95 Seron, the captain of the guards (2/2)
”As for the adventurers, the moment you step on this wall was the moment you gave me control over your life. Those brave men I talked about previously, they are all me for you. Their orders are my orders. No personal initiatives, no breaking out of the line. I will not let a single one of you endanger this city.”
The more he spoke, the bigger he seemed for those that listened to him. Contrarily to the Mayor that was capable of manipulating nobles and merchants alike, Seron would only be able to create a bigger conflict, and as such, he never implicated himself more. But since the moment he stood on those walls, the roles were reversed. He was now the highest authority in the entire city and anyone daring to confront him will be dealt with appropriately. All the holes and marks on his armor didn't destroy his image, it only improved his aura.
”Citizens of Archet, this is the moment of truth. You will not fear; you will not falter. You will not give a single step to the enemy. They have come for us, but the only thing they will receive is their new tombs!”
He raised his sword as many soldiers were roaring. Seeing the state of the surroundings getting more fervent and enraged than worried and fearful made both the Mayor and the Guild Master smiled for a brief moment. If it was them speaking like that, it wouldn't have made the same effect.The latter could have motivated the adventurers, but it will be the guards that will make the hardest sacrifice.And even if they respected his strength, he was not one of them, and that barrier couldn't be overcome by just a few words.
The last traces of confusion were quickly solved and soon, the first line of defense was finally armed and ready. Numerous scouts were constantly rushing toward Seron, easily dodging the careless soldiers that were still filling their quivers. Even if Archet was large enough to spread on several kilometers, the incoming army was not small either. Reports from both the northern and southern officers were talking about the fact that the sea of skeletons still reached them.
The only saving grace was the fact that not a single undead could be seen near the West wall. But many quickly realized that there was a particularly huge issue when everything was resumed. The undead were spreading on many fronts, but even as they watched them, they couldn't do a single thing. They were staying put at a very safe distance, slightly less than a kilometer away. Their hope of facing either two arrogant or two moronic liches was immediately crushed.
If it had been the case, all those skeletons would have only received a single order, being to kill every living being in sight. Based on that, the humans could have used their brains and abuse the simple order to its best. Looking at his right hand that was shaking his head, the face of Seron was getting more and more impassive. The officer right next to him had participated in many campaigns near the frontier of Pankow and was probably the more knowledgeable when facing an undead army.
Looking at the tall walls under his feet, that was the only advantage they still had. But the damages will be a lot more than first expected. At that point, even the entire city could fall, they were vastly outnumbered and even if those undead were of the lowest quality, the difference was far too wide. Approaching the mayor, he had to acknowledge the issue.
”Mayor, it will be an uphill fight. I can no longer guarantee that the citizens of Archet will be safe as long as they don't get near the walls. Maybe it would be best to open the gates and order the evacuate…”
”Enough!” The Mayor raised his hand and several guards nearby looked at the two, wondering what they were talking about. Feeling that his voice was a bit too loud, he lowered it, only allowing a few to hear its content.
”No one will leave this city before the walls fall. The moment an evacuation is ordered, we will lose both the support of those families and the adventurers. If the fight has a chance of being lost with them, imagine what will happen without them?No, this will not happen. I trust you for defending Archet, but let me handle the rest.”
”Yes, I understand.” The minds of the two were working differently, but even Seron could pick up the hint that the Mayor gave. His only disappointment was the fact that innocents will be harmed to save the rest because by the time the retreat will be ordered, it will be too late for some. The Mayor could only sight about it. Looking at those surrounding him ready to protect their families and friends, he should have least try a bit more.
”I guess I will have to personally make a move. Seron, hold the wall until I come back. Your request for reinforcements has been accepted.” Without waiting any additional second, he left the wall, leaving the captain of the guard slightly stunned. He looked around, not knowing who else could come. There were already several personal mercenaries and warriors from many noble and wealthy families reassembled near the ramparts.
But he couldn't look around anymore, because two skeletons were approaching quickly the city. He could only shake his head because even right now, the liches were not taking any risks. As for what those two will speak of, he would allow it only if it was not detrimental. Actually, he was considering more and more at just destroying those two the moment they entered the range of a crossbowman.