Maximo gritted his teeth. As expected the Druaidíi had kept some tricks remaining to them, last desperate attempts to stop us from behind their castle walls.
Their bolt firing weapons octopus-like as they struck were impressive and would make a striking addition to the Milesians arsenal once they could examine the mechanisms. Yet some manner of siege defences was always going to be in play, collapsing earth destroying quakes however were not.
It made their advance from the relative safety of the forest to the Castle walls far more difficult to traverse, without even considering the constant attacks raining down on them, it had effectively crushed their first wave.
A distraction, a delay, it would not be enough, not near enough.
As he watched on restlessly he saw the forefront of the 2nd wave parting to allow the ladders to come forth. The Battle for the wall had begun.
As the General had hoped the Druaidíi had made their move and shown their hand. In truth the 1st wave was intended as such. Brandubh had been most persistent in his warnings of possible Druaidíi ploys and his suspicion had been proved true. Maximo had sent that first wave, lesser and not as prominent as the others to ensure that he was aware of any surprises before they were brought up.
All along, from the moment they had entered the forest, plans were in place for the eventual discovery of the Druaidíi’s fortress. The necessary supplies prepared and the necessary craftsmen coerced onto the march all so that when the time came there would be no delay in their construction. Once they had discovered the road they were able to begin in earnest and now they could finally revel in their plans. General had to give Brandubh credit, it was he who had insisted that he would be nigh near impossible to transfer the siege machines through the forest. After spending the last three days painstakingly crossing over its heartland Maximo could now see plainly the wisdom in his words. He urged his horse down the line to Brandubh who was engaged in heated discussion with Fathach.
Stolen novel; please report.
“Brandubh now is the time, bring them forth, let us show the Druaidíi the craft of the Empire.”
Brandubh broke off quickly at the sound of the General’s voice.
“Yes General, it is past time we showed the Druaidíi some ruses of our own,” Brandubh motioned to his man. At once he wheeled his mount around and began shouting orders to the surrounding men. Maximo watched patiently as all around on each side came catapults, trebunchets and Ballistae. Brandubh raised a smile, “the Druaidíi seem most desperate to defend let us see how well they fight when all they have left to defend is ruins.”
Brandubh left the commands to Fathach, by his words they rolled into place and began the onslaught. The fighting for the walls was momentarily drowned out with the sharp crack as scores of siege machines launched themselves over Dún na Rí’s walls. Beyond the walls lay the city itself, nestled down in a great vast valley, that a city of its size could have remained hidden for so long was a testament to the Druaidíi’s efforts. However from the eyes of scouts which had climbed Belvoir’s highest trees, Maximo knew of its inner structure and the damage sustained from their siege machines would be substantial. Satisfied for now he wheeled his own mount and made a canter down the line, shouting and issuing encouragements all the while.
Now Druaidíi, now you will see your houses burn and your city crumble. Now you will see your demise, and the true meaning of what happens to those which resist the inevitability of the Milesian Empire.