Heavy rain pelted the streets of Feoh after night had fallen. Amidst the deluge and the darkness, a hooded old man entered a lively bustling tavern. He made his way through the crowd, avoiding the stares of drunken men and voluptuous waitresses. He soon came to an isolated table where a lone man sat, his distinct red scarf hiding his cold, blank expression. The old man approached him, the patrons paying no attention to them as they discussed their dark plans.
"Quite a crowd tonight, eh?" the hooded man asked, attempting to make small talk.
"Precisely why I choose to sit away from them," Sol replied, casting glares at him. "If you've no business with me, then leave."
"Please, hear me out," the hooded man begged, quickly taking a seat in front of him. "I am the one who contacted you about this meeting."
Sol raised an eyebrow. "You're the contractor?"
"Aye," he answered. "Word on the street is that you've a knack for breaking and entering. That you're able to disappear with no traces of evidence."
Sol scoffed. "Someone's been blabbering about me then. I'm not trying to build a reputation."
"Well, no one knows who you are, only what you can do," the hooded man praised. "So, I'm willing to pay you big for this next job."
"Before I agree to anything," Sol interrupted, "I need to know what I'm dealing with."
There was a moment of hesitation in the man's voice. "It's not particularly an object that I need for you to steal..."
Before he could begin to explain, Sol had already concluded his intention. "An assassination."
The hooded man's anxiety grew as he shushed him. "Not so loud! No one can know about this!"
"We're in a tavern, the deafening crowd is too drunk to care what we're discussing," Sol said nonchalantly.
"Even still, we have to take precaution!" the hooded man argued. "If anyone finds out what we're doing-"
"Keep causing a commotion and people will find out," Sol interrupted. "Now calm yourself."
The hooded man took in a few breaths before relaxing. "Forgive me. It's just, this is a big job. Absolutely no one can know about this."
Sol raised a brow. "Must be someone important if it's got you so worried. Not an average crime lord you want gone, I wager."
"It's bigger than a criminal," the hooded man explained. "In fact, it's got to deal with a noble. One thats famous in these parts."
The hooded man leaned in closer to Sol, whispering softly and audible only to Sol's ear. " I'm sure you know who Eos Arcturus is."
Upon hearing the name, Sol abruptly stood up. "Forget it. Find your own hitman."
This was a contract too big for him. Eos Arcturus was the head ruler of Feoh, a general of the Seven Shield Alliance and a symbol of hope to the people, with a reputation rivaling that of Grave Levantine or Celestine Lucross. If someone like him were to be killed, it would spread chaos.
"Wait!" the hooded man stopped him. "You'll be paid half in advance if you agree."
The hooded man then reached into his cloak and pulled three sacks of Eostian crowns and sat them on the table.
"The other half you'll receive once you get it done."
Sol glared at the man for a moment before reaching for one of the pouches and pulled out one of the coins, inspecting it carefully. Whoever the hooded man was, it was clear he was no average crime lord if he was able to provide such valuable currency. It was an impressive amount, more than he had ever seen, and he calculated the amount of coin in front of him could buy a portion of Feoh. He then glanced back at the man with his crimson eyes, his cold expression staring past the hooded face.
"You're a damn maddman if you think anyone will take this kind of job," Sol said. "A hit on the Arcturus family? And the head member, no less? Even the Dark Queen and her aberrants are hesitant to kill someone so important."
The hooded man grumbled in annoyance. "I know it's a lot of trouble, but you are the only one capable of doing this. You're a very talented person. Thats why I wouldn't ask you if I had even an ounce of doubt. And the compensation is more than generous."
"Generous, sure, but it's more trouble than what it's worth," Sol replied. "See, I could just report to Feoh's knights that someone wants Eos Arcturus dead. They'll arrest you and figure out who you are and why you want to assassinate their beloved ruler. Then you'll rot in a dungeon for the rest of your life."
Even with the covered hood, Sol could see the nervousness grow on the old man's face, sweating with anxiety and fear as he swallowed hard.
Then Sol chuckled darkly as he threw the coin back into the pouch. "Of course, I would also rot beside you as well, seeing that I'll be a major suspect. I'll admit, you have quite a tempting offer."
