The Hire 93.

Almaic...

"What's happening over there?" asks Smawfri McQuade who after standing on his tippy toes, looks up at Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy beside him.
"Can't see shit" adds the slightly younger, not to mention slightly shorter of the two McQuade cousins.
"Nothing much" is the reply from Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy, who looks around the tower they're next to, and looks north along the Mareb river, to the otherside of it.
"Though i think they're up to something further to the north" quietly says the elven spy who serves in the armies of Farque, who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army. And finds himself here in the city of Almaic. Surrounded by armies, that are led by Farqian mercenary army.
The elf who hails from the principality of Alínlae, where he once served in one of the more prominent noble houses, looks over at their squad leader Barron.
"Should we go up and get a better look?" asks the spy Tanith who nods up at the top of the tower beside them.
Barron the squad leader sourly smiles, then says "We've been ordered to stay down here, and not go up".
Looking at an indignant Smawfri McQuade, the young squad leader from further south in the duchy of Phelm, says "That includes you three as well".
The slightly younger, and slightly shorter of the McQuade cousins sourly mutters something in the dwarven language, then switching back to common, he asks the young squad leader "Says who?".
"Kamnix" is the reply from Barron, Smawfri McQuade sourly smiles again, then mutters "The prick" followed by "He's got a high opinion of himself hasn't he?".
The dwarven warrior who is originally from the Sunreach Mountains, where his family's clanhold is located, looks around then says in a voice that carries "As do all of sir Yarrim's men".
Barron winces, then quickly says "There's your cousin coming back" as he spots Shawtus McQuade coming back along the boulevard that runs along much of the east side of the city of Almaic.
Smawfri McQuade sourly smiles after he turns the other way, and spots his cousin coming back to the tower that their small squad is beside.
And before the young squad leader can ask the slightly older and slightly taller of the dwarven warriors what he found out, Smawfri McQuade asks his cousin Shawtus "What did you find out?".
"Not much really" says Shawtus McQuade as he stops beside his cousin Smawfri "We've got a spellcaster now" adds the slightly taller of the dwarven warriors who hail from the Sunreach Mountains.
"Oh?" says the slightly younger of the two cousins, who though bald, has a longer beard than his older cousin.
"Who?" asks the squad leader Barron "Some magic user in the duke's army" replies Shawtus McQuade, who gestures back the way he's come from, and adds "He's positioned himself in the next tower along".
"That's something i guess" quietly says Barron, whose small squad of twelve. Has joined with a larger squad of over sixty from the household of sir Yarrim. To protect this stretch of the boulevard and docks along the east side of the city of Almaic.
A stretch that includes the two towers, and also a pair of catapults. Not to mention the docks and piers here that are sticking out into the Mareb river.
They've also been joined by a number of the city guard. Who Barron has told his small squad. Are fine enough dealing with drunks and brawlers on the city streets. But are in no way to be trusted upon during an actual battle.
"The magic user, a fellow called Gribbon" says the slightly taller of the McQuade cousins, who continues on with "Said we might get some of the reserves in the army to help us out if they attack this part in force".
"I'll believe that when i see it" sourly says Smawfri McQuade, his slightly older and slightly taller cousin grunts in agreement. Then Shawtus McQuade as he looks across the river, asks "What are they up to?".
"Nothing much directly across from us" is what Dalinvardél Tanith says, which is true enough.
"Though they're up to something further to the north, where the river bends away from the city" adds the elven spy, which is also true enough.
Dalinvardél Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. It's also the name he's going by whilst imbedded into the army of duke Hargen of Phelm.
Sees no reason to lie, and misled those he's with concerning the army across on the otherside of the river.
They for the most part can see for themselves. Apart from the McQuade cousins. Who even with their naturally enhanced sight. Find it difficult to see directly across to the otherside of the river from down here at street level. For the simple reason the riverbank on the otherside is higher than the city side of the river.
With the two of them being both under five foot in height. They're about a half foot too short to get a good view of the army on the east side of the river Mareb.
"We could go up the tower again" quietly says Shawtus McQuade to his cousin Smawfri "Like we did before, when we got a pretty good view of them".
The slightly shorter and slightly younger of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains sourly smiles, then says in a tone that matches his smile "We're not allowed to, none of us are".
"Says who?" asks Shawtus McQuade with a frown upon his face "That squad leader Kamnix" sourly replies Smawfri McQuade.
"The prick" mutters the slightly older and slightly taller of the dwarven warriors. His cousin Smawfri grunts in agreement with him.
And like his cousin Shawtus, he glares at the closest of those in the larger squad, who are from the army of sir Yarrim. A sorcerer, who happens to be in relationship with lady Elaine. The younger sister of duke Hargen. Who as of last night, is the duke's new heir.
The young squad leader Barron looks quickly at the spy Tanith for help. As he hopes the McQuade cousins don't cause any fuss with those in the larger squad. As it looks like they might do. As both of the dwarven warriors are glaring at those in the larger squad who are closest to them. All the while, muttering away to one another in their native language. Which is never a good sign. And which Barron knows probably involves a lot of swearing too.
The elven spy in the Farqian mercenary army who has infiltrated duke Hargen's forces. Glances quickly around, and spots something.
Then Dalin quietly says to the pair of dwarven warriors "Oi you two".
Getting their attention, the spy Tanith nods his hooded head for the McQuade cousins to follow him.
The elven spy who is passing himself off as a mercenary ranger from his homeland of Alínlae, heads across the boulevard followed by the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains, who were once the co chieftains of their clan.
"Get on up" says Dalinvardél Tanith who jumps up into the back of one of the wagons that brought the meals a little earlier, just after dawn.
From the wagon bed, the elven spy looks down at the McQuade cousins and grins as he says "Need a hand up?".
The dwarven cousins look at him in disgust. Which only causes him to grin even more. They ignore his offered hand. And climb up into the wagon bed by themselves. Though they both grunt and swear a bit in dwarven as they help each other up into the back of the wagon.
"That's fucking better" says Shawtus McQuade, who along with his cousin Smawfri can now clearly see across to the otherside of the river, and the army over there.
"Hmmm" murmurs Smawfri McQuade, who says to the spy Tanith "You're right Dalin, they've not up to much directly across from us".
"They are there though" says the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army, who points away to the north on the otherside of the Mareb river. Where in the distance it turns away to the east.
Smawfri, then Shawtus McQuade grunt as they look that way. Then the slightly older, and slightly taller of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains says "Quite a few of those rafts and barges are up there. Some already in the water".
