The Thick Of It 58.

Winter.

"That's more of them going" quietly says commander Tracklen from his position towards the eastern end of the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
"Heading for the bridge no doubt" adds the commander of the army loyal to the ruling council of Kuradum.
Towards this end of the wall, the attacks by the enemy have been pretty much nonexistent of late.
As most of the action is towards the middle of the south wall of the capital city.
Definitely to the west of the first bridge that was destroyed earlier in the morning.
For the last little bit, the loyalist army commander has been watching a number of the enemy moving off.
Heading east, to the bridge about a mile away from the city. As more of the rebels attempt to cross the river that runs along the south side of the city.
The commander in the army still loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum, spots more of the enemy breaking off their attack upon this side of the city, and is just about to mention this to his assistant.
When the adjunctant Morris says to him "Another runner coming this way".
The more junior of the two officers continues with "Another one of their's".
Referring to the mercenary army from the lands Farque that has been hired by the ruling council in their war against the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
Tracklen, the senior most officer in the loyalist army looks away to the right along the top of the wall.
And he spots the young black clad mercenary soldier hurrying along the top of the wall in this direction.
"Commander Tracklen" says the messenger in the armies of Farque when he gets to the two loyalist army officers.
"Field commander Drubine says you're to go to the east wall as planned" continues the runner in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque.
"Very well" says commander Tracklen who was expecting that order, though it's a little earlier than he expected.
"We'll be off immediately" adds the senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
The young teenager in the light black armour and uniform, nods then turns, and heads back along the top of the wall in the direction he came from.
"Let's go" says commander Tracklen to the adjunctant Morris, and the two of them set off in the other direction.
And make their way to the east wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
There's no guardhouse or tower where the south wall of the city meets the east wall.
And true, there's a large platform where the two walls meet. As if a guardhouse would normally be on city walls like this.
Not here, where the south and east walls of the city of Kuradum meet. Even though two sets of steps make their way up to the stone platform.
One along the south wall, and the other along the inside of the east wall of the capital city.
"Two of you archers with us" orders commander Tracklen as he and his adjunctant hurry across the wide platform to the east wall of the city.
Then the loyalist army commander, who has a quick look at the growing number of enemy soldiers who have made their way around to the east side of the city.
Calls out as he hurries along the top of the east wall of the capital city "Target their archers and crossbowmen!".
There's only a small number of defenders upon this wall of the city, but quite a lot of them are either archers or crossbowmen.
And commander Tracklen who has seen that the enemy don't have any battering rams as yet on this side of the city.
Or very little in the way of scaling ladders, he's only seen two so far. And no way can they get any of their siege towers across the bridge to the east of the city, as it's too narrow for them to cross without difficulty.
So the main threat for now, are the enemy with bows and crossbows.
The commander in the army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
Has one of the archers take position about twenty five yards from where the east and south walls connect.
And the other about another twenty five yards further along the top of the east wall from the first.
While he and his adjunctant continue along the top of the city's east wall, in the direction of the gates.
Moving along the top of the east wall is easy, as there's few defenders on it.
And the commander and his adjunctant are soon above the set of gates in the east wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
The gates aren't in the middle or center of the wall. They're definitely in the half closest to the south wall of the city.
And commander Tracklen who picks up one of the crossbows leaning against the parapet, and the quiver next to it.
Sees that the majority of the enemy who have made it around to this side of the city.
Are either at the gates, or are back from it. Though roughly in line with it.
After the loyalist army commander loads the crossbow, and once again calls out the order to shoot at the enemy crossbowmen and archers.
He nods his head, and says "Yeah i noticed that too".
In response to his adjunctant, say "Those mercs of their's are standing back letting the rebel soldiers attack for the moment".
As there's at least one fairly large mercenary company who have made it around to this side of the city.
Who are standing back, a good seventy to eighty yards from the wall.
While local enemy soldiers, are predominantly those at the base of the wall, and at the gates in the east wall of the city of Kuradum.
The loyalist army commander, rests the crossbow upon the crenalation he and his adjunctant are behind, and he takes aim.
While next to him, Morris who has put an arrow to his bow, draws the weapon back.
The commander and the adjunctant must of been going for the same target.
A crossbow bolt slams into the side of an enemy soldier, standing next to an enemy archer about thirty yards back from the east wall of the city.
While the archer is dropped, when an arrow slams into his gut, going through his leather armour fairly easily.
"Close sir" says the adjunctant Morris with a slight grin upon his face as he takes another arrow from his quiver.
Commander Tracklen sourly smiles, for though he's absolutely useless with a bow. He's an okay shot with a crossbow.
Though not an expert of any kind, he's just glad he got that shot as close to his intended target as he did.
After the adjunctant Morris lets another arrow fly from his bow, which takes an enemy crossbowmen in the side of the neck. Definitely a fatal shot.
The loyalist army commander says to his adjunctant, who is a subaltern in the Kuradian army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum "Come along Morris".
The senior of the two officers points over to a few of the defenders who are directly above the middle of the gates on this side of the city.
There's no small catapults on top of the east wall of the capital city.
And there's just two trebuchets on this side of the city to help protect it.
And though those massive war machines are manned by engineers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
Not so the top of the east wall of the city of Kuradum, as it's predominantly loyalist local soldiers who are on top of this particular wall. As well as a number of city guardsmen.
The two officers join the trio of local soldiers, who are lifting up a basket full of rocks.
One of many scattered along the top of the east wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
They lift it up to the lower gap between two of the crenalations, here above the gates.
And tip the contents of the large basket off the top of the city's east wall.
Sharp, jagged rocks, predominantly off cuts and pieces from the road making process.
Rain down upon the enemy gathered infront of the gates here in the east wall of the city of Kuradum.
Dropping a number of the rebel soldiers, wounding some, a few quite badly, and killing a number of others who weren't wearing helms.
"Hold off from doing that again" orders commander Tracklen, who then looks at the gathering enemy on this side of the city.
He looks to the southeast, in the direction of the bridge that's about a mile to the east of the city.
"Save it for that" says the loyalist army commander, who points to the bridge.
There the enemy are using a number of horses and riders to bring over a battering ram.
Commander Tracklen points again, this time, closer to the city, as he adds "And that".
The senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
Has just pointed to some of the enemy carrying a scaling ladder towards the city.
They should be here fairly shortly, as they're only about a quarter of a mile from the east wall of the city of Kuradum.
On this cold, but sunny and clear winter's day in this part of the city-state.
The trio of soldiers in the loyalist army nod to their commander that they will.
Then one takes up his crossbow again, and reloads it. While the other two wait for the enemy scaling ladder to get here.
The senior officer and his adjunctant step out of the way, and move a bit to the left of the trio of soldiers, here above the set of gates, here on the city's east wall.
As the adjunctant Morris takes an arrow from his quiver, and puts it to his bow.
Commander Tracklen looks along the top of the wall. And though he's seen it a number of times before the battle commenced first thing this morning.
It's reassuring to look at them again. As what's up here, might very well help stop the enemy's attempt to take the capital city of Kuradum.
Along with crossbows, bundles of spears, as well as polearms. Placed along the top of the wall, more or less evenly spaced out.
There's also a large number of baskets full of rocks and stones to drop down upon the enemy.
As well as barrels full of pitch, and even a number of barrels of naphtha. Though not too many of them.
And there's covered firepots every so often, behind the crenalations. Away from the barrels of naphtha.
All these things outnumber the defenders upon the top of the east wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
The loyalist army commander sees a couple of the defenders who are not in his army.
They're black clad soldiers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
One's a spotter, and the other is a signalman, who has just given a number of signals as he looks into the city.
Commander Tracklen, along with his adjunctant Morris, who has just let the arrow to his bow fly.
Taking an enemy crossbowman in the leg, the right thigh to be exact.
Look back into the city, and they see the nearest trebuchet. Well they see the top of it.
As it's behind one of the houses, across the street, behind part of the east wall of the city of Kuradum.
The trebuchet must of already been loaded. As from the time the signalman signaled to the trebuchet crew.
It's just mere moments, before the massive war machine, sends it's load flying.
Up and over the house it's behind, and up and over the east wall of the city, not to mention over the loyalist army commander, his adjunctant, and the other defenders along this section of the wall.
They watch the load, a loose netting full of large rocks, and big bits of broken masonry.
They watch as the netting breaks apart in flight, and scatter it's load down upon the enemy.
To be exact, those rebels nearly five hundred yards away, carrying a scaling ladder towards the east wall of the capital of the city-state of Kuradum.
"Shot" says the adjunctant Morris as they watch the enemy drop to the ground, killing a number of them instantly. Badly wounding others.
As well as shattering apart the scaling ladder they were intending to use on this side of the city. Hoping to gain the top of the wall.
Which isn't going to happen now. Well not those rebels, and that particular scaling ladder.
"They're going to need more soldiers" says the adjunctant Morris, who follows that with "And ladders".
The loyalist army commander nods in agreement, then he points, then says "There you go".
The more junior of the two officers in the army to the loyal to the ruling council to the city-state of Kuradum.
Grunts when he sees what his commander has just pointed to.
The enemy carrying the battering ram have made it across the bridge to the east, and are now heading back this way.
While more of them have reached the bridge, and those rebels are carrying a couple of scaling ladders to help them gain the top of the city's east wall.
"Well, things are going to get interesting along this side of the city fairly soon" says the adjunctant Morris.
"As lord Farque planned" quietly says commander Tracklen of the loyalist army.
And though he wasn't told all of the plans to defend the city of Kuradum against the enemy.
The local army commander does know far more than the ruling council of the city-state.
And he, along with his adjunctant are expecting this build up by the enemy, and attack upon the east wall.
Just as the lord and ruler of the lands Farque has planned it to go. On what's been a cold, but sunny winter's morning so far . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 57.

