then she eventually says "Fuck".
"Tell me about it" dryly says the elven masterthief who then takes a drink from his water bottle, then returns it to his belt.
"He's not going to like that" murmurs a wincing Narladene, Helbenthril Raendril nods his hooded head in agreement.
The elven magic user sighs, then he stands up, sensing all around as he does so.
"Suppose we better go find him" says the royal thief "We can't" says the tiny winged creature who looks away to the east again.
"We can" says the young elven noble, who continues with "You know whoever it is takes priority over everything else" he follows that with "Especially considering that person is in a city that's under siege, and could very well be in the middle of the battle"
Besides, he'd kill me if i let whoever it is die, even if it is a cleric, Helbe the elven thief thinks to himself, who still can't believe his foresight showed him a cleric of all people, who was to be found for the grand scheme of lord Farque.
The only thing his foresight, which he's only had for just over a decade. Has showed him that's been more surprising. Is his future wife. Which he's only even told lord Farque about. And definitely never told Narladene about.
The elven master archer looks at the ground pixie who is grimacing as she looks away to the east, and he asks her "What is it?".
The naturally magical creature doesn't say anything, all she does is point eastwards. Prince Helbenthril Raendril looks in that direction, and he grimaces then mutters "Fuck" as he sees an enemy warship over the eastern quarter of the city, near the Mareb river.
The young elven noble takes a step, then he remembers what must take priority here, and he says "Damn it" followed by "I can't".
The elven magic user adds "I have to find this cleric, you know i do". The ground pixie reluctantly nods her head in agreement.
Then as she senses the elven princeling is about to shift away. She also senses in the distance to the east, the port side magetubes onboard the enemy frigate near the Mareb river about to fire.
Helbe the elven thief who blurs himself, and shields himself, shifts away with Narladene upon his right shoulder.
They shift away as the sound of dull thuds of multiple magetubes echoing across the city comes from the east, near the river that runs down that side of the city of Almaic . . . . . .

The Hire 113.

Northern Nastell. In The Duchy Of Phelm. The City Of Almaic. A Battle...

Scaling ladders hit up against docks and piers that would normally stick out into the water. Docks and piers that are significantly shorter than what they'd normally be. Docks and piers that are now closer to the riverbank on the city side of the Mareb than they were at the start of the day.
Soldiers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque start climbing up the ladders after crossing the riverbed. Heading up into the smoke that obscures much of the river, as well as the riverfront, and the boulevard that runs along the eastern side of the city of Almaic.
The city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm. Which is under attack in the war between the robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, and duke Hargen of Phelm. The northern most duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
The first of the soldiers in general Halvane's army sets foot upon one of the damaged piers. Where he crouches down and listens carefully as he peers ahead into the smoke.
He slightly nods his head as he hears movement and talking infront of him. Not all that far away. Less than forty feet is his best guest.
The soldier in black from the lands Farque silently draws his pair of long daggers. And lifts the traditionally black cloth of the hordes barbarians of the southern tundra from around his neck. And covers the lower half of his face as he silently says a prayer to the tundra gods of his people.
Then the soldier in the mercenary army from the lands Farque stands up, and in near silence moves forward through the thick smoke.
He's the first soldier in general Halvane's army to cross the dry bed of the Mareb river, and reach the riverfront along the east side of the city of Almaic.
And he certainly won't be the last, as others are climbing the scaling ladder behind him. As well as the other ladders that are up against the docks and piers that have been damaged and shorten from earlier in the day.
While more of them, including soldiers and mercenaries in the armies of all five robber barons. Make their way down into the dry riverbed through the smoke. And cross it to the city side of the Mareb. As the assault upon the east side of the city of Almaic gets underway in earnest.
Sir Yarrim the sorcerer along with two of personal household guards appear upon the domed roof of a temple in the east of the city. It was the highest rooftop in this part of the city that the spellcaster could see when he teleported them from the palace grounds.
"Holy shit look at the level of the river" exclaims one of the guards who is looking away to the south of the city, where the water level of the Mareb river is extremely low, and is getting lower.
The nobleborn sorcerer whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy. Is looking towards the smoke shrouded river, to the east of the city.
He doesn't try to bother thinking of a spell to try and see through the smoke. He just enhances his hearing as powerfully as he can.
"Quite" is the quiet order from sir Yarrim the sorcerer as he listens.
The nobleman who is the most influential noble in the duchy behind the duke, listens carefully.