Shawtus McQuade slightly pauses, before continuing with "Think they'll put in there and use the current to come down river to the city?" he then adds "They'll be harder to hit than if they try to directly cross".
"Maybe" says Dalin who knows exactly what's going to happen when the army led by the Farqian general, general Halvane. Which is on the otherside of the Mareb river. Attacks this side of the city of Almaic, which is the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"Makes better sense than trying to cross the river directly" says Smawfri McQuade, both his cousin Shawtus, along with the spy Tanith nod in agreement with the younger of the McQuade cousins.
The dwarven warriors then quietly chat to one another in their native language as to what they think the enemy will do.
While next to them in the back of the wagon, Dalinvardél Tanith looks at those who will fight alongside them and their small squad led by young Barron.
After a few moments, Shawtus McQuade notices this, and asks the elf he thinks is a highly skilled mercenary ranger from the principality of Alínlae "What is it Dalin?".
"That lot" says the spy Tanith who gestures across the boulevard, first at those in the larger squad from sir Yarrim's army. Then at the contingent of city guards who are milling around. Not really sure what to do. Or what's expected of them.
"None of them exactly inspire confidence in anyway" says Dalinvardél Tanith "Aye" says Shawtus McQuade "Aye" adds Smawfri McQuade in agreement.
The slightly taller and slightly older of the dwarven warriors says "Most of those lads don't exactly know how to hold their weapons do they" as he watches the city guards across the otherside of the boulevard.
The spy Tanith, who is hooded this morning, nods his head in agreement. Then he quietly tells the McQuade cousins "We might need to take charge of them" he slightly pauses then adds "Even their company sergeant doesn't look like he knows how to handle his sword".
"Aye looks like it" says Shawtus McQuade, Dalin nods then says "At least with us in charge of them, that squad leader Kamnix might leave us alone".
The dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains grunt in agreement with that. For though young Barron has been made the second in command of this stretch of the defence of the city.
The squad leader Kamnix has made in painfully clear he isn't having Barron help him in anyway.
"At least those catapult crews are army and know what to do" says Shawtus McQuade, who then adds "I think they'll ignore that Kamnix and do their own thing".
"At least we can fucking hope so" says Smawfri McQuade, both his cousin Shawtus, and the spy Tanith agree with that.
Dalin looks directly across the river again, and he spots something then says "Their forward elements across from us are pushing towards the  edge of the bank over there".
The McQuade cousins who once co led their family's clanhold in the Sunreach Mountains. Look across to the otherside of the Mareb river. And see what the elf they think is a mercenary ranger, has just described.
"A feint maybe" murmurs Shawtus McQuade "Maybe" says his cousin Smawfri, who gestures away to the left and right on the other riverbank, then adds "Others in their front ranks are pushing forward too".
"This is it then, they're going to attack this side of the city" says the slightly older, not to mention slightly taller of the dwarven warriors who are cousins.
"They certainly seem to think so" says Dalinvardél Tanith who gestures across the boulevard to the closest of the two catapults. Where the crew leader is calling out orders.
"That Kamnix doesn't seem too pleased does he" quietly says Smawfri McQuade with a soft chuckle, as he points at the squad leader from sir Yarrim's army.
Who looks more than a little annoyed that the catapult crews are taking it upon themselves to retaliate against the enemy who are approaching the otherside of the river, which is only fifty yards away, or a little over a hundred and fifty feet.
The nearer of the two catapults flings it's shot of rocks and stones through the air, across the river Mareb, to the bank on the otherside.
The enemy soldiers and mercenaries who have come down out of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, and have invaded the duchy of Phelm, in northern Nastell.
Well, those in the front at least. Scatter as the catapult load goes well over two hundred feet, and comee crashing down upon those, who are too slow to get out of the way.
Up and down the long boulevard that runs along much of the east side of the city of Almaic. Catapults, and even a few trebuchets, are firing upon the approaching enemy upon the otherside of the river Mareb. Which is essentially a giant moat along the east side of the city that's the capital of Phelm.
"Well our part of the battle is certainly underway" says Shawtus McQuade, his cousin Smawfri nods in agreement, as does Dalinvardél Tanith, who points at the next tower directly to the south, and quietly tells the dwarven warriors who hail from the Sunreach Mountains "Keep clear of that tower".
The thick, bushy eyebrows of the McQuade cousins go up in surprise, and the spy Tanith quietly tells them "It'll definitely be a target, and come under heavy attack".
The elf who is from the principality of Alínlae, where he served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland, continues with "That magic user is there, he'll draw their attention for sure".
Both of the dwarven warriors grunt at that, then Smawfri McQuade sourly says "Forgot about that with spellcasters". He continues with "Every one of their's will be trying to kill the ones on our side".
"That is annoying" mutters Shawtus McQuade, who briefly pauses as the other catapult nearby, flings it shot across the river at the front ranks of the enemy.
While up and down the boulevard that runs along the east side of the city of Almaic. Archers, those with longbows at least. Are now shooting at the enemy. Some of whom are shooting back.
"They don't exactly have that many war machines over there" continues Shawtus McQuade, who follows that with "So i don't know what they're trying to achieve by pushing forward like this".
"Whatever it is, it's got something to do with that" says Dalin who points away to the north along the otherside of the Mareb river, where in the distance it curves away from the city that's the provincial capital.
The dwarven cousins from the Sunreach Mountains look that way too, and see that more barges and rafts have been put in the water.
Where they're out of range of the battlelines to the northeast of the city. And definitely out of range of anything along the east side of Almaic.
"What's that they're loading on them?" asks Shawtus McQuade "Looks like bundles of shrubs and bushes" murmurs Smawfri McQuade.
"You're right Smawfri" quietly says Dalin who knows exactly what they are "Look like wax bushes, what we elves call Keros bushes" says the spy Tanith who then adds "I think you dwarves call them that, or something similar too".
The McQuade cousins quickly glance at one another, then at Dalin. Shawtus says "Smokescreen". "Smokescreen" adds Smawfri "Smokescreen" says the elven spy.
As the Keros bush can burn without flame, emitting a thick, dense, white smoke.
"By Thaxel" mutters the slightly older of the two dwarven warriors, before he says in slightly sour tone "Now all we have to figure out is what they'll be bloody well hiding".
"That's true" says Dalinvardél Tanith, who then points across the boulevard from the wagon they're on the back of, then adds "But for now, we should get back and help young Barron".
The McQuade cousins grunt at that, and they jump off the back of the wagon behind the spy Tanith, and follow after him as he crosses the boulevard to rejoin their small squad.
As one of the nearby catapults fires another shot at the enemy across the otherside of the river, on this warm summer's morning in the duchy of Phelm . . . . . .

The Hire 92.

The Kingdom Of Nastell. The Duchy Of Phelm. The City Of Almaic...

Just to the north of the city of Almaic, amongst the battlelines of duke Hargen's army who are defending the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
Dorc da Orc who is with his goblin battalion, and others in the forward elements of both field commander Drubine and Leivyn's armies,
Caves in the front of an enemy soldier's skull, with a lazy backhand swing of his right arm.
While with his left hand, the large ork throws one of the goblins up onto the palisades infront of them.
The little dark green goblin, who is almost a black, green. Sets to the enemy with his wicked looking short sword.
The big, burly ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world. Looks towards the city, that isn't all that faraway.
The general of the goblin battalion in the mercenary army from the lands Farque quickly looks to where he knows something is on the ground, just infront of the north wall of Almaic.
It's obstructed from view at the moment, the ork warleader knows it's still there. And he intends to get it when they get closer to the north wall of the city that's the provincial capital. As Dorkindle gloats at the prospect of that.
Elsewhere to the north of the city of Almaic. Further north than the battlelines of the duke's army.
Mira Reinholt the mage who is with Tamric Drubine, and others of the young field commander's senior staff.
Looks through his leather wrapped, brass cylindrical eyepiece.
The once powerful mage who is originally from the city-state of Vexil, and is now a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Looks towards the top of the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm. As two of the enemy magetubes upon the top of the wall, fire at the armies led by field commanders Drubine and Leivyn.
The Vexilian mage in exile who has already taken out two of the magetubes up on the north wall of Almaic. Has asked one of the nearby Farqian spellcasters if the enemy have increased their wards upon the wall.
The answer was that they had. And quite considerably too by all accounts. Even going part way beneath the north wall of the city, that's the largest city in the duchy of Phelm. The northern most duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
The spellcaster, who is also a highly skilled swordmaster. Is just about to create a mageglobe. When the magetube shot heading towards this army. Explodes up against a barrier spell infront of the front ranks.
Who have yet to advance, as it's only the forward elements who are engaged with the enemy at the moment.
While the other magetube shot, a dozen feet wide, and red in colour. Plows into some of the front ranks of field commander Leivyn's army.
Mira Reinholt slightly shakes his hooded head in the early sunshine as he looks that way, before he completes the creation of a mageglobe.
Over to the right, or to the west. On the north side of the city of Almaic. Amongst the army led by field commander Leivyn.
Darid Parsen the cavalry commander winces as the enemy magetube shot explodes within some of the front ranks, less than a hundred yards away from where he's standing with field commander Leivyn, and others of her senior staff.
The cavalry commander, who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra, 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.
Glances over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic who is sitting on a nearby tree trunk. Fidgeting, as he would like to be in the thick of the battle already.
Especially since his rival, the ork warleader Dorc da Orc is with the forward elements who are amongst the enemy battlelines.
Commander Parsen then glances at Lisell Maera who is standing beside him. The messenger in the armies of Farque, is looking back, and to the right of them.
Where just fifty feet away stands the robber barons Gergus and Solamard, along with their seconds. And other senior officers in their armies that have come down from the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains.
Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman looks at them too. And sees they're almost as keen to get into battle as the former earl of Lé Dic.
The cavalry commander who is a member of the personal council of lord Farque, knows that they'll just have to wait along with the rest of the army, if they want to be successful in the attack upon the city of Almaic.
Commander Parsen then looks back towards the enemy battlelines, where the forward elements of this army. Along with the army led by field commander Drubine. Are amongst the enemy, fighting them for every yard, which will bring them closer to the north wall of the city,
Around on the west side of the city of Almaic. Shur Kee the monk helps the war engineer Tovis. As well as a group of the engineering corp in the Farqian mercenary army.
Haul back one of the chains of a trebuchet, which  has one of the thick links break after firing a shot. With a help of a pair of horses. They pull the heavy chain back. So that it's straight, and in a line, so that the engineers can repair it.
Once the repair work is started. The short, statured monk who is from far beyond the Southlands. The far eastern coast of the continent to be exact.
Follows along behind the young engineer who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. Where he was once the war engineer of a baron Harkonin, in eastern Druvic.
The acolyte in the order of Bru Li isn't the only one following behind Tovis the engineer.
He's also followed, at a distance mind you. By the subaltern Jaxs. One of field commander Talbot's officers. The field commander who leads this particular army which is attacking the west side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
And though the subaltern is an assassin, whose training was completed by prince Helbenthril Raendril. It's without doubt the short, statured monk in the strange clothing, and wearing an even stranger looking hat. Is the deadlier, and more lethal of the two.
They join the war engineer's second in command, Larris the sorcerer at the next trebuchet along.
Which has just flung barrels of burning pitch towards the enemy battlelines and the city of Almaic.
A city, which spills out beyond it's original boundaries here on it's western side. Due to the fact, it doesn't have much in the way of walls along this side of the city, that's the provincial capital.
Shur Kee listens as Larris explains to Tovis that field commander Talbot has ordered the forward elements, well forward. Now that the sun has cleared the city of Almaic this morning.
And how the war machine crews. Of which only the trebuchets are operation at the moment. As they're not yet close enough to use the shorter range catapults, and wagon mounted ballista. Are adjusting their shots accordingly
The acolyte in the order of Bru Li, who is a physical adept. Who is just over thirty years old. Watches as barrels of burning pitch go crashing down amongst the enemy battlelines closer to the edge of the city.
The short, statured monk says a silent prayer of forgiveness to the Jade Warrior Bru Li. For the lives that are being lost at the moment. And the lives that will be lost throughout the day.
Of which, no doubt. He shall take a number of them, as the battle progress, more or less as planned by the field commanders, and the others in the Farqian mercenary army who have planned it.
One of those who helped to plan the attack upon the enemy battlelines, and the city of Almaic. Is busy fighting the enemy amongst their battlelines, on the north side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"Fucken get some" growls Dorc da Orc, who slaps away a spear that's stabbed down at him. Breaking the wrists of the enemy soldier trying to stab him with the spear.
Then he reaches up the front of the wooden palisades on the next fortification they've come up against.
He grunts as he hauls the wooden structure down with all his strength.
It takes a few moments, but eventually a twelve foot long segment of the wooden wall, falls forward and down. Bringing a lot of dirt down with it. As the large ork scrambles out of the way, with a muttered "Fucken cunt".