Winter.

Kiopar the assistant to councilman Porpallion makes his way back up the watchtower after using the privy down on the ground floor.
The councilman's assistant makes his way back onto the roof of the watchtower.
He slightly frowns, then Kiopar the assistant murmurs "What was that?".
As he's pretty certain he just heard someone quietly talking to someone else, here at the back of the tower.
The tallest structure in the south of the city, the capital of the city-state of Kuradum.
The councilman's assistant shrugs his shoulders, then makes his way forward to where the others are standing, observing the battle along the south wall of the city.
As the rebel army of councilman Hirrye continues to attack the city's walls, on this cold but sunny winter's morning in this part of the city-state.
"What's that Kiopar?" asks councilman Porpallion as his assistant stands between him and councilman Kolmar.
Who by the lost look upon his face, is no where near being over the death of his assistant Nahor.
Who was killed earlier this morning. For being a traitor, who knowingly shared information with the enemy.
"You're mumbling to yourself" adds councilman Porpallion with a shake of his head.
"Oh just thought i heard something back there" says Kiopar to the councilman he's the assistant to.
After gesturing towards the back of the roof, or the northern side, the councilman's assistant continues with "Its nothing".
Kiopar then waves away to the south, as the battle there continues to rage on between the forces loyal to the ruling council of Kuradum.
And those who are fighting on the side of councilman Hirrye, who has rebelled against his former counterparts on the ruling council.
And wants to rule the city-state by himself, as the duke of Kuradum. A title he has given to himself.
"Another one on fire by the looks of it" says Kiopar the assistant referring to an enemy siege tower.
"Good" says councilman Porpallion, who looks to the left beyond his assistant, at his fellow councilman, Kolmar.
Porpallion, one of the younger members of the ruling council of Kuradum slightly frowns.
As his fellow councilman looks to be at a total loss. And not paying attention to what's going on. Including around him.
"Stay here with Kolmar" quietly says councilman Porpallion to his assistant.
Kiopar nods that he will, while the councilman makes his way over to where councilman Sammis, the unofficial leader of the ruling council, is standing.
Councilman Porpallion nods his head to the side, indicating he wants to have a private word with Sammis who notices him.
The two of them step away to one side, away from their fellow councilmen, their assistants, guards, and members of the city watch who are on top of the tower.
On this cold, but fine winter's morning, watchting the rebel army of the former councilman Hirrye, attack the south wall of the capital city.
At the back, or the north side of the tower roof. Lord Farque and Mira Reinholt the mage share a look, as they watch and listen to the quiet conversation between the two councilmen, Porpallion and Sammis.
As they do, Mira Reinholt the mage slightly frowns, and quietly says to the undead warlord, who like him is invisible, quietly say "You know what, I've just realised something".
The large, heavily armoured deathlord glances down at the once powerful mage standing next to him.
"There's no women on their ruling council" quietly says the mage from the city-state of Vexil, his homeland that he's in exile from.
"You're just noticing that now" dryly and quietly says lord Farque with a shake of his full helmed head.
The spellcaster, who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, quietly says "I never thought about it".
The practitioner of magic, who was once the most powerful mage of his generation, to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Until he was stripped of most of his powers when he went offworld, through a rift/void spell that he accidentally cast a number of years ago.
Then quietly says to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque "Never thought about it in the past in the previous times I've been here".
The lord of the death realm doesn't mention that one of the last times they were in Kuradum, well the group at the time.
The mage Reinholt nearly killed Dorc da Orc just to the south of the city. When the Vexilian mage in exile shot the large ork with a powerful ulightning bolt.
The only thing that saved the ork warleader at the time, was the magical sword of knockdown.
Which at the time, was an actual longsword. While now it's basically a long dagger after the powerful bolt of lightning over fifteen years ago nearly destroyed it.
"And i didn't notice it this time, until just now" quietly continues the highly talented swordmaster.
Nodding his full helmed head, lord Farque quietly says "It's a hangover from their past".
The undead being, who has the name of Draugadrottin that the people of his lands also know him by, quietly and sourly adds "The founder of the city was a bit of a fucking pig".
The deathlord of Farque quietly continues with "He thought women were beneath him".
The undead warlord briefly pauses before adding "Literally". 
The mage Reinholt winces when he hears that, then nods his hooded head when the lord of the death realm quietly tells him "No way in fucking hell that cunt was going to let women rule".
"I guess a lot of nations back then were like that" quietly says the once powerful mage.
"Please" dryly says Draugadrottin with a sideways glance down at the spellcaster who is from the city-state of Vexil.
Mira Reinholt slightly pauses, then he nods as he recalls that the lands Farque, have had a large number of lady Farque's.
And if he remembers rightly, lord Farque's daughter, the oldest of his twins. Was his heir, and the next inline to rule the lands Farque.
Until the young child died during the war against the Holy Norstran Empire nearly four hundred and fifty years ago.
The same time that lord Farque, who at the time was the battlelord of the lands Farque, and heir to his own father.
Died in battle, killing the emperor of Norstran, bringing about the defeat of the Empire's forces that had crossed the Great Western Ocean, and invaded the Southlands.
"The city and the state have had plenty of women leaders over the years" quietly says the undead being, who has the elven name of Des'tier, which means, The Destroyer.
"Just none on the ruling council" continues the large, heavily armoured deathlord.
The mage in the black hooded cloak, nods his head at that, then he quietly says "Seems something's got their attention".
As the councilmen, and their assistants are excited about something after one of the city watch hands an eyepiece to one of the members of the ruling council of Kuradum.
The councilmen Porpallion and Sammis finish their conversation, and rejoins the others.
"Where?" asks councilman Sammis after one of his compatriots, hands him the eyepiece. "To the east" is the reply of one of the other councilmen.
Sammis, who is the unofficial leader of the members of the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
Looks through the eyepiece, and looks to the southeast of the city.
As he does, lord Farque and Mira Reinholt look in the same direction. The Vexilian mage in exile casts a farsight spell as he does so.
"Mercenaries" quietly says the large, heavily armoured deathlord.
The once powerful mage nods his hooded head in agreement when he sees the same thing.
"One of the larger companies they've hired have moved down to that bridge, and are crossing" quietly adds the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
"Good?" quietly asks the mage who is a member of lord Farque's personal council.
"Definitely good" says Draugadrottin as he continues in a quiet voice with "Hopefully it'll give more of them attacking the south wall impetuous to head over to the east side of the city".
The mage Reinholt nods once again, as he knows the deathlord of Farque wants as many of the enemy to abandon the attack on the south wall, and attack the east side of the city as possible.
As the east wall is far more easily defended, and only has the one set of gates.
The undead warlord has made the east side of the city way more attractive to attack too.
With hardly any defenders on top of the wall on that side of the capital city of Kuradum.
The fact that it's a much longer wall than the south wall, is another advantage for the attackers, or so it seems.
"Once word gets around to those still attacking the south wall, what it's like on the east side of the city, the fucking better" quietly says the lord of the death realm.
The swordmaster Reinholt nods his hooded head in agreement, as he knows what's lying in wait for the enemy, once the majority of them have shifted their attack to the east side of the city.
"Dumb bastards won't even know what's hit them" quietly says the spellcaster, who when he was just seventeen years old, was the youngest ever member of the mage council of Vexil.
Until he was kicked off it, and sent into exile just a few months later for betraying his homeland during the battle of Vexil.
The largest battle by far in recent memory, anywhere in the Southlands.
The two of them, the once powerful mage and the large, heavily armoured deathlord fall silent as another member of the city watch comes up onto the roof of the tower.
Lord Farque and Mira Reinholt listen to what the watchman has to say to the members of the ruling council of Kuradum.
The undead warlord in the full suit of black, blue plate armour, and the mage in the black hooded cloak share a look after hearing what the city watchman has to say.
Des'tier looks around in all directions, sensing as he does so. As does the once powerful mage, who can only sense a limited amount of distance due to his lack of power.
Unlike the lord of the death realm, who can not only sense magic, but all life. Everything living, as well as dead. For over twenty miles in all directions.
"Think they might try soon?" quietly asks Mira Reinholt the mage a short while later after the watchman, a messenger, heads back down off the roof.
"Maybe" quietly says lord Farque, who like the member of his personal council, is speaking elven as they stand on the north end of the watchtower's roof.
Invisible to the others up here on this clear and sunny, but cold winter's morning in the city of Kuradum.
Opposite them, on the south side of the roof, leaning forward on the waist high wall that circles the top of the sixty foot tall tower of the city watch, here in the south of the city.
Kiopar, the assistant to councilman Porpallion, says to the councilman "Looks like more of them are breaking off, and heading to the bridge to the east of the city".
"Looks like it" says councilman Porpallion as they look to the south of the city.
They can't see down onto the river, or for that matter, the front ranks of the rebel army at the water's edge.
But from their vantage point, they can see further back amongst the ranks of councilman Hirrye's southern army.
And they see more of the enemy breaking off, and head eastwards to the bridge that still stands about a mile to the east of the city of Kuradum.
"Must be about a hundred there" says the assistant Kiopar, councilman Porpallion adds "Mercenaries again".
The assistant looks carefully, then nods when he sees that's exactly who they are.
Then he glances sideways to their left, to where councilman Kolmar is sitting on a bench.
Councilman Kolmar, who has no interest whatsoever in the battle along the south side of the city of Kuradum.
"Councilman, about councilman Kolmar" quietly says the assistant Kiopar.
"Not to worry about it for now Kiopar" quietly says councilman Porpallion, who follows that with "He'll get over Nahor's betrayal soon enough".
The member of the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum then adds in a murmur "I hope".
As he and his assistant, and the others with them continue to watch the progress of the battle along the south side of the city.
Councilman Kolmar stands up, he steps up onto the wooden bench he's been sitting on.
As though to get a better view of the battle along the south wall of the capital city.
But he doesn't, instead he steps up onto the waist high wall. And before the invisible mage Reinholt on the otherside of roof can react.
Councilman Kolmar takes a step forward, and steps off the top of the watchtower's roof, and falls the sixty feet to the ground, to his death . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 56.