And though he has no idea how the enemy has stopped the flow of the Mareb river. The nobleborn spellcaster is pretty sure he can hear them crossing what must be a fairly dry riverbed.
"Shit" mutters the sorcerer Yarrim, who drops his enhanced hearing spell, and quickly looks back in the direction he and his two guards have come from.
He slightly nods as he sees the smaller of the two warships that have been waiting in the palace grounds. Is in the air, and is heading in this direction across the city.
The sorcerer, who is the most powerful spellcaster amongst those defending the city of Almaic against the forces of the robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, who have invaded the duchy of Phelm. Marched south across the duchy, and are now attacking the city of Almaic.
Looks eastwards again, and spots a three storey building, just a couple streets back from the long boulevard that runs between the city proper, and the riverfront.
"Stand close" orders the nobleborn sorcerer, then once his personal guards are standing to either side of him. The three of them disappear from the domed roof of the temple.
They reappear a few moments later upon the roof of the three storey building, that's about thirty yards back from the long boulevard that runs down the east side of the city of Almaic.
There's smoke here, though it isn't anywhere as thick as it is down on the boulevard, or along the Mareb river.
And as the three of them hurry to the edge of the roof. They see an energyball, green in colour. Away to the south of them, leaving what must be one of the watch towers down on the riverfront.
Head out through the smoke, burning away all that it touches, as it crosses above the Mareb, going across to the otherside where the enemy are.
At the edge of the rooftop, one of the two personal guards from sir Yarrim's household, who is more attuned and familiar to the sounds of combat than his lord, says "Sir, there's fighting that way" as he points away to the north into the smoke on this side of the Mareb river, along the boulevard and the riverfront docks.
"Damn" mutters the nobleborn spellcaster, who then says "I don't know how, but they've crossed the river".
Thinking of the best, and quickest way to see what's happening. And hopefully to blunt the attack upon the enemy who are attacking this side of Almaic. The nobleborn sorcerer from the very south of the duchy of Phelm casts a spell.
Sir Yarrim knows a wind spell would have to be extremely powerful to shift even some of the smoke away from this side of Almaic. Not to mention it would take time to build up in strength to shift the smoke.
Takes his cue from the energyball he saw a few moments ago. Which burnt away the smoke it came into contact with as it went over the Mareb river.
Though the powerful sorcerer who is in a relationship with lady Elaine, who is the younger sister and heir of duke Hargen. Casts a spell of fire, a firewave to be exact. The largest, and longest one he's ever cast in his life.
The near hundred and twenty foot long wave of fire, which is about ten foot in height.
Forms infront of the roof sir Yarrim is on, and it heads out over the buildings and streets infront of the three storey building.
The nobleborn sorcerer from the southern border region of Phelm hopes he's judge it as best as he can. As the firewave drops down in height the further it goes eastwards. He just hopes it doesn't drop down too low before it gets to where he wants it to go.
But even then, it's already doing what he primarily created it to do. It's burning away the smoke it comes into contact with.
And since the wave of fire is fairly long, the path it burns away stays clear for a while as there's very little wind to blow the other smoke around to fill in what's been burnt away.
"Keep an eye out, and tell me what you see" says sir Yarrim to his two guards, both of whom nod their heads as the three of them watch the path of the firewave, which is going slightly north as it goes eastwards.
The nobleman quickly looks over his shoulder, back across the city, and sees the warship has left behind the palace grounds, and will soon be here at the eastern edge of the city.
The sorcerer Yarrim then looks ahead again, to watch his firewave, which is moving at the pace of someone quickly walking as it burns away any of the smoke in it's way.
From their position upon the roof of the three storey building, bits of the long boulevard along the east side of the city is revealed to them as the firewave drops down in increments, as it heads towards the Mareb river.
As they stand along the front of a building on the city side of the boulevard, the McQuade cousins glance at one another, then at the elven spy Dalinvardél Tanith.
"You hear that?" asks Shawtus McQuade "The fighting?" replies Dalinvardél Tanith who hears the sound of combat away to the north along the riverfront.
"No" says the slightly older and slightly taller of the two dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains, who are hired mercenaries in the army of duke Hargen of Phelm.
"South, in the air" says Shawtus McQuade, Dalinvardél Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, and the name he's also using while embedded in duke Hargen's army.
Listens carefully, then nods his head as he looks away to the south as hears something that way.
The next moment, they see the smoke dissipate about thirty yards south of them, as the left edge of a wave of fire appears from over the buildings in that direction.
It burns away all the smoke it comes into contact with, as it passes over the long boulevard at a slight angle.