Sol picked another coin out from a pouch and inspected, all while he considered his decision.
"However, I'll only accept your payment if you get me more information on the family," he stated, "including their security, their daily routines, layouts of the castle, etcetera."
"Ah, but I've prepared such a thing for you," the hooded man said, pulling out a parchment and laying it out on the table.
"This document contains everything you need to know so that you may plan accordingly."
Sol inspected the document carefully, reviewing every tiny detail and was astonished as to how much information was on here. How this stranger was able to get such information piqued Sol's curiosity, and it made him realize the man had to be close to the Arcturus family if he was able to get this much information. He didn't ask, however, as it was not in his nature, and focused only on how he would approach his task.
"Just one thing," the hooded man said. "Please do not harm the daughter. You are to neutralize Eos and no one else."
Sol looked away from the documents and up at the old man, raising a brow. It was a strange request coming from someone who wanted one member of the Arcturus family dead and the other kept alive.
"Fine," Sol said with a heavy sigh. "I'll plan something, and you'll get your money's worth. Just make sure you hold your end of the bargain."
Sol grabbed the documents and the coin pouches. As he left the hooded man, he paused and turned to him.
"It's not my place to judge," Sol began ,"but whoever you are, its filth like you that makes me wonder why I do this. After this is done, I don't ever want to see you again."
Dawn had barely arrived and the Kuroinu were already scrambling to gather arms. The aberrants had suddenly attacked the northern part of Halem, catching the Alliance defenders who were stationed there off guard and spreading chaos among their ranks. Vult and his men were ordered to go support the defenders.
"Lets go, you dogs!" Vult ordered the men. "War is money!"
Vult approached Hicks and Keane as they prepared to leave. "What's the hold up? We got a battle that needs fighting!"
"They attacked sooner than we expected," Hicks explained. "We got alot of supplies we gotta haul with us too, so it's gonna take some time. Bastards got some nerves attacking us early."
"But something keeps bothering me though," Keane pointed. "The aberrant's attack is too abrupt. Sure, they caught us off guard, but even those dumb monsters know we can repel them there. Perhaps our scout's reports are correct, and they may have two armies."
Vult pondered on Keane's advice. "Very true. However, I can't spare anyone to stay behind. We'll need every able soldier to meet them in combat."
A sudden idea then came to his mind. "Has Sol recovered yet?"
"He has," replied Keane. "Aside from a bulging bruise and an open head wound, he wasn't seriously injured so my healing magic made quick work of him. Its a miracle, really, how he survived. Most men would die from a hit like that."
"Tough bastard," Hicks commented. "For such a small guy, he can take quite a beating."
"Stop yammering," Vult ordered. "In any case, I'll take the main army to the battle. Hicks, Keane, take Sol with you and scout the south eastern gate. If there is an enemy attack there, report back immediately. We'll see if this orc general is as smart as he thinks he is."
The group dispersed, with Vult leading the main charge and his two commanding officers looking for the crimson rogue. They approached his tent and inside they saw a shop's worth of equipment laid out in front of them. Arrows that had broken shafts were repaired and laid next to a short bow and a crossbow. A large net was folded neatly beside two sets of large and mean-looking bear traps that had recently been repaired. Nails, planks, chains, hooks and other tools were stocked neatly inside a large duffle bag. The most unusual arsenals were 5 crude metal balls the size of a wagon wheel riddled with spikes and a cord dangling over the top. Sol was tinkering with an unusual gauntlet that appeared mechanical strapped to his arm, coiling a chain inside of it and fixing it in place. He stuffed two small glass cylinders filled with orange dust inside his side pouch that hung on his weapon belt before noticing the two men enter his tent.
"Come to check up on me?" Sol asked in a sarcastic tone. "Really, you shouldn't have."
"Seems you've healed completely," Keane noted. "You should thank me for my healing magic."
"Thanks," Sol said, deadpanned. "Now use your disappearing magic and leave me alone."
Keane fumed, but contained his anger. He hated Sol's snark, and only tolerated him because Vult favored him.
"Relax, Keane," Hicks told him. "At any rate, we've orders to scout the flank while Vult and the rest of the guys move north."
Sol raised an eyebrow. "Just us three? Vult trusts us that much?"