Winter.

Tamric Drubine the field commander looks down at the river below as the enemy army continues to attack the south wall of the city of Kuradum, on this sunny, but cold winter's morning.
The young noble originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who is now a senior officer in the armies of Farque.
Sees that there's a few makeshift rafts now in the water as the rebels attempt to cross to the south wall of the city.
The catapult next to the field commander is being loaded with stones, rocks and broken bits of masonry.
As the crew attempts to target some of the rafts in the river that runs along the south side of the capital city of Kuradum.
Dorc da Orc not content to wait for the catapult to be loaded, then shoot. Picks up one of the baskets full of rocks, stones and bits of masonry.
Most of which has been taken from homes and buildings in the south of the city that have recently been pulled down.
The large ork takes a step forward so he's between a pair of the crenalations that runs along the top of the city walls.
And with a mighty heave, accompanied by a grunt of effort, the ork warleader biffs the basket full of debris off the top of the wall.
"Well, that'll work" dryly says Tamric Drubine the field commander as Dorc da Orc laughs after the basket full of rocks, stones and broken masonry, slams down onto the makeshift raft that has gotten closest to this stretch of the wall.
Some of the enemy soldiers are killed instantly, others are severely injured, ending up in the water, as the rest of them who escaped injury, ended up.
As for the raft, that breaks apart, with bits of it sinking, and the rest of it slowly floating away down the river, heading west along it.
Field commander Drubine looks away to the left along the top of the wall, as Lisell Maera the scout calls out to him "Tam, more of them are breaking off and heading east!".
The senior officer in the armies of Farque peers through the smoke of one of the burning siege towers in the river.
And he quickly spots what the scout Maera has called out about. Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by the others in the group.
Clearly sees a good company sized portion of the rebel army, towards the rear.
Has broken off, and joined those heading east along the river's edge, making their way to the bridge about a mile to the east of the city.
"Good, that's more of them" quietly says the young field commander to himself.
Who then looks to the left, and sees Lisell Maera, or Lis as more often than not, those who know her well, call her.
Shoot a bolt off from her crossbow, a weapon that once belonged to Shur Kee the monk, a weapon that was designed by the ork weaponsmith, Dorc da Orc.
There's a build up of rubble, from one of the destroyed bridges here along the south side of the city.
It juts out into the river, and some of the enemy are launching the makeshift rafts from there.
And the attractive young woman who hails from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, who is now in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque.
Has just shot a rebel soldier in the neck as he clambers over the debris of stonework, that juts out into the river.
Field commander Drubine looks the other way along the top of the wall, on the otherside of Dorc da Orc and the catapult.
There sir Percavelle Lé Dic, not wanting to be outdone by his bitter rival, the ork warleader.
Has taken a spear from a bundle of them up against one of the crenalations.
Spears that'll be used by the defenders if the enemy are able to top the south wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
The large, heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, pulls the spear back, and biffs it as hard and as forcefully as he can.
The spear slams into an enemy soldier, going right through him, and into the makeshift raft he's on.
The rebel soldier stands there upright for a few moments, with the spear that's right through his abdomen, keeping him up in that position.
Before he topples over into the water, ripping out the spear as he does so.
As it does, the front of the makeshift raft where he was standing, breaks off from the rest of the hastily put together raft.
And as that bit of the makeshift raft starts heading downstream, the rest of it. Which a handful of other rebel soldiers are on.
Starts to slowly spin around, as those still on it, try in vain to keep it going towards the wall.
And eventually afloat, as it starts to break apart with them still on it. It's not long before the rest of them are in the water.
Like so many others in the rebel army are facing. As quite a lot of them have ended up in the cold water of the river that runs along the south wall of the city of Kuradum, the capital of the city-state that it shares it's name with.
With Dorc da Orc to his right loudly muttering "Fucken knight cunt got lucky there".
Tamric Drubine the field commander looks back the otherway, and finds Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit hurrying this way towards one of the two catapults above the middle gates in the south wall of the city.
When the halfling who isn't what he appears to be joins him, the young noble from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin says "What is it?".
In response to Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit saying to him "I've noticed something about them".
The halfling, who is from the Sultanate of Dreese, a nation that lies on the far east coast of the continent, points to a few places in the enemy ranks, and he says "There, there and there".
"What about it?" asks the son and former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine, which can be found in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin.
"Their mercenaries" says the hobbit, who is a former air sailor in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese.
"They're not in the front ranks" adds the halfling, who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque.
"They've held back so far" continues the hobbit, who despite appearances, is somebody entirely different than he appears to be.
As he's really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson.
Who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of the halfling former air sailor from the Sultanate of Dreese.
Dorc da Orc or Dorkindle which is his given name, grunts and steps over to the halfling councilor, and the human field commander.
After Tam waves him over, to join the senior officer in the armies of Farque, and the hobbit who was previously an air sailor.
"What?" demands the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world.
"Their mercs" says field commander Drubine who points out a trio of the larger group of mercenaries, who have been hired to fight for the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
"None are in the forward ranks" explains the young nobleman who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"Infact, some of them have already headed east" says Tam, who quickly adds "Not north".
Dorc da Orc or Dorkindle which is his given name, grunts at hearing that, and does so again when the young field commander adds "Seems they don't want to get too involved with what's happening so far this morning".
"They'll wait to get involved when something drastically changes, i bet" says Jarjin aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman.
The halfling former air sailor from the far east coast of the continent adds "Think we should have Beldane go and get".
"No" says Tamric Drubine as he interrupts the hobbit who is a member of lord Farque's personal council. 
"Nah cunt" says Dorc da Orc to the halfling former air sailor at the same time Tam speaks.
The warleader of the ork race then grunts in response to the young field commander asking him "You know any of these companies Dorc?".
As the young noble originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, figures the larger groups of mercenaries within the ranks of the enemy army, belong to their own companies.
The weaponsmith from the wolf tribe of orks is familiar with many of the larger and well known mercenary companies from across the Southlands.
Dorkindle looks to the groups of mercenaries within the rebel army that field commander Drubine has pointed out.
"Nah, not them cunts" the ork general loudly mutters, followed in a loud mutter with "Or them fuckers".
The big, burly ork from the frozen bottom of the world, then grunts and points and says "Them cunts there".
The ork who was named warleader of his race by lord Farque a number of years ago adds "Dorc knows them fuckers".
The large ork who often doesn't know what day it is, names the mercenary company he points out.
Then the ork who is the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks.
Who he killed during a viscous fight between the two of them. Which was only fair, as she was doing her best to kill him at the time.
Says to the young field commander "Batter than some cunts, not better than others".
In response to the senior officer in the armies of Farque asking him "They any good Dorc"?.
Dorkindle, who is also a senior officer in the armies of Farque, infact as a general he outranks Tamric Drubine the field commander.
Just that the others in the group, don't remind the ork warleader of that.
Then tells the young noble who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin "They better than this fucken lot, me know that".
As he waves a dismissive hand at the enemy army, who are predominantly made up of soldiers who rebelled against the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
Tam nods his head when he hears that, then he shares a look with Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit.
"Think it might be best if you had Tovis target that mercenary company" quietly says the halfling who previously served in the air fleet of the Sultan of Dreese.
"Good idea" quietly says field commander Drubine, who just like the hobbit who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, just spoke in the elven language.
Tam waves over the nearby signalman and gives him an order. The signalman in the engineering corp in the armies of Farque, relays that order to the closest trebuchet crew.
Which is situated across the square behind the middle gates, here along the south wall of the city.
The trebuchet where the captain of the engineering corp, Tovis the engineer can be found.
"Doesn't look like they've taken much damage" quietly says Tamric Drubine, who follows that with "Or for matter, any at all".
"Keeping out of the way by the looks of things" says councilor Littlefoot as they discuss one of the mercenary companies amongst the enemy army.
"My guess is that they're waiting for how things go here to see what they'll do" says the young noble who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"Or with a little bit of encouragement they'll head off to the east" continues Tamric Drubine who quickly adds "Not north". Much to the delight of Dorc da Orc. As every direction that isn't north, is not north to him.
That encouragement that field commander Drubine is mentioning arrives just a few moments later.
When the nearby trebuchet launches another load up and over the wall, and out of the city.
And of late, they've been targeting the enemy along the water's edge. This shot, is of a lower and longer trajectory.
Sending a netting full of rocks, and broken stonework and masonry flying further back amongst the enemy ranks.
The netting rips apart, and the solid missiles smash into the ranks of councilman Hirrye's southern army.
Most of it hits Kuradian soldiers who oppose the ruling council of the city-state.
But some hits it's intended target. One of the foreign mercenary companies hired by the self styled duke of Kuradum.
"Well would you look at that" says Jarjin aka Zubutai the son of Timagin.
Tamric Drubine nods in agreement with the halfling former air sailor, while Dorc da Orc grunts in agreement with him.
"Efficient" says field commander Drubine with a note of respect in his tone.
As the mercenary company targeted, grab and pick up their wounded, and leaving the few who died behind. They move off, out of the ranks, and head eastwards.
"Pass the word along the wall" says the senior officer in the armies of Farque to one of the runners at his beck and call.
"Keep an eye on that mercenary company there" adds Tam, who follows that with "And if able to, try and hit them".
"Yes commander" says the runner in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque, who moves off to carry out his orders.
"I'm guessing they'll stay out of range" says Jarjin Littlefoot, who continues with "Even of the trebuchets".
The hobbit from the far east coast of the continent, then says "Yep, that's what they're doing".
As they watch the mercenary company in question, fall back as they head eastwards, making their way to the bridge about a mile to the east of the city.
As the battle for the capital of Kuradum continues on this cold, but sunny and clear winter's morning, in this part of the city-state . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 55.