The dirt, and the segment of wooden palisades makes a great ramp. For a number of the smaller goblins to scurrying up it, to get amongst the enemy soldiers and mercenaries in duke Hargen's army.
"Not you cunt" growls the ork warleader, who grabs Teabagger the goblin Cunt who was going to hurry up the makeshift ramp with the other smaller goblins.
"Wait" says the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world  to the small, bright green goblin who is the commander of the goblin battalion that's part of the armies of Farque.
"Yes boss, er general" says Teabagger the goblin Cunt, who faintly winces as a hammer thrown by an enemy soldier up on the fortification. Slams into the broad, green, feral looking face of the ork weaponsmith.
The large ork scowls in anger as he rubs the bridge of his nose, where he was hit. As he looks up to see who threw the hammer.
"Me gonna find that cunt and rip his head off, then skull fuck it" mutters the warleader of the ork race.
The goblin commander winces, as he knows that's no idle threat. As he's seen the general do that in the past, and it's not a pretty sight.
Then the ork general, and the goblin commander look away to their right along the enemy battlelines.
Where the next fortification, goes up in flames. As first a fireball, then an energyball cast by a couple of spellcasters in the Farqian mercenary army. Smash into the dirt and wooden fortification.
As they see captain Weldin and his company waiting for that particular fortification to burn down.
Dorkindle mutters to the goblin commander "Them cunts get fucken everything done for them" the big, burly ork from the bottom of the world then adds "We gots to do everything our fucken selves".
Teabagger nods in agreement with his general. He finds it's best to agree with the ork weaponsmith. Even when the large ork is wrong.
"Go on then cunt" says Dorc da Orc who waves the small, bright green goblin up the makeshift ramp, and continues with "Might as well join all them other fucken cunts up there".
"Yes boss, er i mean general" says the goblin commander, who then hurries up the dirt and wood ramp. Promptly falling flat on his face as he does so.
"Fucken gob-a-lins" mutters Dorkindle with a roll of his eyes. Who then grabs Teabagger, picks him up, and throws him up the makeshift ramp into the enemy fortification.
Mira Reinholt the mage who has just flung away a mageglobe, that's gone opaque, almost clear in appearance. Looks at Tamric Drubine who is standing beside him at the moment, who has just asked "Where's that going?".
"There" replies Mira Reinholt the mage who waves a hand towards the city of Almaic.
"It is?" murmurs the young field commander originally from the kingdom of Sarcrin, who clearly saw the Vexilian mage in exile fling the apple sized living piece of magic up and behind them into the sky.
The once powerful mage grins in response to that as he senses his mageglobe. Which is quickly out of range of his limited ability to sense.
The mage Reinholt who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque goes back to looking through his leather wrapped, brass cylindrical eyepiece.
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, looks towards the top of the north wall of Almaic. To the spot he has sent his mageglobe.
The living piece of magic that was created by Mira Reinholt. Flies straight up into the sky, a good thousand feet. Well above the battle and the city of Almaic. And definitely well above the magical wards along the north wall of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
The opaque mageglobe shoots forward, passing over the fighting within the battlelines just north of the city. Then it goes over the north wall of Almaic, along with the wards that have been placed along it, as well as beneath it.
Once over the streets and buildings in the north of the city. The living piece of magic drops down out of the sky, eventually coming down to under fifty feet.
The mageglobe then heads back to the north wall of Almaic. Passing over the northern area of the capital of the duchy of Phelm. The living piece of magic is slightly buzzing as it flies, as if it's humming to itself. That's exactly what it's doing.
And is what it does, right up until it goes through the back of the north wall of Almaic, go upwards a dozen feet. And come to the end of it's brief life. Just beneath where a magetube is located on the north wall of the city.
"Hell" mutters Darid Parsen the cavalry commander as they see a section of the top of the north wall of Almaic, explode upwards in an explosion that makes no sound.
There's no flash of an explosion, or fire in anyway. Just bits of the top wall goes flying upwards into the morning sky.
Along with an enemy magetube, it's crew, and about a half dozen of the enemy who were standing near it. They head upwards, then back down. Either whole, or in pieces. Though all dead from the force of the silent explosion.
"Mira you think?" asks Lisell Maera who is standing beside the cavalry commander who is a member of the personal council of lord Farque.
"Definitely" replies Darid aka Zubutai Timaginson, as they've been told the spellcasters are finding it impossible at the moment to penetrate the wards along the north wall of Almaic.
Not so for the mage Reinholt it seems. Who as a mage, is far more inventive when it comes to offensive spells. Not to mention he's a mage, who are the only spellcasters able to create living magic, which can think for themselves.
The cavalry commander looks over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is now up off the tree trunk he was sitting on, and is now pacing back and forth as he watches the battle this morning.
As commander Parsen does that. Lisell Maera glances behind them and to the right. To where the robber barons Gergus and Solamard. Along with their seconds are standing with a number of others of their senior staff.
The attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a messenger in the armies of Farque. Catches the eye of the robber baron Gergus.
The youngest of the five robber barons from the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains who have banded together to wage war upon duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
Faintly smiles as he looks her way. Then he slightly nods to the attractive young woman who he spent an intimate night with when they were separated from the rest of their forces.
Gergus the robber baron goes back to watching the battle. As does Lisell Maera, as next to her, commander Parsen quietly says "At this rate, the next phase of the battle will be around midmorning".
Around on the west side of the city of Almaic, the next phase of the battle is already underway.
"We shall move them forward then?" asks Shur Kee the monk "We shall" is the response from Tovis the war engineer, who then calls out an order to the next trebuchet along.
The young engineer who hails from the kingdom of Druvic then tells the short, statured monk "Not too far, only a hundred to hundred and fifty feet or so".
Tovis looks behind them, then adds "Still out of range for the catapults" he continues with "Though they and the ballistas will be in action soon enough i suppose".
Shur Kee nods his head, then they glance over at Larris the sorcerer, who sends a fireball hurtling through the air towards the enemy battlelines along this side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"It will be a long morning" quietly says the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li "A long day" says the war engineer, who after a slight pause adds "And a long battle".
Shur Kee nods his head to that, then he along with the young engineer, hurry over to help one of the trebuchet crews to move the large war machine forward. Help push it, as a team of horses are hitched to the front of it, to pull it.
On what's turning out to be another warm summer's morning, which will turn into another hot day here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell . . . . . .

The Hire 91.

Almaic In Phelm...