"Vult doesn't believe the aberrants are smart enough to flank us, but he doesn't wanna take any chances," Keane explained. "Your reports could prove correct though, and we have to make sure we take all necessary precautions."
"So you say," remarked Sol. "Fine. Before we head out though, help me load my stuff onto the horse cart."
"You're taking all this?!" Hick's exclaimed.
"All of it," Sol replied nonchalantly. "And be careful handling the Grapeshots."
"Grapeshots?" Hicks asked.
Sol pointed to the spiked balls. "Very expensive and very volatile. If you drop them... well, lets just say the experience will be a blast."
After a short while and a struggle with the material handling, the three set off to the south eastern part of the city, making their way on horseback through the eerily quiet and empty streets. Halem was large, given that it was a city in the middle of a major trade route, so seeing it so empty and devoid of people was almost haunting. Most of the residents had already evacuated, but a few brave souls had nowhere else to go and so remained in their homes.
They soon reached the gate that was surrounded by large walls, manned by a small troupe of Alliance soldiers stationed there. There was some reassurance in that the flank was being watched, but these soldiers alone would not be able to stop a full scale aberrant attack. Most of them looked young, no more than 18 years of age, and they looked as if they had never seen combat. The soldiers gave confused looks at the three Black Dogs that approached.
"What are members of Kuroinu doing here?" one of them asked. "Your group was given orders to support the northern defenders, were you not?"
"We were, and they did," Hicks answered irritated. "We're securing the southern positions to make sure we don't get flanked."
"Flanked? By aberrants? I don't think they're that smart. Or is that an excuse for Kuroinu mercenaries like yourselves to avoid battle?"
The soldiers bursted into laughter. Keane was about to speak, but it was Sol who interrupted.
"Then why are you here?" he asked them. "Maybe your commanding officer didn't see you fit to fight in battle, and so stationed the lot of you here, far away from them so they don't have to look at your sad, pathetic faces."
Hicks and Keane were caught off guard with Sol's statement. They didn't need his defense, but were amused to see him stand up to the Alliance soldiers, who gave him death stares, but Sol was unfazed.
"They have a valid reason to be here, mercenary!" a woman's voice spoke out.
Everyone's attention turned to the new person who had arrived. All the soldiers quickly bowed low and Sol understood why they suddenly became submissive; a young woman dressed in slender white and blue armor with a plate skirt approached them, a red cape flowing behind her with every elegant but firm step she took. Her helmet hid her identity, but it was clear by the entourage of female knights who followed her bearing the emblem of the Iris order who she was. Immediately, a wave of anxiety came across him, though his scarf hid his expression. He saw it as a cruel twist of fate to have met such a person now, and it seemed the past was coming back to haunt him. Luckily, she didn't know who he was, but he knew it was only a matter of time before she would discover his secret.
"You've no right to speak to soldiers of Feoh in that manner," she spoke in a firm, authoritative voice. "I've personally tasked these soldiers to defend the people of Halem should an unforeseen attack slip by our main forces."
"Is that why you're also here with them?" Sol asked defiantly. His first impression of her was that she was naive. The kind of proud, chivalric optimist stereotypical of knights. "Maybe you can't stand combat yourself, so you command an army of cowards."
The Alliance soldiers then pointed their weapons at Sol, but he was not intimidated.
"You damn cur!" they yelled. "You will show the lady respect!"
"Enough!" she ordered them to stand down. "I know his kind. They know no honor. I expect nothing less."
The female knight approached Sol, glaring at him through her armored visor. "You may insult me, but you will not insult my soldiers. Another word from you, and I will have your head, understand, Black Dog?"
How ironic, Sol thought. If only she knew who he was and what he had done to her, she would definitely want his head.
It was Hicks who brought back the peace, and good thing for Sol too, though Hicks and Keane were not aware of how closely Sol was tied to the knight.
"Forgive him, my lady. He knows no manners. We are simply here to scout out the southern part of the city to confirm any aberrant attack. I am Hicks, second-in-command for the Kuroinu, this is Keane, our company mage, and Sol here is our scout."
"A pleasure, my lady," Keane bowed. "We three arrived here because we've good information that an orc general commands the aberrant army. This enemy alone can outsmart us and turn the tide if we're not careful. We must take every precaution and consider every possibility, even the most unlikely ones."