Winter.

"Think they might try for their homes?" quietly asks Mira Reinholt the mage.
"Not really" is the quiet reply of lord Farque as they stand upon the top of the watchtower.
"I'm more worried about the council buildings than anything" quietly adds the undead warlord, who follows that with "And the barracks next to it".
The mage who is from the city-state of Vexil, and is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Nods his hooded head in agreement with the large, heavily armoured deathlord.
Then the two of them, undead being and human mage, who are invisible. Fall silent as one of the assistants to the councilmen walks by after coming back up to the top of the tower of the city guard, here in the south of the city of Kuradum.
They're at the north side of the walled rooftop, while everyone else is on the otherside of the roof, watching the progress of the attack by the enemy on the south wall of the capital of the city-state.
On this cold, but sunny and clear winter's morning in this area of Kuradum.
The mage Reinholt, who figures lord Farque sent Helbe the elven thief to watch over the council buildings.
For the simple reason the elven magic user will be the best, and quickest to react to an attack there.
Stands a bit to one side, to get a better view of what's happening along the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
"How did you think it's going?" quietly asks Mira Reinholt as he gestures to what's happening away to the south.
"As it good as it can be i guess" quietly says the undead warlord who though is watchting the battle.
He's also watchting and listening to the others here, on top of the tallest structure in the south of the city.
"Looks like Tam's got things under control" quietly adds the lord of the death realm.
The deathlord of Farque, who the people of his lands, also know him by the name of Draugadrottin, quietly continues with "And Tovis seems to making things difficult for them".
The once powerful mage, who is in exile from his homeland Vexil, nods his head in agreement with that.
As a column of black smoke rises up from the otherside of the south wall of the city.
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster can't see it. But he knows an enemy siege tower is on fire.
Most likely hit by burning barrels of pitch mixed with naphtha, shot from one of the trebuchets being manned by the Farqian engineers under the command of Tovis the engineer.
The mage in the black hooded cloak nods once again when the lord and ruler of the lands Farque quietly says to him "Just as long as they keep moving their men to the east, the better it is for us".
The Vexilian mage in exile who knows the defenders of the city are badly outnumbered.
Also knows they've got a certain chance of victory the more and more of the rebel army head to the east side of the city the better.
The undead being who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates as, The Destroyer.
Doesn't need to see what the enemy are doing. As he can sense them. Their lives, deaths, and most importantly their movement.
And he senses how some are heading eastwards along the otherside of the river, making for the bridge that's about a mile from the city.
Infact the large, heavily armoured deathlord has sensed a number of them have already crossed the bridge.
And are making their way, or in some instances, made their way to the east wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
The east wall is by far the most solidly built of the city's walls.
With just one set of gates it's easier to defend, especially compared to the south wall with it's three sets of gates.
And until recently, three bridges that crossed the river that runs along the south wall of the capital of the city-state of Kuradum.
The practitioner of magic, who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Who was on track to be a battlemage, the first one not just in the Southlands, but the entire world of Volunell, in well over a generation.
Until he was stripped of most of his powers when he went offworld a number of years ago. Through a rift/void spell that he accidentally cast.
Looks all around, to the east across the city, the north, then to the west, before looking back to the south.
Where the rebel army of councilman Hirrye, the self proclaimed duke of Kuradum. Is attacking the south side of the capital city.
"Wonder if they'll show up and attack another side of the city" murmurs the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster.
"Maybe" quietly says Draugadrottin, who follows that with "Maybe not".
The large, heavily armoured deathlord waves a gauntleted hand in the direction of the councilmen here on the roof of the watchtower of the city guard, in the south or poor quarter of the city.
"I think they're more interested in getting this lot" quietly says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
"And those at the council building" quietly adds the undead warlord, who continues with "That Hirrye will try for sure, when exactly, who knows".
The spellcaster, who at just seventeen years of age, was the youngest member in the history of the mage council of Vexil, nods his hooded head.
"Who knows indeed" murmurs Mira Reinholt the mage, who like lord Farque is constantly sensing.
Hoping to catch out councilman Hirrye, or more precisely, the rebel councilman's pet spellcaster, the sorceress Losmena.
On the dome that dominates the middle of the main council building of Kuradum, located in the center of the city.
Helbe the elven thief looks down to his left, beyond the gardens and grounds in that direction.
Which leads to the main barracks of the Kuradian army that's based here in the capital city.
The blurred and shielded elven magic user sees very little activity, here on the grounds of the council buildings.
And over at the city barracks of the Kuradian army loyal to the ruling council.
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who is keeping an eye on those of the ruling council who have made their way back here after being on the south wall at dawn.
Is just about to make another circuit of the main council building, when Narladene the ground pixie suddenly appears and lands upon the right shoulder of the nobleborn elf she's attached to.
"How's it going?" asks Helbe the elven thief, who knows the naturally magical creature took off to observe the battle along the south side of the city, for a little bit.
"Holding our own" replies Narladene the ground pixie as the elven masterthief walks over the dome in the middle of the massive building.
"Quite a few of them have been pushed to the east" adds the naturally magical creature, who hails from the Sunreach Mountains.
The elven master assassin in the white hooded cloak, nods his head then says "Tovis must be hitting them pretty hard".
The young elven noble who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel, continues with "Accurate enough that a some of them have to go east now that those bridges have been destroyed".
The tiny winged creature on the right shoulder of the elven master archer then says "There's something else too".
The grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel glances sideways at the ground pixie and says "Oh?" followed by "Like what?".