"Let's go and see what's happening" says commander Berric "The duke?" asks the veteran guard Ludoc "I've convinced him to stay here at the palace" is the reply from the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard "That's something i guess" quietly says Ludoc, commander Berric nods in agreement with him.
They leave the palace, along with a dozen other members of the personal guard of duke Hargen of Phelm.
They've heard the magetubes on the north wall of the city firing, as well as explosions from the north side of the city.
So that's the way they go. Even though they've heard that the west side of the city is under attack too.
And from all reports, the east side of Almaic might be attacked soon. As the enemy have been spotted on the otherside of the river Mareb.
The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who also happens to be a swordmaster looks away into the sky to the east at the rising sun as they walk away from the palace.
Then the commander who is from the city of Savariss in northern Phelm. Looks back at the palace, and sees the two warships that are located there.
Ludoc notices this as he walks at the front of the group beside his commander, and he quietly asks him "You think the duke will send them up soon?".
"Only if things get bad" is the quiet reply of commander Berric, who then quietly adds "It's not as though he has a large fleet like the royal one".
The veteran guard Ludoc nods in agreement. As he along with the swordmaster, and everyone else in the duke's personal guards. Has noticed that there are no airships. Warships or otherwise. That belong to the king's fleet. At the city airdocks in the south of Almaic. Which is rather convenient if anyone was to ask Ludoc.
They hear some of the magetubes on the top of the north wall of the city firing again. As they walk through the streets, that are starting to clear of the locals. As the sounds of battle can be heard. And word of it spreads throughout the populace of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm. People are trying to find places of safety.
Commander Berric, who knows the city of Almaic well. As it's basically been his second home since he joined the personal guards of the ruler of Phelm.
Cuts through a narrow lane that will take them quickly to the next street they want to go along. The swordmaster from the city of Savariss wonders how the defenders of the city will hold up against the attack from the robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains. Who have banded together, and have waged a campaign of war against duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm since before early summer.
He suspects they might do well in some areas. As there's a hell of a lot more soldiers and mercenaries here. Than there was up in the north of the duchy. When the duke's army lost two pitched battles against the enemy.
And also lost the northern city of Savariss to them. A city that fell in just one night.
Though he's still not entirely certain they'll be able to withstand a prolonged attack upon the city that's the provincial capital.
Beside the swordmaster who is the most senior commoner in the duke's court, the experienced guard Ludoc notices they're not taking the direct route to the north wall of Almaic, and he asks his commander "Where are we going?".
"The old bell tower" replies commander Berric, who continues with "It'll give us the best view to the north" he briefly pauses before adding "Not to mention in every other direction too".
Ludoc nods in agreement with his commander, as they and other dozen members of duke Hargen's personal guard continue walking northwards through the city streets as the sun in the clear sky to the east, continues to rise on what feels like it's going to be another warm summer's day here in the duchy of Phelm, in northern Nastell.
The old bell tower, is the bell tower of Glaine. In the grounds of the church of Glaine. One of the many gods, a hundred and twenty or so. Gods of the world of Volunell.
There was once far more than that. But thousands of years ago. The gods, who are not native to the world of Volunell. Got into a war with the creators of the world of Volunell. The Greater Dragons.
A war with predictable results. With not a single one of the Greater Dragons. Who numbered six at the time. Being destroyed.
While nearly two thirds of the gods of Volunell were destroyed before a truce was agreed upon.
Glaine, one of the many gods worshiped by humans. And though it's usually one of the harvest gods worshiped by believers here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
Glaine seems to be pretty popular in the cities found throughout the north of the kingdom. So much so, the church's main center of worship in the kingdom. Is here in the city of Almaic.
The old bell tower is exactly that. An old bell tower connected to an old cathedral. That hasn't been used in a couple of centuries.
As there's a newer cathedral on the church grounds, which is now used. The church has never bothered to knockdown the old cathedral and it's bell tower. A bell tower that's still basically the tallest structure in the city of Almaic. Even though it's dilapidated. And looks like it could fall down any day now. It's looked like that for the last one hundred years. And will probably stand another hundred years before it actually falls down. Or the church finally knocks it down to build something else.
Commander Berric and his men enter the church grounds from the more quieter south side. And though they see people in and around the buildings near the newer cathedral.
They go unchallenged as they make their way to the old rundown cathedral and it's connecting bell tower.
The bell tower is still used these days. Though not as it's intended use. For thrill seekers like to climb it's crumbling stairs. It's mostly used as a lookout by the city guard. And even members of the church who are brave enough to climb up it.
And as the swordmaster Berric, the experienced guard Ludoc, and the others in the duke's personal guard with them this morning. Enter the bell tower through a gap where some doors once stood.
They climb the dilapidated tower, hearing others up in the top where the church bells once hanged. The same church bells are over in the new tower, which is considerably shorter. Which is connected to the newer cathedral. Which is considerably larger than the old, rundown one.
Commander Berric has climbed these stairs numerous times over the years he's not bothered by their condition.
Ludoc isn't worried about them too. Well not that much. Because he silently prays to the god Glaine as he climbs them. Even though he's not a devout man at all.
They get to the top of the tower, where they find a pair of city guardsmen, and a priest in the church of Glaine. All of whom say "Commander" to the swordmaster Berric when he leads his men into the top of the tower.
Which has a large hole in the floor, where the large iron bells would hang down.
"Father" says commander Berric with a nod to the young priest "Men" adds the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard with a nod to the pair of city guards.
The swordmaster from the northern city of Savariss, then quietly tells his guards to fan out around the top of the bell tower, to get a good vantage point to see what's going on.
While commander Berric and the experienced guard Ludoc join the priest and the pair of city guards on the north facing side of the bell tower.
"Bit of damage to the wall commander" says the young priest, who has been sent up here by the senior father to watch the progress of the battle.
"So i see father" says Berric the swordmaster as he looks at the top of the north wall in the distance. And sees a thirty foot long hole blasted along the top of it. More towards the northeast corner of the city. Than anywhere near the main gates in the north wall of Almaic.
"Something got through the wards" murmurs Ludoc the experienced guard, his commander nods in agreement with him. As he's pretty sure the location of the destruction. Is where a pair of magetubes, fairly close to one another, once sat upon the top of the north wall of the city, that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
With their position at the top of the old bell tower here in the grounds of the church of Glaine. Commander Berric can clearly see the enemy to north of the city in the early morning sunshine.
Who he's pretty certain some of them are amongst the defenders in the battlelines just north of Almaic.
It's confirmed when Ludoc quietly says "See there, they're in our lines" the experienced guardsman then adds "They're not moving forward as one by the looks of it, they're spreading out into the lines on their flanks". "Smart" says the swordmaster who is part of duke Hargen's court.
The priest and the pair of city guards look at the commander, who explains to them "If they had rush the wall as one big group after breaching our lines, they'd make an easy target for the magetubes and war machines upon the top of the wall".
The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard continues with "As it is, with them mixed up amongst our battlelines, our crews on top of the wall can't target them, unless they want to risk killing our own men".
Berric, the swordmaster from the northern city of Savariss then adds "Like i said, smart".
"Someone amongst them knows how to plan a battle properly" mutters Ludoc, his commander nods his head in agreement, then quietly says "As we saw up north near the border, and again at Savariss".
The experienced guard sourly smiles at that reminder, then he wanders off to look towards the other sides of the city, from here atop of the old bell tower in the grounds of the church of Glaine.
After looking at the enemy to the north of the city for a little bit longer. And being slightly surprised they've got so few war machines, considering the size of their army there.
The commander of the personal guard for the duke of Phelm, wanders away to his left, away from the young priest, and the two city guards, who for the most part, are only watching the battle on the north side of the city.
"So there they all are" murmurs commander Berric who sees there's a large number of the enemy war machines to the west of the city that's the provincial capital.
At the moment, the enemy are using their trebuchets to bombard the battlelines of the defenders just to the west of Almaic.
"Those mercenaries in black by the looks of it" quietly says Ludoc as he comes over and stands beside his commander, and points to the enemy war machines on the west side of the city.
"Of course they'd bring them around to attack that side of the city" dryly says the swordmaster who hails from the city of Savariss in the north of the duchy.
"The side of the city without much in the way of walls" dryly adds the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who then quietly tells the experienced guardsman next to him "The duke spent the last decade rebuilding and repairing the north wall. And doing next to nothing along the west side of the city".
The swordmaster Berric quietly continues with "Though it's not entirely his fault, his predecessors going back a couple of centuries could of built a wall along the west side at any time if they had wanted to. Instead they've let the city expand out in that direction".
"Now where going to face the repercussions of that" quietly says Ludoc, his commander slightly nods in agreement with him, then Berric the swordmaster asks him "How's things to the east?".
"They're gathering" is the reply of Ludoc as they turn and look eastwards. The two of them walk around to that side of the old bell tower. That still has a fairly intact roof. As well as the four stone pillars in the corners holding up the roof. Leaving the sides open, as they've always been, here at the top of the old bell tower in the grounds of the church of Glaine.
As they stand near a couple of the other guards who came with them from the palace, the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard slightly frowns as he's sure he spots rafts and barges being carried by the enemy on the otherside of the river Mareb.
"What the hell are they up to there?" the swordmaster from the city of Savariss murmurs to himself, as he knows if they enemy try to cross the Mareb river. Which has no bridges along the stretch of it that runs beside the east side of the city of Almaic.
They'll be sitting ducks to those defending the city alongside the river, that's essentially one giant moat down the east side of Almaic.
"Wonder what they're going to do with those rafts and barges?" quietly asks Ludoc who has spotted them on the otherside of the river too.
The experienced guardsman then adds "They'd be nuts to actually use them to cross the river". As he's come to the same conclusion as his commander if the enemy where to use barges and rafts to cross the river Mareb to get to the city of Almaic.
"They're up to something" quietly says the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who continues with "Remember, that lot are pretty smart. Well whoever it is that's actually in charge of them is".
As swordmaster Berric is of the opinion that none of the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains. Who have banded together to wage war upon the duchy of Phelm, and duke Hargen.
Is capable enough to come up with the tactics that has won them victory after victory after launching their campaign against duke Hargen and the duchy he rules.
The youngest of them, Gergus. Might be daring in battle. But no way could he had devised the tactics that have brought them south into the very heart of the duchy of Phelm. Where they're now attacking it's capital, the city of Almaic.
"I think that's the side we have to be worried about" quietly says commander Berric with a nod of his head to the east.
Ludoc nods, then quietly says "That's the side of the city that sir Yarrim headed to when he left the palace earlier".
The swordmaster slightly pauses when he hears that, then he quietly says "Interesting" followed by "Do you think he went there because he figured out that's where we're going to have the most trouble?".
The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard then adds "Or he thought it would be the least dangerous side, since the river separates the city from the enemy?".
"I'm not sure" is the quiet reply of Ludoc as he shades his eyes with a hand, whilst looking to the east where the sun is continuing to rise in the sky in that direction.
"I've got a feeling he's going to find out soon enough" says commander Berric, who knows that the sorcerer sir Yarrim, has got what he wants now that duke Hargen has named his younger sister, the lady Elaine as his heir.
The noblewoman, who it's common knowledge not just at court, but throughout the city of Almaic, and most of southern Phelm. Is in a relationship with sir Yarrim.
"He'll find out soon enough" repeats commander Berric as they continue to watch the battle for the city of Almaic from the top of the old bell tower in the grounds of the church of Glaine . . . . . .