The soldiers looked at each other with confused expressions, whispering amongst themselves and contemplating what to do.
"That's impossible," the knight responded. "An orc general out here? We have not seen one cross our borders ever since the last battle of western Rad years ago."
"Oh, its possible, my lady," Keane stated. "Our intel may not be concrete, but our scout's reports does give us a clue that some aberrant of high intelligence is in command. We are just here to confirm if there will be an attack."
The knight turned to face Sol. Even behind her armored visage, he could feel her eyes studying him with intent, just as he stared at her, trying his best to hide his face as she hid hers.
"So, lets say its a possibility," the knight finally said. "What do you propose we do?"
Hicks looked at Sol. "This is where you come in. Scout the outskirts of the city and find what you can. If there is any sign of enemy activity, come back immediately and report."
"And don't engage them," Keane added. "Last night you got lucky. This time, you won't be."
Sol scoffed. "Fine. Just don't mess with my stuff."
He detached the cart on the end of his horse, leaving it with Hicks, Keane, and the group of Alliance soldiers. Sol and the knight gave each other one last glare before setting off.
Sol had rode some distance away from the town and into the open area where it was mostly flat lands with scattered hills. The skies were partly cloudy so visibility from a distance was good. As he came upon a steep hill to get a better vantage point, he took notice of a murder of crows, cawing loudly above the skies. Ordinary folk would normally dismiss it as nothing but animals complaining, but if Sol knew anything from his extensive knowledge of how the world worked, there was a purpose to everything. In this case, the purpose of the crows cawing is because danger is close.
He scanned the horizon, checking for any signs of movement but could see nothing but flat lands, hills, trees, and roads. He continued looking for a while, still distracted by the sounds of the crows from above, when the cawing suddenly stopped.
That's when he looked up and saw it- three small, humanoid figures with black wings, red skin and small curved horns on their heads flew down on him, spears in hand and pointed at him. The imps had hid among the crows to ambush him and would have nearly impaled him had he not looked up in time.
He leapt off of his horse, the imp's attacks missing him and spooking the animal, forcing it to run. Sol was quickly back on his feet, his short sword drawn.
"Three," he counted aloud while assessing his situation.
They were too quick for him to hit with his sword, they had weapons that had longer range, they were constantly in the air and out of reach, and they outnumbered him. He knew that he did have a few advantages though; the imps were not the best of combatants and even an amateur soldier could kill one. They were small like children and fragile, where one swing of his sword could cleave them in half, which is why they had to keep their distance. Their massive wing span also provided a large target, and one attack will easily ground them. Their attacks were weak, meaning their spears wouldn't be able to pierce through his brigandine so easily. And he had a trick up his sleeve, quite literally with his mechanical gauntlet.
He continued fending off his flying assailants, looking for an opportune moment to strike. They kept coming, harassing him from the air and poking their sharp sticks at him. He had to find a way to draw one in, eliminate it and use its spear against his enemies.
That's when he realized he was still on top of the hill.
He stayed off one last attack before pushing out of the circle and retreating down. The imps followed him in a downwards position and straight at him. And they were right where he wanted them. As soon as he reached the bottom hill, he quickly turned to face the lead imp, reaching out to grab the shaft of the imp's spear. It tried to pull back but its momentum was too fast, and Sol grabbed the spear, pulling it in and puncturing its face with his sword.
"Two," he said aloud, picking up the imp's spear to deal with the remaining enemies.
He now had some reach, but the enemies still had flight advantage. He held the spear in front of him, keeping them at an arm's reach. None of them dared close in and give up their advantage. Suddenly, one of them threw their spear right at him. Sol stepped aside, avoiding the oncoming projectile, and the other imp used the opportunity to rush in. It was not quick enough, and Sol swung the spear, the shaft impacting against the imp and sending it crashing to the ground. Sol brought back his spear and thrusted into the grounded and helpless imp.
"One," he said aloud, turning to face the lone imp.