"Like these council buildings are being watched" is the reply of the naturally magical creature.
"I know" says the elven master assassin who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque.
"Members of the scouts and rangers division" continues the highly talented elven magic user, who follows that with "Spies from Dalin's company".
"Not them" says Narladene the ground pixie, who continues on with "I know about them" she then adds "I mean someone else".
The grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel comes to a stop at the top of the dome, and looks at the tiny winged creature on his right shoulder.
"Who?" asks the highly talented elven magic user, he follows that with "Friend or foe?".
The naturally magical creature shrugs, then says "I've no idea" she continues with "It could be nothing, then again it might be something".
Prince Helbenthril Raendril grunts, then after quickly looking around in all directions, asks the ground pixie "Where?".
"There" says Narladene who points to the east of the council buildings, to the nearest neighbourhood in that direction.
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel looks in that direction.
The tiny winged creature on his right shoulder holds on tightly as she senses what he's about to do.
The next moment, the elven masterthief shifts away, from the top of the dome in the middle of the main council building, to the neighbourhood just to the east of it, and the main city barracks of the Kuradian army.
"Which one?" quietly asks Helbe the elven thief as he stands upon the roof of a building in the neighbourhood just to the east of the grounds where the council buildings are located.
"There, that one" says Narladene the ground pixie, who points then adds "The two storey place".
The naturally magical creature from the Sunreach Mountains continues with "In that second storey room, with the window facing towards the council buildings and the army barracks".
The highly talented elven magic user nods his hooded head, then he looks closely at the two storey building Narladene has pointed out.
Looking at it with all of his senses, both magical and mundane.
After a few moments, the elven princeling from the island nation of Laerel quietly asks the ground pixie on his right shoulder "Anything there?".
For though he can't sense anything magical in and around the two storey building, doesn't mean there might not be something there.
"Nothing" is the reply of the tiny winged creature as they look at the building across a quiet street from them.
The elf who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque nods his hooded head, then he shifts to the roof of the two storey building.
The blurred and shielded elven magic user kneels down on the roof, as he's directly above the room that he's interested in.
The elven master assassin looks to the west, and he sees that he, along with whoever it is that's in the room below, are directly inline with the back of the main council building.
"Now isn't that interesting" murmurs prince Helbenthril Raendril, who then stands up, takes a few steps forward, and steps off the roof.
He floats downwards, and turns as he does so. The elven masterthief comes to a stop, and looks at the man sitting on a chair, looking out the window, at the buildings of the ruling council, and the army barracks next to it.
The highly talented elven magic user, who has the ability to cast multiple spells at once, when most practitioners of magic struggle to cast two spells at the same time.
Lifts an arched eyebrow in surprise when he reads the mind of the man sitting on the chair at the window.
"Well, well, well" murmurs Helbe the elven thief once he's back up on the roof.
"What?" quietly asks Narladene the ground pixie from the right shoulder of the young elven noble she's attached to.
"One of their spies" quietly says the elven masterthief who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel.
"We miss one?" quietly asks the naturally magical creature, referring to all of the enemy spies and sympathizers that were apprehended last night.
"No" is the quiet reply of the elven master archer, who continues on with "This lot are separate than the others".
The elven princeling then adds "They came in yesterday just before the city gates were closed" followed by "They had no contact with the lot we'd been observing".
"They?" asks Narladene the ground pixie.
"There's a group of them" is the quiet reply of the elven member of lord Farque's personal council.
The tiny winged creature nods her head, then she quietly asks "You going to kill him?".
The highly talented elven spellcaster seriously contemplates that question from the ground pixie, then he quietly says "No".
Then the elven master assassin faintly smiles, and quietly says "I'm going to do something else".
The naturally magical creature rolls her eyes, as she hopes the young elven noble doesn't do something too overly dramatic and complicated, as he sometimes does.
"One of Dalin's spies is down the street there, I'm going to speak with him about something" quietly says Helbe the elven thief, who then adds "I want you to go to lord Farque and tell him this".
Narladene's eyebrows shoot up when she hears what these new enemy spies are up to, and what the elven princeling wants her to tell the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
After the highly talented elven magic user explains things, the ground pixie takes off and heads south.
While the elven masterthief shifts away down the street, to speak with a nearby spy from the scouts and rangers division in the armies of Farque.
Mira Reinholt the mage has just pointed out that it looks like another enemy siege tower is on fire on the otherside of the south wall of the city.
When lord Farque holds up a gauntleted hand, and quietly says to him "Silence".
The spellcaster from the city-state of Vexil, who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, falls silent.
As he presumes the deathlord of Farque is listening to something or someone.
After a little while, the undead warlord nods his full helmed head, then quietly says something in a language the mage Reinholt doesn't understand, but recognises as the pixie language Narladene speaks.
"What is it?" quietly asks the once powerful mage after the lord and ruler of the lands Farque finishes speaking with Narladene the ground pixie, and looks at him.
"Enemy spies" quietly says the lord of the death realm as they stand at the rear of the tower roof, invisible to the others up here.
"A group of them entered the city just before i ordered the gates closed yesterday" adds lord Farque to the Vexilian mage in exile.
"We going to kill them?" quietly asks the spellcaster in the black hooded cloak.
"No, something else" quietly says Draugadrottin, who then explains to the once powerful mage what Helbe the elven thief has devised.
"Hell" mutters Mira Reinholt the mage after hearing the plan his fellow spellcaster prince Helbenthril Raendril has come up with.
A plan that the large, heavily armoured deathlord has agreed to, on this cold, but sunny and clear winter's morning, here in the city of Kuradum . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 54.

Winter.