TYOFT

Author's Note.

Test Post.

The Hire 90.

Almaic. Phelm. Nastell...

Over on the east side of the city of Almaic. They glance at one another as they hear the sound of explosion away on the north side of the city.
"That wasn't a magetube firing that time" says the squad leader Barron "It definitely wasn't" says Shawtus McQuade, who has just come down from the top of the tower with his cousin Smawfri, along with Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy.
Away to their right, a catapult is being rolled across the boulevard, and is being placed closer to the docks.
As the enemy can now clearly be seen to the east of the city, across the Mareb river. Now that the first light of the morning is upon the duchy of Phelm, and the rest of the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
"What did you see up there?" asks the young squad leader with a nod of his head to the top of the tower beside them.
"They've got a few war machines" is the reply of the slightly older, not to mention slightly taller of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains. His cousin Smawfri grunts in agreement with him.
"What they do have is a lot of barges and rafts" adds Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy, the McQuade cousins nod in agreement with the elf they all think is a mercenary ranger from the principality of Alínlae.
"Hell, they'll be sitting ducks if they try to cross the river like that" quietly says Barron, who continues with "Even i know that".
They fall silent as the squad leader Kamnix, whose larger squad their small squad has been added to. Walks over to them after speaking with an officer at the base of the tower.
"We're to help protect this tower" says Kamnix, a gruff looking fellow, fairly short, who is in mid thirties, and who along with the rest of the larger squad, is part of sir Yarrim's forces.
He gestures at the nearby catapult and continues with "Along with that catapult and the next one along".
The squad leader who is part of sir Yarrim's household, looks at the small squad, who number a dozen, including the trio of non humans. Who have survived intact a battle near the border with the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
Along with the battle for the northern city of Savariss. Who have made it safely south, to the city of Almaic, the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
"I know you lot survived the battles up north" adds the squad leader Kamnix, who follows that with "But here in Almaic, we're to stop the enemy for good unlike what happened up north". He briefly pauses, before asking "Understood?".
"Understood" is the reply from Barron who answers for the rest of them.
"Good, make sure you do" says Kamnix, who then makes his way to the nearby catapult that's being prepared to fire upon the enemy once they come into range across the river.
"Fucking blowhard" mutters Smawfri McQuade in dwarven to his cousin Shawtus who grunts in agreement.
Then the slightly younger, and slightly shorter of the dwarven warriors quietly continues in common with "I bet he's never even been in a battle" followed by "Probably only scraps his lord's had with their neighbours".
Then they turn and look to the otherside of the boulevard as army wagons and carts start showing up, and a sergeant at arms starts calling out that food has arrived.
"Might as well, since we didn't get anything to eat when we left the palace" says Barron "And who knows when will get fed next" adds the young squad leader who is from further south in the duchy of Phelm.
They look over and see Kamnix wave at them and the others in the larger squad to go and get something to eat.
They cross the boulevard to do so, as they do, they hear thuds in the distance, around on the north side of the city.
"Magetubes again" says Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy when Barron glances at him "Less this time compared to the first volley" adds the elven spy in the armies of Farque who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army.
The young squad leader looks back behind them, to across the otherside of the Mareb river, where the enemy are. And though only their forward elements are anywhere close to the river, that acts as a moat along the east side of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
Barron, even with his limited human vision. Can see the bulk of the enemy army to the east, making it's way towards the river Mareb. Which is about fifty yards wide along this stretch of the river.
The young squad leader from southern Phelm looks forward again. Then goes in search of something to eat from the wagons and carts laden with food. More of which is arriving all the time. As supplies, for now at least. Are abundant here in the city of Almaic.
After getting a round loaf of bread, and a wedge of cheese. As well as some fruit. The spy Tanith spots a familiar figure amongst those around one of the wagons further away to the left.
Dalinvardél Tanith, who is more commonly called Dalin by those who know him well. It's also the name he's going by while ensconced in the army of duke Hargen of Phelm.
Moves away from the others, pretending to check out one of the other wagons, to see what he can find to eat there.
The elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alínlae, where he once served in one of the more prominent noble houses in his homeland.
Stands beside the figure in the white hooded cloak. Who is elven like himself. And appears to be a mercenary ranger like himself too.
"Care to elaborate what's going to happen?" quietly asks Dalin in the elven language as they stand at the corner of a building behind one of the army wagons on this side of the boulevard, as the sun starts to rise in the sky to the east.
"Not particularly" is the quiet reply of Helbe the elven thief in the same language, who flashes a grin as next to him, the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army sourly smiles.
Then the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, quickly details the plan of attack upon the city of Almaic. Paying particularly attention to what is planned along this side, the east side of the city that's the provincial capital.
The spy Tanith listens in silence as the elven magic user quickly explains things to him. As well as suggesting a number of ways to escape the city of Almaic when things are expected to get more than a little chaotic.
"I'll keep that in mind" murmurs Dalin in his native language "Keep safe" quietly says the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel in the same language, which isn't his native language. As it's his second language, due to the fact the royal elven language, sometimes known as the noble elven language, is his native language.
"And don't get killed" dryly adds prince Helbenthril Raendril "I could say the same thing to you" sourly murmurs Dalinvardél Tanith.
The elven masterthief, who is the younger of the two elves. Has already turned, and is walking away down the street to the side of the building they're infront of.
The spy Tanith, then makes his way back to the others. Who have crossed back over to the otherside of the boulevard, to eat their early morning meal. On what feels, and looks like will be another warm summer's day here in the duchy of Phelm, in northern Nastell.
As he slices the bread and cheese with his belt knife as they sit upon the dock, Dalin listens to the conversations of those around them.
Next to him, the McQuade cousins are muttering away at one another in the dwarven language. While others in their small squad are quietly talking about whether they'll survive this battle. As they did the previous battles further in the north of the duchy against the armies of the robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains. Who have banded together to wage war upon duke Hargen and his army.
From what Helbe the elven thief explained to him about the plans to the attack the city of Almaic.
The spy Tanith suspects very few of them will survive the battle that's already got underway this morning. Definitely on the north side of the city, and maybe along the west side of the city too.
The elf originally from the principality of Alínlae, who is now in the armies of Farque. Hears many of those in the larger squad discuss how they think the battle will go.
And as he eats the bread and cheese he's sliced, Dalinvardél Tanith slightly nods his head as to what Smawfri suspected earlier. That most of those in the larger squad they've joined up with, sound like they've never been in a substantial battle before.
The elven spy glances at Shawtus, who is looking southwards along the boulevard, slightly frowning as he does so.
"What is it?" quietly asks Dalin "A bunch of high muckedy mucks just went into the next tower along" is the reply of the slightly older dwarven warrior.
Both the spy Tanith and the other dwarven warrior look that way, as Shawtus McQuade quietly continues with "Pretty sure one of them is this lot's lord".
"Yarrim?" quietly ask Dalin "Aye, that's the one" is the quiet answer from Shawtus McQuade, who then adds "And i think the new heir too".
They watch the next tower further south along the boulevard, about sixty or so yards from them.
And in the early morning light of dawn as they hear more magetubes upon the north wall of the city firing again.
They see sir Yarrim and a number of others appear on the roof of the tower to south of them along the docks.
"The sorcerer alright" quietly says Dalin who then adds "He sticks out in that red armour like anything".
Both of the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains grunt in agreement with the elf, they think is a highly accomplished ranger. Who is a hired mercenary like themselves.
The elven spy in the armies of Farque who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army then quietly says "That's his lady love with him, the duke's younger sister, the lady Elaine".
"Aye that's her alright" quietly says Shawtus McQuade, who then adds "Yeah that's him" in reply to the spy Tanith saying "That other with them is sir Alfred i think his name is".
"They must be expecting a fair bit of trouble around on this side of the city" quietly says the older McQuade cousin "Especially considering the battle has already started away on the north side of the city" adds Shawtus McQuade.
Dalin just nods his hooded head to that, then as the young squad leader Barron sits down beside the three of them.
A number of those in the larger squad led by Kamnix, spot their lord upon the roof of the next tower to the south. And start calling out his name, and begin cheering and clapping for him.
"They seem to like him" quietly says Barron to the trio of the non human mercenaries "Aye that they do" says Shawtus McQuade, who looks around then quietly adds "Though many others don't seem to".
As they see others nearby, many of whom are getting their breakfast from the wagons and carts across on the otherside of the boulevard.
Are ignoring the trio of nobles upon the roof of one of the towers alongside the docks. Many of which stick out into the Mareb river.
"Well, whatever their feelings for him are" quietly says the young squad leader who hails from further south in the duchy of Phelm, who continues with "Apparently he's a powerful sorcerer, so he wouldn't be out here for no reason".
Probably because the army approaching this side of the city, is a hell of a lot bigger than the three other armies already attacking the city, Dalinvardél Tanith dryly thinks to himself.
The elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army continues to watch the trio of nobles, and the others with them, upon the roof of the tower to the south of where they are along the riverside docks here in the city of Almaic.
And after a while the lady Elaine makes her way down from the roof of that tower, and leaves with an escort of guards. Presumably to return to the duke's palace.
A little bit later, after Dalin, the McQuade cousins and Barron have finished their meal. They see sir Yarrim and sir Alfred, along with others exit that tower.
Sir Yarrim the sorcerer looks in this direction and calls out "Kamnix make sure you hold this part of the docks!".
"I will sir!" shouts back Kamnix, the nobleman from the southern border region of the duchy gives a friendly wave to the squad leader who is a member of his household.
Then he, along with sir Alfred and the others with them. Turn and head south along the boulevard that's runs down much of the east side of the city. To check on the defences there.
The elven spy from the principality of Alínlae and the dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains glance at one another, then they look at their young squad leader.
"I doubt we'll see him in battle here, unless things are desperate or he thinks he can actually make a difference" quietly explains Dalin, Shawtus McQuade grunts in agreement, while Smawfri McQuade mutters something rather unpleasant in the dwarven language about the sorcerer, sir Yarrim.
Barron slightly nods, then after looking in the direction of the nobles walking south along the boulevard. He glances towards the squad leader Kamnix, who is standing nearby talking to some of the others in the larger squad.
"I bet he doesn't even know his lord has left him here to fend for himself" quietly says Barron "That's a bet you'd get no return on if you made it" sourly says the slightly older and slightly taller, Shawtus McQuade.
Dalinvardél Tanith nods his hooded head in agreement, then as they continue to hear the sounds of magetubes firing, and explosions from the north side of the city.
The elf from the principality of Alínlae, who is now in the armies of Farque, stands up and takes an apple from a pocket in his cloak, as he says "Might as well get ready".
The spy Tanith takes a bite of the apple, then nods across to the otherside of the river Mareb and says "They'll be in range fairly soon" . . . . . .