Seeing that it's comrades had fallen, it turned tail and fled, but turning it's back on Sol was a grave mistake. It lined up perfectly for Sol to use his hidden trick; the rope dart. He threw his left arm out that had the mechanical gauntlet, activating a hidden chain whip with a serrated hook-like knife that sprang out at incredible speed and pierced into the back of the aberrant, its green blood spewing over it's red ugly body.
"Get over here!" Sol shouted as he retracted the chain and violently pulled the imp in, drawing his sword at the same time and driving it into the back head of its head, ending the battle.
"Zero," he said aloud, throwing the imp's lifeless body onto the ground.
He took a moment to gather himself, and was surprised to find he was not hurt. The imps had gotten a few hits on him, but his brigandine had prevented any serious injuries.
Shortly after, he heard something that sounded like a distant thunderstorm. He ran back up the hill to gain a vantage point, looking over the horizon further south. It was beyond sight of visibility, but he could make out what looked like formations of large, humanoid figures marching northwards towards him and Halem.
Sol had no doubt that the northern attack was a ruse, just like he had predicted. It was also apparent an intelligent aberrant commanded the army- there was no way orcs would move in formation the way he saw, how he met a band of raiders last night, and how he just faced three imps that he had concluded were scouts for the main army. He laid low on the grass, pulling out a blank parchment and an ink pen and began writing details of the formations, the weapons and armor they carried, and layouts for a battle plan. He then quickly packed his belongings, calling for his horse and riding back towards the town unnoticed.
Sol's horse came galloping through the gates, ignoring the Alliance soldiers as they stepped out of his way to avoid being trampled, stopping only once he saw Hicks, Keane and the female knight.
"Anything?" Hicks asked.
"Plenty," Sol responded, stepping off of his horse as Hicks, Keane, the female knight and the Alliance soldiers gathered around him.
"Seems our predictions were right all along," Sol explained as he pulled out the document that detailed the army.
"Judging by the formations and organized ranks, I say we're looking at about 4000 aberrants total. Orcs, imps, and wargs were among them. They also carried a large battering ram, large enough to destroy the gate in just a few hits. The northern army is, indeed, a fluke. This is the main army here, and they will destroy the city and crush our flank."
A wave of dread spread amongst the group upon hearing the news, the only ones unaffected being Sol and the female knight.
"How far away are they?" Keane asked.
"I was a few miles outside of the town before I encountered some of their scouts," Sol explained. "The main body wasn't far behind, so that gives us, at most, an hour before they arrive."
"Then we need to abandon this post!" an Alliance soldier suddenly cried.
"Stay your ground, soldier!" the female knight ordered. "That's not an option! Our only choice is to fight! Besides, our allies will have already figured it is a trap, and so reinforcements will arrive. Until then, we must hold out."
"But my lady, we're outnumbered!," the soldiers pointed out. "You heard the mercenary! Their battering ram will easily break down the gates and swarm the city! We can't possibly hold them off!"
"Perhaps not," she said bleakly. "But we've a duty to defend this city no matter what! We will not disappoint Lady Celestine and we will not bring shame to Feoh's name!"
Sol chuckled at the woman's pep talk. It was people like her who were naive in the world, those who hoped beyond all hope.
"Our reports are confirmed then," Hicks said. "If you'll excuse me, my lady, we must be taking our leave and report back to our commander."
"Wait, you're leaving?" one of the soldiers asked in shock.
"Our orders were to confirm that there was a second army," Keane explained. "This is not our fight."
"Cowards!" the soldiers cried. "Traitors to the Alliance!"
"Shush!" the female knight ordered them. "They are mercenaries, killers for hire. They answer to no one and fight with no honor. Let them be. We have our own tasks to tend to."
Sol watched the princess knight, young and beautiful as she was, taking control of the rabble of hopeless soldiers and quickly rallying them. He could see why, from the stories he heard, she was a strong influence to the men of Feoh and quickly became captain of the knights of Iris, not because of her nobility, but because of her strong sense of duty. It was almost comical to see such unwavering resolve. If she died, it would be the end of his worries. But at the same time, guilt continued to instill itself into him. He didn't know what had caused him to stir, to clash with his ideals of fighting for oneself
He then reflected on what Vult had first told him, about changing his future and finding redemption. He had only joined Kuroinu because he was blackmailed, but joining Vult's band had also opened an opportunity for him. Whatever Vult's dream was, it motivated Sol to look for hope, to give him the peace he always sought after. He hated that he contradicted himself and he knew he was going to regret his decision later.