They roll it forward, and though a number of them go down. Shot by arrows and bolts from the defenders up on the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
Others take their place, so by the time they get to the water's edge, there's more than enough of them to keep moving it forward.
Infact there's so many, that momentum gives it a fair chance of going some distance as it's pushed into the water.
Just to the right of where the bridge once stood. The bridge that went to the middle of the three gates in the south wall of the city.
Even in the water, they keep pushing it. Some up to their waists in the water, and others up to their necks.
And though even with the momentum, it soon starts to slow down, and fairly quickly too.
As it does, the inevitable happens. It starts to tip forward, as they were hoping it would.
And once again momentum takes over. And it soon falls forward into the water.
Creating a large splash, and a fairly decent wave. That goes in both directions along the river.
Even before it settles, they're jumping up onto it. Many getting shot as they do so. But that doesn't stop them.
As those on it, help others to climb up onto it. Including those with scaling ladders.
While others, are hurrying along the length of it. Using it as a bridge towards the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
Some tumble off the sides when they're hit by arrows and bolts shot by the defenders up on the top of the wall.
But they doesn't stop the others, as they hurry along it, trying to get to the end of it, and the wall.
Then the inevitable happens again. This time from those who are defending the city of Kuradum.
The front section of it, or to be exact, the top of it. Shatters apart in a violent explosion as it's hit by a blast spell.
Some of them are directly caught up in the spell, and they're torn apart as well.
While others further back along the length of it, are hit by flying pieces of wood.
Which goes through the predominantly leather armour that many of them are wearing.
Even so, others continue to hurry forward along the length of it. And true a good ten foot of it's missing. They're still hoping to use it to help get them to the top of the south wall of the capital city of Kuradum.
Then once again it's hit by another spell. This one a shaft of white light that shoots down out of the clear, blue sky this winter's morning.
The column of white light slams into the base of it, where many of them are attempting to climb up it.
Some carrying scaling ladders as they do so.
They're flung in all directions as the white light from the sky tears apart the base of it.
So a good quarter of the entire length of it from both ends of it is missing now.
Then with less of them on it, infact just a handful of them are still on the length of it.
The current in the river, though fairly docile, is enough to get it moving, slow at first, but it picks up and it starts rolling and tumbling.
With more than a few of them trying to hold onto it as it tumbles along through the river.
Up on the south wall of the city of Kuradum, Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit. Watches an enemy siege tower.
That's missing both the top of it, as well as the base. As it tumbles and rolls down the river.
With some of the enemy soldiers in councilman Hirrye's southern army, holding onto it for dear life.
As the inevitable happens once again. The river has the wrecked siege tower slam into another that's been put into the water.
That the rebel army are attempting to use as a bridge to get to the south wall of the city.
"Fuck that" mutters Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit with a shake of his head as the second enemy siege tower breaks apart when the first one smashes into it.
The hobbit, who hails from the Sultanate of Dreese, which lies on the far east coast of the continent.
Faintly smiles as away to the right here above the middle gates in the city's south wall, a chuckling Dorc da Orc shouts out to the enemy with "Get wet ya fucken cunts!".
As to the large ork, ending up getting wet and in the river. Is a fate worse than death in the opinion of the ork warleader.
To the immediate right of the hobbit, who isn't entirely what he appears to be.
Crouches the newest member of the group. A Kuradian himself, who grew up here in the poor quarter of the capital city.
Zam the ex mercenary, who says "That didn't work out too well for them".
The  teenager from the south side of the city, then nods across the river at enemy army, and adds "Another one coming our way".
The halfling, who is a former air sailor in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese, nods then says "I see it".
The hobbit, who isn't what he appears to be. He's actually a hordes outrider from the southern tundra, by the name of Zubutai Timaginson.
Who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of the halfling who is originally from the otherside of the world.
Nods his head in agreement with the newest member of the group. As he first looks away to the east, then to the west, the direction the river is flowing.
Jarjin aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque.
Sees that though a fair few of the enemy army have taken off to the east.
Going for the bridge about a mile to the east of the capital city of Kuradum.
Most of them are still here to the south of the city, attempting to cross the river, and get to the wall that runs along this side of the city of Kuradum.
Next to councilor Littlefoot, Zam the ex mercenary loudly mutters "Hell". After hearing the loud thrung like sound of the closest trebuchet to them, launching another load.
While at the same time to his left, he hears Lisell Maera the scout say "Fuck".
Jarjin aka Zubutai Timaginson looks directly up above them, and grimaces as he sees a netting full of burning barrels fly overhead.
On a high arc over the south wall of the capital of the city-state of Kuradum.
The halfling who is former air sailor who served in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese nods his head in agreement with the scout Maera who says "I think that might hit".
And sure enough it does. As the loose netting breaks apart. And the burning barrels of a mix of pitch and naphtha.
Rain down, on and around another of the enemy siege towers that's just been pushed to the water's edge.
Opposite to the middle gates in the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
And though the tower itself catches on fire when a couple of the burning barrels hit it.
Most of the damage is done to those who were pushing the sixty foot tall siege tower.
The hobbit who is a member of the personal council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, slightly nods his head when young Zam quietly says "Hell, what a way to go".
As rebel soldiers on fire across the river opposite them. Jump into the water, trying to put the flames out.
All to no avail, as the mix of pitch and naphtha is near impossible to be put out by water.
More than a few of them go running back in the direction they've come from.
Setting others in the following ranks, they come into contact with, on fire too.
As the siege tower goes up with a whoosh, and flames shoot up into the sky from the intense heat.
Many of the enemy who were directly opposite the second of the three gates in the city's south wall.
Decide it's safer to be somewhere else. Even though officers and sergeant at arms yell at them to keep trying to cross the river at this point.
A lot of them take off to the east. Or they'll try their luck elsewhere along the riverbank, where others are trying to cross to the south wall of the capital city.
"Heads down!" calls out a familiar voice to their left, it's Beldane the cleric.
Councilor Littlefoot, who is looking around the side of a crenalation, pulls his head back, and ducks down.
While to his right, at the next crenalation along, Zam the ex mercenary drops down behind it.
While to the left, right next to the halfling former air sailor, Lisell Maera the scout ducks down too.
While to the left of the two of them, at the next crenalation in that direction.
Shur Kee the monk still sits there with his back to it. Sitting there in a meditative state, as he's done pretty much since the battle began just after dawn.
Jarjin aka Zubutai the son of Timagin, along with the Kuradian ex mercenary Zam, and the Brattonburian born scout Lisell.
Look quickly away to their right, as the second catapult along. The one beyond the one that Tamric Drubine the field commander, Dorc da Orc and sir Percavelle Lé Dic are standing near, catches on fire.
Instantly going up in flames as it's hit by some kind of spell cast by one of the enemy practitioners of magic.
The halfling, who has naturally enhanced hearing, clearly hears Saanea the witch, who is further away to the left along the wall, say "There, you've got him".
That's followed by a fairly loud bang, somewhere to the south of the city, that can clearly be heard over the sound of the battle.
Jarjin Littlefoot looks quickly around the side of the crenalation he's behind.
And looking around at the rebel army across on the otherside of the river. He spots a fairly large hole in the ground about two hundred and fifty yards back from the river, that wasn't there just a few moments ago.
A hole about twenty yards wide, with scorch marks in and around it. Along with a number of dead bodies lying in and around it too.
The member of lord Farque's personal council looks away to his left along the top of the wall, as does Lisell and Zam.
Seeing the three of term look his way, Beldane the cleric who is with Saanea the witch, says to them "Got one of their wizards who was hiding".
The hobbit, who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra, who finds himself inhabiting the halfling named Jarjin Littlefoot, faintly smiles when he hears Zam the ex mercenary dryly mutter under his breath "Glad the cleric's on our side".
Then as soldiers, both those from the city garrison, as well as black clad ones in the army of Farque.
Push and kick burning bits of the destroyed catapult off the back edge of the wall.
Jarjin aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman nods his head in agreement when Tamric Drubine the field commander calls out "Keep an eye out!".
The young noble who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who is now a senior officer in the armies of Farque follows that with "Even though it looks like they've given up for now, they'll try for this gate again!".
Councilor Littlefoot is definitely in agreement with that. For the middle, or the second of the three gates.
Is the weakest point, along the weakest wall of the city of Kuradum.
And without a doubt, the southern army of the self styled duke of the city-state of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
Will definitely try to attack the middle gates in the city's south wall again. Sometime this cold, but sunny and clear winter's morning in this part of the city-state of Kuradum . . . . . .

-

The Thick Of It 53.

Winter.

