Mariel woke to hear a great ruckus outside the tent. Not the sounds of battle, but the clattering of arms and the sounds of uniform steps. She put on her boots and looked outside to find that the holdout camp had grown significantly overnight. What had started out as a meagre, but strong camp had grown into something resembling a military stronghold. Her surprised expression had drawn Siravin's attention, and he came over to greet her.

"Morning. I know, you didn't hear a thing. I took the liberty of plugging your ears when they arrived, I figured you'd need the sleep. Still, a pretty quiet bunch, considering all the armour."

"... Then what's happening?"

"We're about ready to go on the attack. Yvrain wanted to speak to you, but I had him tell me instead..." He then began drawing up a rough sketch in the hardened snow.

"See, this is us right here, just south of the canal... And this, on the northern side, is the hall of whatever it is. Yvrain will take the main force up this way, cross the canal and attack... He wants us to take a flanking force each, up along the sides of this big square here, and then come in from behind the main line."

Why is he giving us this task? Aren't there any capable commanders available?"

"There used to be. Convenient or not, most of the senior staff died ensuring the assault force's safe passage here, he has some reliable adjutants... But for reasons he wasn't willing to disclose, he needs us to lead."

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"What do you think Siah?"

"I think you need to be careful. If the attack fails, Yvrain needs to lay the blame on someone... I'm guessing there are political reasons behind it, perhaps someone is working against him, and any failures could potentially have serious consequences for his position. That said, I think it will be beneficial for us to do this. We'll gain a good bargaining position, and also incur quite a bit of respect."

"I agree with Siah. We should do it..." Siravin, who had also received her words nodded in agreement.

"But I have never commanded before..."

"You'll figure it out... Speaking of which... Here comes our assistants..." He gestured towards two identical elven males approaching them.

"Good morning." The elf on the right began speaking. "Are you prepared?We stand ready to carry out our duty. Girverin's my name."

"I don't like this one bit, but since we're out of more able commanders..." The elf on the left shook his head and spat on the ground. "I'm Relvizet... I stand ready to move out."

"I'm Siravin and this is Mariel. Girverin, you'll go with me."

"As you say."

Before Mariel could make any protest, seeing that she appeared to be stuck with someone whom, for whatever reason did not like her, Siravin and Girverin had already left for the main camp entrance.

"So... Are we going too? Or just staying here?"

"We... We're leaving right now." She tried to stern up her voice, but failed, already feeling intimidated. The elf led the way and soon she found herself in front of a platoon, twenty-eight elves, all armoured and carrying bundles full of ammunition or mounts for heavy crossbows. Relvizet shouted a command, and the group began heading out. Before she could follow them, he pulled her aside and whispered with an omnious tone:

"Look. If we follow your lead, you'll get us all killed. I'm taking the lead here... Follow along if you must, but know that if you try something stupid, I'll have you killed in an instant."

"Hey Mariel..." Siah whispered in her mind. "Let's just get it done... And keep an eye out for opportunities... This city hides a lot of them, if you just keep looking."