"Let's go, Sol," he heard Hicks call for him, straddling his horse along with Keane. But Sol stood where he was and continued to stare at the knight.
"Sol, lets go," Hicks told him again.
"I'm staying," Sol stated.
"No, you're not," Hicks argued. "We have our orders and we're not going to-"
"Hicks," Sol interrupted. "Has Vult ever talked to you about his dream?"
Hicks was thrown off at Sol's question, wondering why he would bring up such an argument. He looked to Keane for clarity, but the mage was just as confused.
"Vult himself said he wanted to become more than a mercenary," Sol continued. "To fight for something greater. I'm not quite sure what he had meant at the time, but I think I'm beginning to understand."
"Where are you going with this?" Keane asked.
"Vult formed Kuroinu so that men like us can change our future," Sol explained. "At least, that's what he told me. And I believe this is our chance to do it. So, if we fight here and now, maybe we'll achieve what Vult envisioned for us. Isn't that what you want too?"
The two Kuroinus stared at Sol for the longest time, pondering on his words. It was Keane who then broke the silence with a chuckle.
"That impossible dream of Vult's really has gotten into your head," Keane laughed. "I guess you're not the stoic, ruthless rogue they say you are. Compassion will get you in deep trouble, Sol."
Keane fixed his glasses as he sighed. "I suppose we can't just simply abandon our allies. It'll make us look like traitors and not help Kuroinu's reputation."
"Keane!" Hicks scolded. "You're not serious about staying!"
"We don't have a choice," Keane told him. "Plus, Vult has favoritism for Sol. If anything happens to him, it's us who'll pay for it."
"Tch," Hicks spat as he conceded. "I don't get paid enough for this."
Sol nodded to both Keane and Hicks, still keeping his blank expression, but felt relief and gratitude in his heart.
The female knight was shocked when she saw the mercenary who had reprimanded her and her men approach, with the two other Kuroinus behind him.
"What do we have to work with in terms of defense, my lady?" Sol asked her.
She realized her mouth was agape before she quickly recollected herself.
"Just the outer walls and the gate," she answered. "There's also two ballistas, one stationed at each end of the wall. They'll shoot any target that dares approach the gate. We also have spiked barricades that can be placed to slow down attackers or block off passages. However, we're the only battalion in this entire area, 500 men at most. I can't deny the fact that we're severely outnumbered."
"We have a few key strategic points that'll help us," Sol explained, "including the walls and the ballistas. And since the enemy isn't here yet, that gives us some time to set up defenses."
"What do you suggest then?" she asked.
Sol began to explain to the female knight, Keane and Hicks the plan he had written out while observing the aberrant army.
"If the ballistas can destroy the battering ram before it can destroy the gate, we may be able to hold out until reinforcements arrive. But the orc general knows this, so I'm sure he'll figure out some way to take out our heavy artillery before bringing in the siege engine. In that case, we have to thin their numbers out as much as we can before they breach, and when they do, thats when we can begin our fall back plan."
"Fall back plan?" she asked.
Sol then pulled out a map that displayed the layout of the city.
"The south eastern part of the city is a clutter of buildings with one road leading into the main square," Sol pointed on the map. "The streets unintentionally creates a narrow choke point. This will force them down one singular path, which is where I can use my Grapeshots to help us out."
"Grapeshots?" she asked.
Sol pointed to his horse cart stacked with the 5 spiked balls. "They're a type of weapon invented by the dwarves. 'Bombs' are what they're also called. We'll set 4 of them along the narrow streets, setting them off one at a time to slow them down as we fall back across the Talos River here."
He pointed to an area on the map where a small river runs through the city and a bridge that extends over the river and into a large town square.
"We'll place the final Grapeshot on Topaz Brick Bridge here leading into the main square. Once we're all across, we set off the Grapeshot and destroy the bridge, cutting the enemy off from the rest of the city. Unless orcs have learned to swim, they won't be able to attack us without ranged weapons, while we can still attack them with our archers."
"Even if the bridge to the main square is destroyed, they still have access to the Lapis Rock Bridge on the other side of town," Alicia pointed toward a second bridge on the map not far from the first bridge.