Dorc da Orc plucks an arrow out of his face, then biffs it away off the top of the wall.
The large ork glances away to his right and growls as sir Percavelle Lé Dic laughs at him for getting shot by an enemy archer.
Then the ork warleader chortles when the nobleborn knight from the kingdom of Druvic, staggers backwards when an enemy crossbow bolt clangs off his full helm.
"By Saint Mar-che" loudly mutters sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who rights himself, then looks down at the enemy across the river, and demands in an offended tone of voice "Which one of you filthy villains did that?" followed by "Wot".
The ork weaponsmith is just about to call out to the enemy to keep shooting at the former paladin.
But decides not to as Tamric Drubine the field commander steps this way.
And the large ork remembers that he's actually a general in the armies of Farque.
And calling out orders and instructions to the enemy, might not be the best look.
The big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world grunts in response to Tamric Drubine who tells him "More and more of them are breaking off, and heading east" quickly followed by "Not north".
After grunting in satisfaction, Dorc da Orc says "Yeah cunt". The ork warleader then gestures at the enemy army attempting to lay siege to the city of Kuradum, and says "Some of them fuckheads still wanna come here".
The son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks, who he killed when he was younger.
Grunts in satisfaction as one of the nearby catapults here above the middle gate in the south wall of the city.
Flings a load of barrels, filled with water, that's been frozen solid, at the rebel forces across the river.
Then Dorc da Orc, or Dorkindle which is his given name, says "Some of them fucken cunts wanna get in here real bad".
As he nods at one of the siege towers being rolled forward towards the river through the ranks of councilman Hirrye's southern army.
Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, nods in agreement with the large ork, who is a general in the armies of Farque.
Then the young noble, originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, and now a senior officer in the armies of Farque quietly tells the ork weaponsmith "I think i know what they're going to do".
As he gestures at one of the enemy siege towers that's trundling towards the river that runs along the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
Dorkindle who is contemplating if he should waste a spear, and throw it at the enemy across on the otherside of the river.
Grunts then looks down at the young man who is former heir of a previous knight of castle Drubine, which can be found in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin.
Then after the warleader of the ork race grimaces when an enemy crossbow bolt bounces off his forehead.
And he growls at sir Percavelle Lé Dic once again, who laughs at him again for getting shot.
The big, burly ork from the frozen bottom of the world listens to what field commander Drubine thinks the enemy are up to.
As they continue to attack the south wall of the city of Kuradum, on this cold, but fairly clear and sunny winter's morning.
Zam the ex mercenary is down low beneath one of the crenalations along the top of the city's south wall, just above the middle of the three gates on this side of the capital of the city-state of Kuradum.
The teenager from here in the poor quarter of the city of Kuradum, looks away to the right along the top of the wall.
Where next to one of the two catapults on this stretch of the wall. Tamric Drubine the field commander is deep in conversation with Dorc da Orc.
Then Zam, the newest member of the group, who only joined them during the autumn, looks to his left.
Next to him, sits Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, who has his back to the crenalation they're behind.
For a moment the Kuradian ex mercenary thinks the halfling is asleep, as he sits there with his eyes closed.
But a closer look finds the hobbit, who is a member of lord Farque's personal council.
Is just sitting there with his eyes closed, quietly murmuring to himself in a language Zam doesn't understand.
The teenager from here in the city of Kuradum, looks to the next person to the left.
It's Lisell Maera the scout, who sends a bolt flying from here crossbow at someone down amongst the enemy.
The ex mercenary slightly smiles to himself when he hears a determined sounding Lisell Maera the scout say in triumph "Got the bastard".
As the attractive young woman originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, slides back the underside of her quick loading crossbow.
Zam looks beyond her, at the next person in that direction along the top of the wall.
It's Shur Kee the monk, who like Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, is sitting down on the top of the wall, facing in towards the city itself.
But unlike the former air sailor halfling from the Sultanate of Dreese, a nation that lies on the far east coast of the continent.
The short statured monk, who also has his eyes closed. Is sitting cross legged, with his staff across his thighs.
Obviously meditating, as Zam has become accustomed to seeing the physical adept doing.
Though this is first time the teenage ex mercenary has seen the monk in the strange clothing, and even stranger looking hat. Meditate during the middle of a battle.
Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy hurries up a set of steps to the top of the city's south wall.
The spy originally from the elven principality of Alínlae, who is now a company commander in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque.
Who has just come from one of the nearby trebuchets across the street, where he'd been discussing something with Tovis the war engineer.
Makes it up onto the top of the wall and heads right. The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland Alínlae.
Heads along the top of the wall, until he gets to the stretch of it above the middle of the three gates.
There the rest of the group who are still on the wall are located. As the southern rebel army of councilman Hirrye attacks the city of Kuradum.
On this cold, but sunny and clear winter's morning in this part of the city-state.
The elven spy stops next to the two spellcasters, Beldane the cleric and Saanea the witch.
"Tovis would appreciate it if you could deal with some of them" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy as he nods towards one of the approaching siege towers.
The elf in the grey hooded cloak continues with "The ones not in line with his siege engines".
Both practitioners of magic nod their heads, then Beldane the cleric tells the company commander in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque "We'll get to it".
The fighting cleric who hails from the kingdom of Nastell then says "We've just got a few other things to deal with first".
The spy Tanith is just about to ask "Like what". When the powerful Nastellian spellcaster swings his mace.
A beam of white light shoots from the magical weapon, that strikes back amongst the enemy ranks on the otherside of the river that runs along the south side of the city.
"They teleported before it hit" says Saanea the witch, who continues with "I can't sense them now".
The member of the church of Glaine, a god that's predominantly worshiped in the north of Beldane's homeland Nastell, grunts when he hears that.
Then the powerful practitioner of magic says to the spy Tanith "Things like that".
Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, nods his hooded head.
Then the elven spy who is a company commander in the armies of Farque says to the pair of spellcasters "Just help him out when you can".
The spy Tanith then continues his way along the top of the wall, here above the second of the three gates in the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
He goes by Shur Kee the monk who is just sitting there, no doubt meditating.
Dalin nods to his fellow member of the scouts and rangers division, Lisell Maera the scout, who is shooting at the enemy with the crossbow that once belonged to Shur Kee.
The elven spy walks by Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, who like Shur Kee, is sitting there with his back against one of the crenalations.
Though the halfling originally from the Sultanate of Dreese, is watching one of the trebuchets across the square behind the gates, reloading.
The spy Tanith walks by the newest member of the group, the ex mercenary Zam.
The teenage Kuradian nods at the elven spy, who nods his hooded head in reply.
Dalinvardèl Tanith then stops next to one of the two catapults above the second of the gates in the south wall of the city.
Next to it, up against the nearest crenalation stands sir Percavelle Lé Dic.
Who doesn't notice the elven spy from the principality of Alínlae, as he's too busy watching the enemy army across the river.
Dalin stops near the rear of the catapult, where Dorc da Orc stands with Tamric Drubine the field commander.
"Beldane and his crews are having trouble hitting some of those siege towers" states the spy Tanith who continues with "The ones not in line with the trebuchets".
After nodding, Tamric Drubine the field commander says "I'll get Saanea and Beldane to help with that".
The company commander in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque nods his hooded head, then says "I've already spoken to them".
Dalinvardèl Tanith follows that with "They'll get to it after they deal with the enemy spellcasters".
The young noble originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who is in command of the defence of the walls of the city of Kuradum at the moment, grunts after hearing that from the spy Tanith.
"We'll figure something out" says field commander Drubine, who after glancing at the ork general beside him, says to Dalin "We've figured out what they're probably going to do with those towers now that there's no bridges to cross to the wall".
After the elven spy glances over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who shakes an angry gauntleted fist, and shouts out to the enemy with "I shall repeat it for those who are thou ignorant, and deaf, which one of you villainous swine shot, i the great sir Percavelle!" followed by a "Wot!".
Which causes Dorc da Orc to chortle as he looks at his bitter rival, the nobleborn knight from the kingdom of Druvic.
Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more often than not, called by the others in the group, says to the company commander in the scouts and rangers division of the armies of Farque "How far will they get across the river with those towers?".
The senior officer in the armies of Farque continues with "Maybe fifteen feet at most before they get bogged down?".
The spy who hails from the elven principality of Alínlae nods his hooded head in agreement to that, then says "Barely if that".
"Well what happens if they" says Tamric Drubine, who goes onto explain what he and Dorc da Orc think the enemy army will actually do with some, if not all of the siege towers that they're bringing forward.
After the young field commander finishes explaining what he and general Dorc thinks the rebel army will do with their siege towers.
Dalinvardèl Tanith slowly nods his hooded head as he can see that being a possibility, infact a distinct possibility.
Then after the catapult next to them flings a load of rocks and broken bits of masonry across the river at the rebel army of councilman Hirrye.
The spy Tanith points, and says "Well, we're about to find out". As one of the enemy siege towers has been pushed to the water's edge, almost opposite the second of the three gates in the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
On this cold, but clear and sunny winter's morning, here in the capital of the city-state of Kuradum . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 52.

Winter.

