The Gravediggers' Tribute
Nicopolan Side
The five thousand Nicopolans marched across the farmland, trampling crops that were almost ready for harvest. Then they slowly approached the wooden wall, shields at the ready.
As anticipated, crossbown from both sides opened the battle by exchanging volleys. However, the Nicopolans found themselves at a disadvantage, shielded only by their own shields as opposed to the sturdy wall protecting their opponents.
After so ti, many Nicopolans pleaded with their commanders to give the order to attack. Sensing that the mont was right, Sergio issued the command to attack.
Almost imdiately, Nicopolan forces attacked along the entire length of the wall. Scouts had inford them that the wall was not particularly tall, eliminating the need for ladders. Instead, they brought stacks of wood or crates to serve as makeshift climbing aids.
Although they resembled a disorganized swarm of ants, Sergio had strategically positioned his strongest contingent on his left side, near the river, targeting what he believed to be the enemy's weakest point.
He ensured that, from above, the distribution of his troops would appear similar in number, effectively masking the significant differences in their fighting prowess. As an added diversion, Sergio concentrated a large number of his less-skilled troops to launch an assault on the center
What they lacked in skill, they made up for in numbers, hoping to overwhelm the enemy.
Now, Sergio waited patiently with his reserves, his eyes level as he searched for any weakness in Lansius' defense. He considered three potential outcos:
First, the walls nearest to the river could give way under the assault of his elite troops.
Second, the center line might buckle under the sporadic but intense attacks from thousands of n.
Third, the one thousand n he had left behind might successfully trap another flanking attack from the nomads.
When any of these events occurred, Sergio planned to unleash his reserves to decisively win the battle.
***
Hugo
The Deputy and his n fought hard along the center wall. Clad in full plate armor, he struck out at anyone who dared to climb the wall. His footing was sure and firm, as the cart provided him a solid platform to move about. Spears or swords struck his head and shoulders several tis, but this only angered him further.
Another wave of attackers approached, and Hugo rallied his n. "People of Korimor, this is your harvest! Your livelihood, the food for your families this winter—are you going to hand it over to them?"
Cries and shouts rose from the n around him.
"Stay with ! This is EZY!" Hugo ended with a forced laugh, mimicking a certain friend who used to boast like this in fights. "More harvest thieves are coming; let them know what Lowlandians do to thieves!"
With only five hundred n under his command, Hugo withstood the first wave of onslaught. He knew he just needed to wait and persevere.
...
Lansius
The Lord was dispatching group after group to reinforce a portion of the wall that was in dire need of support. His reserves consisted of n still resting from their previous shift, but he had no other choice. With the Nicopolans deploying their vast numbers, sections of the wall were overrun.
Before long, Lansius had exhausted his reserves, and he personally joined the fray to bolster their defenses
The Lord arrived at the overrun section with Sir Michael, Sigmund, Roger, and several other n. He watched as his n evacuated the wounded, leaving the dead and the Nicopolans on the walls. The fighting still continued on the Nicopolan's left and right, but they had enough support to assist as many n in climbing over the wall as possible.
Having a clear line of sight, Lansius stood still, took aim, and pressed the lever on his crossbow. A bolt flew angrily through the air, striking an unsuspecting man in the back. The look of disbelief and horror in his eyes was plain to see as he turned and ran away while clutching his wound.
Lord Lansius' attack made Sir Michael charge forward with a spear. He speared and took down the swordsman who had challenged him. Sigmund, at his side, lunged and swiftly dispatched another who had hesitated, with two strikes from his sword.
The fresh commotion, coupled with Lansius' personal banner being waved by one of his n, quickly drew attention. In no ti, dozens of warriors from both sides converged on their position.
"I'll be fine, take them down," Lansius commanded the n around him, who sprang into action.
Lansius lowered his visor and readily engaged as his side was outnumbered. He squared off with a man whose eye sockets were sunken from hunger. Instinctively, he countered the man's reckless swing, feeling a brief resistance. Lansius executed a deft parry, stepped forward, and drove his sword into the man's chest.
The man's wet and dirty gambeson soon turned an ochre color. He writhed in pain, but Lansius knew better than to let his opponent die an agonizing death. Gritting his teeth, he swung his left gauntlet into the side of the man's head, ending the pain in an instant.
He felt no regret, only the pain of necessity as he killed. In one swift motion, Lansius pulled out his bloodied sword, took one deep breath, and walked to the next assailant, poised to flank Sir Michael's blind side.
Using both hands, Lansius gripped his sword like a polearm and charged. The man's eyes widened in realization, but it was already too late. Despite the man's futile attempt to block with his arm, Lansius' thrust found its mark, sliding into the man's chest near the armpit.
The man groaned as the sharp point of the blade punctured his body. Within a few breaths, he began choking on his blood. Sir Michael ca from the side and struck the man's head with both hands using the poml of his sword, granting him a quick death.
"My Lord—"
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"Focus on the fight!" yelled Lansius to reassure him.
In front of them, Roger fought as if he were dancing, parrying, and countering with smooth, non-wasteful movents against multiple opponents. His armor, a plunder from the previous war, was bathed in red as he felled another man with a slash to the face. The man fell in complete agony, losing his nose and the soft tissues around it.
The squire wanted to deliver a coup de grâce, but more n were approaching him with spears and bardiches. Roger fell back, while Sir Michael and Sigmund readied their stances to protect their Lord. Fortunately, the Korimors returned to the fight, invigorated by the sight of their Lord in combat.
They soon clashed and regained the upper hand. Hugo must have noticed them, as crossbow bolts began raining down on the section in front of the wall. Soon, the Nicopolans who had climbed were all but slain to the last man.
It was unfortunate that in such an uneven battle, they couldn't afford to take hostages.
"My Lord," called Sir Michael, excitent in his voice. "Their gambesons are soaking wet. Our plan is working!"
Lifting his visor, Lansius noticed the wet mud stains all over the slain n's clothing and boots. "So, the gravediggers have done it," he remarked gratefully. Humble as they were, the hundred strong gravediggers had proven their craft and worth.
Sir Michael proceeded to rally the Korimors around them, while Lansius retreated to the rear.
On the way, he flicked his sword to shed the excess blood. His heart felt numb, but his mind was briefly filled with silent prayers for the fallen. mories from the Battle of Korelia and of Sir Callahan surfaced in his mind. There was no guilt, only the heavy weight of responsibility for the n under his command.
Lansius knew he wasn’t fighting for himself. He was fighting for the people of Korimor, Korelia, and the entirety of Lowlandia. Only by securing victory here could Lansius move forward with his Grand Alliance, to usher in peace and stability throughout Lowlandia.
It was a future they had fought so hard for — a future where all Lowlandians, including him and Audrey, could live in peace.
***
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