"Which is where we will use your barricaded spikes," Sol said. "They will still have to make their way east in the city to reach the bridge, which will already have been barricaded. It will slow down the attackers as we thin their numbers out with arrows from across the river."
"Sounds like a plan," she agreed. "But there's simply too many of them. We'll run out of arrows before we can kill them all and the barricades won't hold long. Those orcs will eventually break them down."
Sol then pointed to a large building in the main square of town on the map. It was the Golden Egg tavern, a large food establishment that was essentially a miniature castle with a tower and levels of defensive walls.
"If they do push through the bridge's defense, we retreat into the Golden Egg tavern here and make our last stand. If need be, we can craft their alcohol into weapons."
"Use alcohol to fight orcs?" Alicia asked. "How?"
"Molotovs," Sol explained. "Choke a cloth into the bottle, set it on fire, and then toss it. Alcohol is extremely flammable, so anything the bottle hits, it'll burn 'em to a crisp."
"Say, now that you mention that," the knight pointed out, "the owner of the Golden Egg had recently stocked several dwarven barrels from Ansur. Perhaps we can use those as well?"
Sol nodded. "That's not a bad idea. We can spare a few barrels to craft extra bottles and arm them to every defender. The remaining barrels, we'll place along the otherside of the river and set em afire at an opportune moment. The attackers are sure to have a blast."
"There he is being a smartass again," Hicks rolled his eyes. "Having a bomb with your jokes, really."
"How punny," Sol replied, deadpanned. "Was that intentional?"
"Was what intentional?" Hicks asked.
Sol shook his head. "Never mind. At any rate, my lady, have your men set the Grapeshots and dwarven barrels along the road towards the main square and set up the spiked barricades on the secondary bridge."
Sol then turned to Hicks and Keane. "I know you guys don't want to be here, but-"
"Yeah, yeah, we'll let it slide this time, since its clear you know what you're doing," Hicks scoffed. "Just tell us what you need."
Sol nodded. "Hicks, you'll be in charge of setting off the Grapeshots as we fall back once the enemy breaches the gate. Keane, we'll need your magic to support us in holding off the enemy from crossing the secondary bridge. Cast your fire balls to light the dwarven barrels placed on the other side of the river. I'll stay with the main defenders on the wall until its time to fall back, helping Hicks light the Grapeshots as we retreat and then we'll all regroup at the main square. Remember to fall back to the tavern should everything go to hell."
"As if we're already not in hell," Hicks said. "Still, this will be quite a story to tell the boss, eh?"
"That is, if we don't die first," Keane pointed.
"And that's pretty likely," Sol added.
"Well, let's hope they smother our corpses with confetti for being heroes," Hicks shrugged. "Let's get to work!"
Everyone dispersed to do their tasks, but the female knight stopped Sol.
"You there!" she called to him. "Sol, was it? I thank you. Despite your… strong thoughts of my soldiers and I, it seems you also have some chivalric virtues."
"I don't," Sol stated.
The female knight tilted her head. "Then why stay? Not any man would willingly risk his life in a hopeless situation."
Because I want to redeem myself in any kind of way, Sol thought. It was such a crazy idea and he knew it was impossible. He instantly regretted his decision, but there was no turning back now.
"Let's just I've a debt to pay," Sol replied. "Plus, its not everyday someone gets to fight alongside a Princess Knight."
The female knight gave a small chuckle, surprised that a man with vulgar manners would give a small compliment like that. "So I suppose you already figured me out, even though I've not properly introduced myself."
She then took off her helmet, revealing a beautiful woman with fierce purple eyes and long blonde hair untampered even from being under her helmet, smiling brightly. "I am Alicia Arcturus, Princess Knight of Feoh and daughter of Eos Arcturus. Forgive my abrasive tone from before. And thank you for helping."
A sense of discomfort washed over Sol as she smiled. If only she knew who he truly was, but for now, he would have to go along with the charade.
"Please tend to your men, my lady. We only have an hour to prepare for battle."
AN: obviously I ripped off Scorpion's rope dart technique, but I felt that it was a trait that would match Sol's fighting style. Reviews and feedback are welcome.