The Hire 89.

Around The City Of Almaic...

Darid Parsen the cavalry commander and Lisell Maera the messenger look to the left when they hear a single magetube upon the top of the north wall of the city of Almaic firing.
As the shot comes through the dull light of dawn towards the army led by the young field commander Tamric Drubine.
Darid Parsen the cavalry commander quietly says "Through the rest of the morning, you'll only carry messages to Mira and myself, no one else" he follows that with "Understood?".
"I do" replies Lisell Maera "That includes the field commanders too" says the cavalry officer is a member of the personal council of lord Farque.
The attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury nods her head in understanding. Then the two of them, along with the others nearby. Who include field commander Leivyn and her senior staff. As well as the robber barons Gergus and Solamard, and their seconds.
All look away to the left again, in the direction of the army closest to theirs, the army led by commander Drubine.
The lone magetube shot explodes just twenty or so feet from the front ranks of commander Drubine's army. Exploding back and up, without any harm.
"Range shot" quietly says the cavalry commander who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of Darid Parsen.
"They'll begin bombarding soon enough i guess" adds commander Parsen "We'll retaliate i hope?" quietly asks Lisell Maera who is more commonly called Lis by those who know her well.
"Mira will" replies Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, who like the messenger, is conversing in elven.
The cavalry commander steps away to have a quiet word with field commander Leivyn.
As he does, Lis looks to where the robber baron Gergus is. The youngest of the five robber barons from the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
Has moved away from the others, and is crouching down as the new day starts to dawn.
The attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a runner in the armies of Farque. Quickly makes her way over to the robber baron. Who just over a week ago, she spent an intimate night with.
Out of the corner of his eye, the robber baron Gergus spots Lis in the dim light of dawn approaching him.
The youngest of the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains who have banded together to wage war upon duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
Has wanted to speak with the attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury. But has been unable to.
The robber baron who is crouching down, stands up. And is about to quietly ask Lis how she is. When she quietly asks him something unexpected.
"Any plans of what you'll do once we've taken the city?" quietly asks Lisell Maera as she stands beside Gergus, and the two of them look towards the city a little over a quarter of a mile away.
"Ah" murmurs Gergus the robber baron who wasn't expecting that at all. Especially since they've barely said a word to one another since their night of passion.
"Maybe you should" quietly says the messenger in the Farqian mercenary army.
"You think we'll take the city and defeat the duke?" quietly asks Gergus "Do you?" is the quiet response of Lisell Maera.
The youngest of the robber barons in the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains. Nods his head in answer to that from Lis, who then quietly tells him "There's an opportunity for one of you five".
The attractive young woman who hails from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury then adds "Remember, you lot are only paying us up until after we've defeated the duke for good".
She glances in the direction of the other robber baron nearby, Solamard. Who is deep in conversation with his second in command.
Lis slightly shrugs her shoulders, as she quietly says "If someone was to keep paying us". She leaves it at that and doesn't say anything more.
Gergus looks sharply at her, then over to his fellow robber baron, Solamard. To make sure he hasn't heard anything the two of them have been talking about.
The robber baron who is not yet thirty, is about to say something. When the peace of the dawn is shattered again by a barrage of magetubes firing from the top of the north wall of the city of Almaic.
There's eight of them, and it looks like three of them are heading this way. Or at least towards the front ranks of the army led by field commander Leivyn.
Which is predominantly made up of the armies of the robber barons Gergus and Solamard.
"Hell, i hope the spellcasters can stop them" murmurs Gergus, who then blinks in surprise as he feels Lis briefly clasp his left hand, and give it a quick squeeze. Before she walks away, and makes her way over to where the cavalry commander Darid Parsen is standing.
The fairly young robber baron, well young compared to his fellow robber barons, he's young. Clears his throat, then walks forward. And stands beside his second in command Barrix.
Gergus glances in the direction of the attractive young woman who spent an intimate night with him after they got separated from the rest of the forces after just crossing over the border into the duchy of Phelm.
He sees Lis isn't paying him any attention, and is instead watching the approaching magetube shots.
Gergus looks at them as well, then nods in agreement with his second, Barrix who quietly mutters to him "I hope they can stop those fucking things".
Dorc da Orc kicks in the head of an enemy mercenary. And with one hand grabs the head of an enemy soldier. Who he lifts off the ground. Then squeezes.
The large ork chuckles as the soldier's head shatters in his hand. And as the body drops to the ground. The ork warleader briefly looks up, and watches one of the magetube shots pass directly overhead. On it's way towards the front ranks of the army led by the young field commander Tamric Drubine.
Some of whom, are entering the breach in the enemy battlelines, that Dorkindle's goblin battalion have taken.
The big, burly ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world, grunts as he can't do anything about the magetube shots. He just knows they won't fire upon him and his battalion, and the others with them.
For the simple reason they're amongst the enemy battlelines. And not pushing that far forward towards the north wall of the city of Almaic.
"Dumb cunt" mutters Dorc da Orc who picks up one of the goblins who has tripped over infront of the large ork who is his general.
The ork weaponsmith gives him a little shove and tells him "That way you silly little green fucker". The goblin staggers away, heading towards the enemy line to the right.
Who have rushed this way, trying to halt the advance through the breach in the earthworks and palisades.
Then as ork general hears explosions to the north of them. Near or in the front ranks of the army led by commander Drubine on the otherside of the battlelines.
There comes a loud explosion from a top of the north wall of Almaic. Dorkindle quickly looks there, and sees stonework and debris go flying into the early morning sky as the horizon to the east starts to lighten as the sun begins to rise here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell, on another warm summer's day.
"Killer" chuckles the warleader of the ork race as he guesses, correctly as it turns out, who it was that just attacked the enemy upon the top of the north wall of the capital city of the duchy of Phelm, that's under attack.
The mageglobe that was created by Mira Reinholt the mage. Went below ground. And came up directly beneath the north wall of Almaic to avoid any wards that may of been placed infront of the wall.
The living piece of magic which can think for itself as it goes about doing the task it's creator designed it for.
Flew up through the north wall, and just as it was about to come up through and out, the top of the wall. It came to the end of it's brief life. With typical consequences. A large explosion.
The fiery red mageglobe ended it's life right between a pair of magetubes. The two magetubes along the top of the north wall of Almaic, that are closest to one another.
Large bits of masonry and stonework are thrown over a hundred feet into the sky. Any soldiers, mercenaries and magetube crews caught in the explosion. Are either torn apart or burnt away in an instant.
They're the lucky ones. As those caught on the fringes of the explosion. Are flung in all directions. Or hit by burning debris. Causing multiple injuries. Many of which are fatal.
As for the two magetubes themselves. Their cradles are burnt away. And one of the heavy weapons falls down through the large hole that's now in the top of the north wall of the city.
While the other, a thousand pounder. Is flung from the top of the wall. And goes cartwheeling through the air. Before it slams into the ground, forty five feet out infront of the north wall of the city of Almaic.
Amongst the battlelines just to the north of the capital city of the duchy of Phelm. One of those fighting against the duke's forces. Spots where that magetube landed just out from the north wall of the city.
And he has every intention of heading that way once they push forward towards the city of Almaic itself.
With a large grin across his broad, green, brutish looking face. Dorc da Orc chuckles and murmurs "Fucken get some" at the prospect of finding that magetube that was just flung from the top of the north wall of the city.
Around on the west side of Almaic. One of the war machines, in this instance, a trebuchet. Flings it's payload towards the battlelines of duke Hargen's army.
"Reload!" calls out Tovis the war engineer, the crew hurry to carry out his order, as he moves along the line of war machines. Followed closely by his second, the sorcerer Larris. As well as the honorary member of the personal council of lord Farque. Shur Kee the monk.
Here on the west side of the city of Almaic. The army led by the field commander Talbot. Began the attack upon duke Hargen's forces when they heard the single magetube shot firing from the north side of the city.
Here on the west side of the city, commander Talbot's army is attacking the duchy of Phelm's forces a little differently than they are along the north side of Almaic.
They going for an all out bombardment upon the battlelines of the duke's army. No pretence or stealth to infiltrate the enemy battlelines.
Just all out attack from the war machines under the command of the young engineer Tovis and the engineers corp in the Farqian mercenary army.
They intend to bash apart the enemy battlelines on this side of the city. The side of the city that isn't actually walled. Not in any meaningful way at least. And where the outskirts of the city has pushed out beyond where it was originally intended to be.
As the trio of Tovis, Larris and Shur Kee stop beside a trebuchet. And the sorcerer Larris puts up a barrier spell infront of it became a fireball is hurtling this way from the enemy battlelines.
They hear an explosion come from upon the top of the north wall of the city, after they hear a number of magetubes firing off at once.
"Sounds like things are well and truly underway over on that side of the city" says Tovis the war engineer, who then asks his second in command "What was that?".
"A mageglobe" replies Larris the sorcerer, who is watching an energyball as well as a fireball, leave their lines and head towards the enemy spellcaster who has just sent a fireball their way.
"Seems councilor Reinholt has got involved" adds the Farqian sorcerer who nods his head as he sees that his ward will be able to withstand the enemy fireball heading towards the trebuchet they've stopped next to.
"No surprise there really" dryly murmurs the young engineer who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic.
Behind Tovis, Shur Kee the monk faintly smiles. As he knows his friend the mage Reinholt has just started. And though the mage no longer has the power he had over a decade ago. That won't stop him from trying to inflict the most destruction upon the enemy as he can.
The short, statured monk, the sorcerer, and the war engineer move along after the incoming fireball, splatters harmlessly across the barrier spell Larris cast.
As they walk towards the next trebuchet along, as the catapults aren't in range of the enemy battlelines at the moment.
The young engineer who hails from the Harkonin fief in eastern Druvic, who is now in the armies of Farque, where he holds the rank of captain.
Says to his second in command, and the acolyte in the order of Bru Li "It's going to be a bit of grind on this side of the city".
The duke's army has more battlelines, earthworks, palisades, and temporary fortification on this side of Almaic than they do on the north side.
For the simple reason the west side of the city isn't walled, and the city has spilled out beyond it's original boundaries.
This side of the city also has the most amount of defenders too. Not just in the battlelines, some of which are nearly a half a mile from Almaic.
But also in the buildings and streets, that are outside of where a wall would actually be along this side of the city.
"Did they get him?" asks Tovis the war engineer "I'm not sure" replies Larris the sorcerer as he senses after the energyball and fireball explode amongst the enemy battlelines.
"Well he won't be doing that again anytime soon" adds the spellcaster from the lands Farque who follows that with "Best to work in unison with other casters if you're going to attack during a battle".
"The mage Reinholt doesn't seem to do that" murmurs Tovis "That's because he's a mage" dryly says the young sorcerer, who continues with "Even though he's fairly weak in power, he's as destructive as any spellcaster you'll likely to run across".
"Well, yeah that's true i guess" murmurs the war engineer as they watch the next trebuchet in line here in the army led by field commander Talbot.
Swing it's arm up as the counterweight drops, flinging it's shot, in this case, a netting full of rocks and boulders. Hurtling towards the enemy battlelines a couple hundred yards away.
After Tovis calls out the order to reload, the young engineer in the mercenary army from the lands Farque says "A long day ahead".
As the light of the new day starts to shine across the west side of the city of Almaic on what feels like it's going to be another warm summer's day here in the duchy of Phelm, in northern Nastell . . . . . .

The Hire 88.

The Battlelines...