"Hell" mutters commander Tracklen who then calls out "Keep shooting at them!".
As the enemy hurry along the riverbank, heading east as they move more of their soldiers in that direction. To get to the bridge almost a mile from the city.
"Looks like they're still going to try and cross it here too" says the adjunctant Morris, who points at an enemy siege tower that's coming this way.
Then the two of them, along with soldiers from here in the city garrison, as well as guards from the city watch.
All visibly wince, as the trebuchet right down behind them, flings another shot up and over them, at the enemy on the otherside of the river, attacking the city of Kuradum.
The commander of the loyalist forces glances back and down at the trebuchet, which is only about fifty feet from the base of the wall.
Across the street, between two buildings. Manned by engineers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
The senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of Kuradum sourly smiles, then mutters "The gods only know how they haven't hit us".
Next to him, his adjunctant who overheard him, grunts in agreement as they see the mercenary engineers quickly reloading the massive war machine.
The loyalist army commander, and his adjunctant are on the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
Down towards the eastern end, near where it meets the east wall of the capital city.
To say they were surprised a little earlier when the city's first bridge about sixty yards to their right, blew up in a series of quick explosions.
Would be an understatement, as they stood there dumbstruck as they watched the cloud of debris mushroom up into the morning sky, on this cold but clear winter's day.
And by the sounds of it, and what they were able to catch a glimpse of. The other two bridges further west along the south wall of the city, suffered similar fates.
The fact that the bridges were full of enemy soldiers didn't alleviate the fact that the bridges being destroyed was a shock to the loyalist army commander and his adjunctant.
The senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
Who wasn't told the complete plans lord Farque and his associates had for the defence of the city of Kuradum.
Was told they would do something that would get the enemy, at least some of them, moving eastwards to the bridge further down river.
Seems like blowing up the bridges along the south side of the city was that plan.
And it seems to be somewhat working. As enemy forces are heading that way. Though it looks like the majority of them are still intent on crossing the river here, and somehow getting through the gates, or scaling the wall.
Commander Tracklen, mutters "Hell". Once again, as another shot from the trebuchet just across the street behind them is launched over them.
It was perfectly fine earlier, even if the shots had a lower trajectory then, as their loads were flung further back amongst the enemy.
Now the black clad engineers from the lands Farque manning and operating the trebuchet.
Have shortened their range a hell of a lot shorter than they had earlier.
And even though the shots fly far above the top of the wall, and the heads of the defenders.
It's unnerving to say the least, as the shots barely make it over to the otherside of the river.
Though the local army commander will admit, they hit the enemy with every shot.
As a particularly large boulder slams down amongst the enemy forces, crushing at least a dozen of them to death, and injuring a similar amount.
Tracklen, who grew up here on the south side of the city, glances away to the left.
Where twenty feet away, stands the black clad spotter, and next to him, the black clad signalman from the lands Farque.
Who have already relayed what they want the trebuchet crew to do with the next shot.
As the engineers manning it, are hooking up a netting full of rocks, rubble, mostly bricks and masonry.
Commander Tracklen finds those loads more unnerving than a large boulder that goes up and over the wall.
As bricks and bits of rubble might fall and hit him, and the other defenders on top of the wall as it passes overhead.
Though to be fair, it's no where near as unnerving as a load of burning barrels full of pitch and naphtha are launched from the nearby trebuchet.
All the soldiers from the local garrison, and the guards from the city watch serving with them along this length of the wall.
All cringe, and duck down when one of those loads go flying up and over them at the enemy.
"Got one" says the adjunctant Morris, who has a bow in hand, and is shooting at the enemy across the river.
The subaltern isn't particularly good with a bow. But he's hell of a lot better than commander Tracklen with one.
The senior most officer in the loyalist army is competent with a crossbow. But he'd freely admit, he's absolutely useless with a bow.
The loyalist army commander nods in appreciation at that shot from his adjunctant.
Then he points and says "Look there" followed by "Even more of them are heading to the east now".
The adjunctant Morris nods when he sees this too, and he says "All those short range trebuchet shots are having an effect".
The adjunctant, who grew up in one of the more affluent neighbourhoods in the city, and whose family is one of the wealthiest to be found in the city-state.
Looks away to their right along the top of the wall, and he spots a runner heading this way.
"Runner" says the junior of the two officers to his superior, then the adjunctant calls out "Runner coming through!" followed by "Make way!".
When the young runner gets to the loyalist army commander, he says to him "Sir, the mercenary field commander Drubine is now in command".
The young runner from the city garrison continues with "Now that the mercenary lord has left the wall".
Commander Tracklen and his adjunctant Morris share a look, then the senior most officer in the loyalist army asks the young runner "Any idea where the lord Farque went?".
"Just that he left with one of their spellcasters" replies the teenager, who continues with "The one in the black hooded cloak".
"The mage" quietly says the adjunctant Morris, the local army commander nods in agreement with his adjunctant.
"Anything else?" asks the commander, who though only in his early thirties, is the senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of Kuradum.
"Just to keep harrying the enemy as they come east" says the runner, who follows on from that with "And to repel any attack upon the wall".
"Will do" says the loyalist army commander, who dismisses the runner with a nod of the head.
Commander Tracklen looks at the nearby east wall of the city. Which is far easier to defend even though the river doesn't run along it.
The city's east wall is built far more sturdier than the south. And it only has one set of gates in it.
Then Tracklen looks at his adjunctant, who as he takes an arrow from his quiver, quietly says to him "Wonder where he and that mage went to?". Referring to lord Farque, and the mage named Mira.
The senior most officer in the army loyal to the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum, slightly shrugs his shoulders, then says "I have no idea".
The loyalist army commander, continues on with "Though i guess we'll find out in due time".
Then he mutters "Hell" and he and his adjunctant crouch down. As expletives can be heard by the soldiers and city guardsmen near them who do the same.
As a load of burning barrels in a net flung from the nearby trebuchet. Go flying up and over them, and the top of the wall, on it's way to the rebel forces just across the river form them.
"Where are they?" quietly asks lord Farque as he stands at the mouth of an alleyway.
"Up there" replies Helbe the elven thief with a nod of his hooded head at the tower across the street.
It's a tower of the city watch, the only tall one in the poorer quarters of Kuradum.
"Some of them wanted to watch things from up there" adds the elven magic user.
"The rest went back to the council buildings" continues the young elven noble who hails from the island principality of Laerel.
The undead warlord nods his full helmed head, then he glances at Mira Reinholt the mage who asks "Think they'll attack into the city?".
"Maybe" is the reply of the large, heavily armoured deathlord, who follows that with "I'm not putting it past that Hirrye".
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque briefly pauses before adding "Especially with that sorceress he's got working for him".
The undead being, who has the name of Draugadrottin that the people of his lands also know him by, says "If he does, I'm guessing he'll do it at the council buildings".
The lord of the death realm then tells the elven masterthief "You go there and watch that lot".
Gesturing at the watchtower across the street, the deathlord of Farque says "We'll keep an eye on this lot".
The elven master assassin in the white hooded cloak nods his head at that.
Then before the young elven noble who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel departs, the undead warlord asks him "Which one's are over there?".
The elven master archer tells lord Farque which councilmen are at the top of the tower. Who include councilman Sammis. The defacto leader of the ruling council of the city-state of Kuradum.
As well as councilman Kolmar, one of the more influential members of the ruling council.
"That Kolmar is still in shock about his assistant" states the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel.
"No surprise there" dryly says the mage who is from the city-state of Vexil, his homeland that he's in exile from.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque nods his full helmed head at that, then the large heavily armoured deathlord tells the highly talented elven magic user "Get going".
The grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel nods, then blurs himself and shifts away.
Draugadrottin then quietly says to the once powerful mage "Hide us".
The spellcaster, who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, lifts a questioning eyebrow at that.
But he doesn't say anything, he just casts invisibility on himself and the undead warlord, who allows himself to be effected by the spell.
Then the undead being, who has the elven name of Des'tier, which means, The Destroyer, says to the mage Reinholt "Can you get us up there?".
Looking up at the tower across the street, the Vexilian mage, who is a member of lord Farque's personal council, says "Hmmmm can't see the roof, or into that window up there, I'll have to".
"Never mind" sourly says the undead warlord, who then grabs the mage come swordmaster, and leaps across the street and up.
"Fuck" mutters Mira Reinholt, who then quietly adds "I hate when you do that".
As they went fifty feet up, and through the open window, more than halfway up the eighty foot tall watchtower.
The Vexilian mage in exile, who through the quirk of his invisibility spell, can see who he's cast it on.
Looks at the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, and quietly tells him "There could of been someone in here, and we could of landed on them".
Draugadrottin barely spares the member of his personal council a glance, as he dryly says "Fucking Idiot".
The spellcaster, who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Until he was stripped of most of his powers when he went offworld, after accidentally casting a rift/void spell he went through a number of years ago.
Winces as he realises the undead warlord would exactly know if someone was in this tower room or not.
Then the large, heavily armoured deathlord says to the highly skilled swordmaster "Come on, they're on the roof". Des'tier continues with "No doubt watching the battle".
As this tower of the city watch in the southern quarter of the city, is just a couple hundred yards from the south wall of the capital city.
With the lord of the death realm leading the way, the invisible undead warlord, and the invisible mage make their way from the room.
And head up the stairs to the rooftop of the watchtower. Once up there, the invisible pair find members of the ruling council of Kuradum, and their assistants.
As well as some of their personal guards, and a pair of city watchmen. All of whom are looking away to the south. To the wall that's under attack by the forces of the rebel councilman, the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
Looking over at councilman Kolmar, who still has a look of utter bewilderment on his face after finding out that his assistant Nahor was a traitor.
Lord Farque quietly says to the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster "Read everyone's minds again".
The large, heavily armoured deathlord then quietly adds "I want to know if there's anything we've missed".
"Will do" quietly says Mira Reinholt the mage, as they stand at the back of the roof, as everyone is on the south side, watching the battle.
On what's a cold, but clear and sunny winter's morning here in the city of Kuradum.
As the invisible mage does so, the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, keeps one eye on those on the tower's roof with them.
Especially two of the members of Kuradian ruling council, councilmen Kolmar and Sammis.
And the other eye on the progress of the battle away to the south. As the rebel forces continue their attack upon the city of Kuradum this winter's morning . . . . . .