Orders were to gather at 3AM to facilitate the attack at dawn. Fireteam Alpha came to the muster point at the North Gate, which was rowdy with people and vendors. There was last minute smithing, sharpening, purchases and tailor work. A warrior was getting impatient as an artisan mended a hole in his chainmail link by link. Ad hoc bars were set up, people were buying overpriced food sold in trays and deep bowls. A vendor explained that last minute preparations and labour costs for carrying things all the way to North Gate jacked up the prices. Fortunately for Fireteam Alpha, with insistence and instruction from Demit, had already prepared food the night before.
"Word from the Pimpernels is that the attack is to be from 3 directions. The main attack will be by the Frontier Army under Waters. Bri-chan will lead one and we will be allocated to another led by the Angels, just so any Pimpernels can step in if the Angels slip up", said Brewary. He then bemoaned his fate at not being able to see his favourite puppy fight.
"Look at all that ammo, marksman", remarked Demit. Roland carried 2 quivers, one at the side and one diagonally across his back. He took out the divider in his main quiver and it was packed with 50 arrows. The second, another 50. Loading in the arrows was gentle work, because he did not want the fletchings to ruffle too badly. Still, without the divider, the fletchings would still rub against each other. In their carrying bags, a generous portion for a day's worth of food, 4 medicated bandages each. They carried 2 waterskins each as well.
"100 arrows", he answered.
"You sure that's enough, Honey?"
"I think so, for just one battle. A longer campaign would need more, which means I have to pay for the services of the cart and a runner to fetch ammo". 100 arrows felt heavy. Thankfully, archery training strengthened his back. They did make the quiver bang against him when he walked, which annoyed him a little.
Final preparations to march were underway. Frontier Army stood in neat lines and rows while the Volunteer Soldiers were in disorganised groups at the back of the line. Regular army viewed the Volunteers with some distaste. Cut us some slack, why don't you? If Alterna falls, we're done, just like you. We got stake in this too, you know?, thought Roland. Looking around at the Volunteers' conduct, he couldn't really blame Army for thinking that way. With a shout from a Man-at-arms Warrior in the distance, marching was heard. The movement of plates, gear and feet made quite a sound.
"Fireteam Alpha, move out". Three quiet 'Hooah' and an 'Ura' answered. The Army marched out in orderly lines, followed by supply wagons, with the Volunteer army following behind in a disorganised mob. Some Volunteers actually fell in step, either finding it funny or as a point of honour. Way back, stragglers with food in their mouths, putting on gear as they jogged to catch up. By Roland's reckoning, about 700 Frontier Soldiers and 200 Volunteer Soldiers would participate. Roland observed the carts; Lots of small shields, some wooden screens.. is that a roof? Large bundles of hides… barrels, tables and chairs…. a battering ram?
At the end of the march, Britanny called out;
"All of you darlings, pay attention! Gather around me, right now! I'm going to give a rundown of the plan! Okay? Quickly now! Hurry, scurry!". Demit left the group. Brewary walked off to other Pimpernels. Observing them, they wore the same red flower painted on the chest and the same red plume feathers in hoods, helmets or hanging off weapons. They were also quite high contact, with hugging, leaning against or touching while talking.
Britanny was circled by Team Leaders as he laid down a map and started giving orders. He took the time to make passes at Renji and argued a little with a lady in white. That would be Kajiko?
"Ever seen the Chief in armour?", Roland asked Jakson. He shook his head.
"Full Paladin armour, but with green hair, black lipstick, eyeliner and rouge. His sword looks heavy, though."
"Ask gay question, chuvak. Brewary, or Chief?", said Jakson, laughing slightly.
"You know if we don't say 'Brewary', he'll find out through some kind of freak magic, and the Pimpernels stop giving us things?". The 2 men laughed. They waited for Demit to return. Jakson squatted while Roland remained standing. Those 2 quivers really got in the way. Tch. These arrows and quivers are what... 7 or 8 kilos?. He sighed.
Later, Demit came back. Brewary saw her returning and rejoined the group. She grabbed a stick and drew in the sand. There was a box with 3 circles and 3 arrows in a larger circle. Some other Volunteer Soldiers came to watch as well. She pointed as she explained.
"Deadhead Watching keep has 3 towers. In one of them is the fucker who runs the place". She pointed at the 2 arrows across each other.
"We're up first. Chief leads the western 'Greenstorm', while Kajiko the eastern 'Wild Eagle' in a simultaneous attack. That's where we'll be. This will cause a diversion for this -", she said, pointing to the last arrow,
"- the main force who will break down the south gate". She then pointed at the circle.
"We will protect ladder carriers all the way to the wall, who will also assemble and raise them. Surrounding the keep are orc camps. Kill everything on sight". She pointed to the outer walls.
"Intel says 200 orcs defending the walls, with archers. They're mostly the Zesh clan. Markings are black hair and red paint. They have standardised equipment; a shield and sword, red helmets, bows and arrows."
"Wait, they're all either warriors or archers?", asked Roland. His heart dropped at the prospect.
"Assume it is, soldier. Leading them is Zoran Zesh. You'd know it when you see it. It uses 2 swords, with a personal bodyguard of about 20. Expect Orc Sorcerers as well. According to intel, their magic is Psychokinesis and Bugs. Unlike Mages, they don't need to draw sigils. That's why they're priority 1 target, and that's where you come in, Marksman". Demit placed a hand on Roland's shoulder. He nodded, feeling not really comfortable with an invasion with an enemy type he hasn't fought before. Demit then explained the location of staircases inside the walls and exposed places where archers in the towers could still fire.
"If you see smoke, that's the keep asking for help, like Brewary told us before. Hopefully, the plan goes well and the Riverside invasion starts at the same time. There won't be reinforcements that way."
Orders came for the detachment to split. They divided themselves west and east. In the south, torches were lit by the main force. Orc torches lit up as well. There was no hiding 700 well-armoured Frontier Soldiers. The Volunteers were ordered to go dark and quiet.
Dawn came.