Dorc da Orc has made his way forward, and is waiting with captain Weldin's patrol at the very front of their lines, not that far from the enemy battlelines.
The ork warleader who is lying flat on the ground in the darkness before dawn, grunts as captain Weldin stops beside him and quietly says "Not long now warleader".
The captain in the Farqian mercenary army moves quickly on because the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world absolutely stinks at the moment.
Dorkindle looks back, at the army behind them, led by the young field commander, Tamric Drubine. Which is predominantly to the northeast and north of the city of Almaic.
Then the large ork looks forward again to the nearby enemy lines. Which range up to nearly half a mile north of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm, the northern most duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
The ork weaponsmith carefully watches a particular stretch or section of the enemy lines. Which he can see more clearly than anyone else close by. Including other non humans.
As his peculiar sight that's unique to his race, doesn't just allow him to see in the dark like others who aren't human. But it allows him thermal vision. Seeing the heat signatures of various people and animals.
And it's showing him the stretch of the enemy battlelines he's paying attention to. Those enemy there are completely different to anyone else to either side of them.
Either side of that part of the battlelines just a couple hundred feet away. The enemy have the telltale signs of human beings, who glow slightly red in his ork thermal vision.
But the stretch of the enemy battlelines he's paying attention to the most. The heat signature of those there are also red, but with a green tinge. The ork general grins as he watches them closely.
"Fucken gob-a-lins" murmurs Dorc da Orc as he watches that particular section of the enemy battlelines. He then spots a darker greenish, blue tinge with red that signifies an elf. It's the scout in the Farqian mercenary army who is with the goblin battalion that the large ork is the general of.
Dorkindle blinks his eyes so he's back to his normal night vision which allows him to see clearly in the dark. That along with his farsight. When he turns his head and looks to the east. He sees that it's the mix of light and dark of false dawn away to the horizon in that direction. Actual dawn isn't all that faraway now.
The patrol captain, and some of his scouts drop down near the big, burly ork who is from the very bottom of the world.
The ork weaponsmith who is enjoying the cooler conditions of predawn, as there's a bit of a breeze blowing this morning. On what undoubtedly will turn out to be another warm day here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
Turns his head, and looks back behind them as he smells a familiar scent approaching. It's the runner Lisell Maera, who is keeping low as she approaches.
The messenger in the Farqian mercenary army drops down next to the large ork, between him and captain Weldin.
"You can begin whenever you like" says Lisell Maera in barely a whisper to the patrol captain.
The attractive young woman who hails from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a runner in the armies of Farque, then quietly tells the ork who is the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks "Dorc remember, don't push too far forward" she continues with "Tam wants the forward elements to move ahead all together".
"Me know" mutters Dorkindle with a grunt "Me came up with a lot of that fucken plan 'member" adds the ork, who to this day, is still the largest member in his tribe.
"Make sure you do" mutters the runner in the elven language. Then Lisell Maera, or Lis as she's more commonly called by those who know her well, quietly says in common to Dorc da Orc and captain Weldin "Good luck".
The attractive young woman from the city-state of Vexil gets up, and keeping low, she hurries back in the direction she came from in the darkness just before dawn.
"Shall we warleader?" quietly asks captain Weldin "Fucken might as well cunt" is the quiet reply of the ork weaponsmith.
Who gets up off the ground, and keeping low. Well as low as he can for someone seven and a half foot tall, who weighs seven hundred and fifty pounds plus.
The ork warleader moves out, and hurries forward with captain Weldin's patrol. Heading towards the enemy battlelines a couple hundred feet away in the darkness just before the light of dawn.
They head right to the stretch of the enemy lines that Dorc da Orc has been watching closely. The section that his goblin battalion took over earlier.
They took a large section of the enemy battleline fairly easy. With the elven scout leading the way. Killing any of the enemy who spotted them.
Then the goblins moved in silently, following behind the scout. Killing the enemy one by one before they even knew they were under attack.
They then took over the stretch of the battlelines in the defence of the city of Almaic. Acting like they belonged there all along.
It helped that there wasn't much in the way of communication between sections of the battlelines here to the north of the capital city of the duchy of Phelm.
When someone did come along. They, well to be precise, the elven scout. Killed that person. Usually after she got some answers out of her questions.
The enemy, in this case, duke Hargen's army. And those of the duke's nobles defending the city of Almaic. Know that the armies of the robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains have arrived here just outside of Almaic.
But they have no idea what they'll do. Apart from attack the city. Specifically how? The duke's military commanders are still trying to work that one out.
They'd never figured that a section of their own defensive line. Will act as an open door for the enemy who have invaded northern Nastell.
Shouts come from the battlelines as they're spotted running forward. And those with bows further to the side start shooting at them. That's until they come under fire from their own line.
Dorc da Orc chuckles in the darkness as he runs forward. The large ork refrains from roaring as he runs. Which is rather instinctive when it comes to battle for him. He's rather proud of the fact he doesn't roar. And only chuckles as he hurries forward towards the enemy battlelines.
The big, burly ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world. Follows behind the scouts and captain Weldin through a gap in the earthworks. Where the enemy have built palisades as part of their fortifications in their lines.
"Go" quietly says captain Weldin, while Dorkindle grunts in agreement. Teabagger the goblin Cunt nods in understanding. And quickly says something in the goblin language.
Many in the goblin battalion start moving towards the next enemy line. While others fight the enemy to the sides, who have rushed this way to stop those who have breached their lines.
The ork warleader takes a quick look up at the top of the north wall of Almaic, which is about a quarter of a mile away. The ork general of the goblin battalion sees that the magetubes have been uncovered.
And that they, and the other war machines up there will soon start firing once the first light of the day dawns.
There might be spellcasters and non humans up there who can see what's happening. But most of the crews up there are human, and will need a bit of light to see by.
And even then they'll only shoot at the army to the north of them. Not at their own battlelines, which now have been breached.
Dorc da Orc looks back down, and hurries after the small, bright, green goblin that's Teabagger.
"Fucken get some" murmurs the ork weaponsmith, who has got amongst the enemy battlelines, and has yet to kill anyone. Which is a bit of a rarity. Not to mention a bit of an odd feeling for the big, burly ork. Who is accustomed to killing the enemy, any enemy. Once he's amongst their battlelines.
"They're in their lines" quietly says Helbe the elven thief. Next to him, his fellow spellcaster, and member of lord Farque's personal council. Mira Reinholt the mage nods his hooded head.
The once powerful mage glances sideways at the young elven noble from the principality of Laerel, who asks him "If you can handle things here, I'm off".
"I can" says Mira Reinholt the mage, who accepts a couple of spell gems full of power from the elven magic user. The exiled Vexilian mage adds them to the ones he's already got secreted away within his summer cloak.
"Stay safe" quietly says the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
"Of course" says the elven masterthief with a grin. Which causes the mage Reinholt to wryly smile as he knows that the elven masterthief will in no way, be safe in whatever he does this morning.
The young elven noble who is the youngest grandchild of the ruling prince of Laerel then disappears as he blurs himself before shifting away.
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, who still to this day, is the youngest ever member of the mage council of Vexil. Until he was kicked off it. And sent into exile for betraying his homeland during the battle for Vexil eighteen years ago.
Makes his way over to where Tamric Drubine and others of the young field commander's senior staff are standing.
The swordmaster Reinholt will be keeping fairly close to young Tam this morning as the battle gets underway. He'll also keep an eye on Lisell Maera when she's here with this army.
Right now she's off to the next army along to the west, the one led by field commander Leivyn. Which Darid Parsen the cavalry commander is with now.
While Shur Kee the monk is around on the west side of the city of Almaic. Keeping an eye on the young war engineer, Tovis.
For though some of the war machines are here to the north of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
Most of them are around on the west side, with the army led by field commander Talbot. For the simple reason, that side of the city of Almaic isn't walled. And the war machines will do most of their damage there.
After glancing away to the east, in the direction the sun is about to rise. Councilor Reinholt quietly says to the young field commander who leads the army that's predominantly made up of the armies of the robber barons Almard and Larimer "They'll start bombarding us any moment now".
"I figured as much" says Tamric Drubine, who then asks the spellcaster who is also highly skilled swordmaster "Can you add to our defence with the others?".
"Hardly" is the dry reply from the mage Reinholt, who then continues on with "Even if i still had all my powers, that isn't exactly something i would do".
He tightly grins as he adds "I'm a mage remember, we're not exactly the defensive type" the member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque then says "We tend to be the opposite of that in battle". Mira Reinholt shrugs his shoulders, and continues with "We can't help it, it's in our nature".
They look towards the enemy battlelines, which they can just make out now as dawn basically approaches.
Then in the early morning light of dawn, the boom of a single magetube firing can be heard across the city of Almaic, and the surrounding countryside.
"Here we go then" says the nobleborn teenager from the kingdom of Sarcrin who is now a field commander in the armies of Farque.
Next to Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. The once powerful mage from the city-state of Vexil nods his hooded head in agreement.
They watch as a single magetube shot, about twelve feet wide, and dark red in colour. Leaves the top of the north wall of the city of Almaic, and head north.
The shot of pure magical energy goes down at a slight angle, passing over the battlelines of duke Hargen's army as it goes northwards.
It flies over the very furthest of the battlelines from the city, and heads towards the frontlines of the army led by Tamric Drubine, who are now moving forward.
A few hundred feet to the right of where Tam and those with him are standing. A bit further ahead of where they are. Just twenty feet infront of the ranks there.
The magetube shot hits something invisible, and explodes. The explosion goes backwards and up, scorching the ground for a bit. But hitting no one. Only lighting up the dim light of dawn this summer's morning.
"Here we go alright" quietly says Mira Reinholt the mage after that magetube shot hit the wards the spellcasters in the army have got up.
The Vexilian mage in exile knows that lone shot was just for range. And the other magetubes up on the north wall of Almaic will soon start bombarding the armies to the north of the city that's the capital of the duchy of Phelm.
And that the wards of barrier spells the various spellcasters have got up. Will not hold up for long. So he does what he can do to help.
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, creates a mageglobe in his right hand.
Next to him, commander Drubine watches as the once powerful mage crouches down, and pushes the living piece of magic into the ground.
The council member stands back up, as in the light of dawn, numerous booms echo across the city and surrounding area as various magetubes on top of the north wall of Almaic fire.
"They won't expect that" quietly says the mage Reinholt as they watch eight magetube shots come streaking through the dull light of dawn, towards their army, as well as the army next to theirs, led by field commander Leivyn.
As some of the front ranks of the army under the leadership of Tamric Drubine head forward to the stretch in the enemy battlelines already under the control of their forward elements.
Mira Reinholt quietly says to Tam "Start of a long day ahead of us" as he looks towards part of the north wall of Almaic that his mageglobe is going towards . . . . . .