As it moves forward, it's slowly dropping down in height. And as the ten foot tall wave of fire crosses over to the otherside of the boulevard, it narrowly misses the watch tower directly to the south.
It barely passes over a dock, which is in full view now. And which Dalin is glad to see no one from his army is on. The firewave that's well in excess of a hundred feet in length, then crosses over the Mareb river heading north at an angle, burning away the smoke, to reveal everything it passes over.
Some of the soldiers in the Farqian mercenary army, and soldiers and mercenaries in the armies of the robber barons of the Colevar Mountains who have invaded the north of the kingdom of Nastell, specifically the duchy of Phelm.
Look up as they cross the dry riverbed of the Mareb. And they see the firewave pass overhead, passing about a dozen feet over where the surface of the water would normally be. The wave of fire continues to burn away all the smoke it comes into contact with, as it heads north on it's way to the otherside of the river.
When the firewave eventually gets to the otherside of the Mareb river. Soldiers and mercenaries in the army led by general Halvane from the lands Farque. Scatter from it, as it continues to burn away the smoke and anything else it comes into contact with.
That includes soldiers and mercenaries who are too slow to run out of its way. It also hits a catapult on that side of the river. Instantly setting it alight.
Eventually it hits the ground, where it explodes. An explosion, that's nearly a hundred and twenty feet in length. Which hits some of those in general Halvane's army who are waiting to cross the Mareb river.
"Hell, do you see them all down in there?" says one of the personal household guards of sir Yarrim who points down into the Mareb river. Where there's still smoke, but is clearly more visible as the top layer of smoke above it has been burnt away by the firewave.
Which must of traveled at least three hundred yards away to north as it crossed to the otherside of the Mareb river.
Down in the riverbed, through the smoke, they can see the enemy in numbers, crossing to the city side of the river.
"I see them" murmurs the sorcerer who is the most influential noble in the duchy behind only duke Hargen himself.
Sir Yarrim then glances at his other personal household guard, who is saying "Sir, there" followed by "You can just see it through the smoke".
The nobleborn spellcaster looks to where that guard is pointing to the north along the river.
The sorcerer Yarrim frowns as he tries to spot it. And he's just about to cast a spell to enhance his sight when he eventually sees what the guard is pointing to.
The nobleman whose estates are along the southern border of the duchy, blinks in surprise as he's just able to make out in the distance through the smoke, a wall of water.
A wall of water, where the Mareb river has been stopped. How? The sorcerer Yarrim has no idea. He knows it isn't by spellcraft. Or at least any spell that he can sense.
"How the hell are they doing that?" mutters sir Yarrim, who sees that the smoke will soon cover that part of the river again, obscuring it from sight.
The powerful sorcerer, then turns around, and casts a mindspeech spell to his fellow sorcerer upon the twin masted frigate that's now rapidly approaching this side of the city.
The nobleborn spellcaster from the very south of the duchy, tells the sorcerer onboard the duke's warship, what he wants done. And to tell the captain of the vessel to attack, what and where.
For sir Yarrim knows the magetubes onboard the airship will be far more destructive than anything he could ever do.
"Er sir" says one of his personal household guards, who points and adds "I think that's coming right at us". A fireball has left the otherside of the Mareb river, and is burning through the smoke as it heads in this direction.
Sir Yarrim puts up a barrier spell that he knows will easily stop the enemy spellcaster's fireball. And he creates a fireball of his own.
He doesn't send it across the river back at the enemy practitioner of magic whose fireball is heading this way.
The powerful sorcerer sends his own fireball down across the boulevard, and down into the riverbed, down onto some of the enemy who are crossing over to the city.
Sir Yarrim follows that with an energyball, though he sends that northwards across the river. In the direction of where the river has stopped flowing, where the wall of water is.
It's no longer in view, as the smoke has once again obscured that part of the Mareb river. But the nobleborn sorcerer knows that his energyball will eventually hit that wall of water.
"Keep an eye on that one" says sir Yarrim pointing at his departing energyball which is heading north. While his fireball has dropped down by one of the docks along the waterfront, and is heading down into the riverbed.
And as the enemy fireball splatters harmlessly against the barrier spell he has up infront of him and his two personal guards.
His own fireball drops down amongst some of the enemy crossing the riverbed, and explodes. Killing at least a dozen of them, and setting fire to nearly double that number. Most of whom will burn to death as well.
As the battle along the east side of the city of Almaic heats up, so to speak. On this hot and sunny, summer's day here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell . . . . . .