With Garrok's probationary membership to the Dwarven Gunsmith's Guild confirmed and his patent rights secured, he and Tink began teaching the other gunsmiths and their apprentices the production methods of his paper cartridges. Together, they worked diligently, creating a substantial stockpile of ammunition. It was enough to equip every Ranger and Thundraveer with the quick loading paper cartridges.

When news arrived that the Goblins were bringing their own siege guns to the battlefield, the Dwarven runesmiths sent crates filled with reinforcement runes along with the newly arrived supply wagons in response,. The hope was that these runes would strengthen the walls enough to withstand several shots from the goblin artillery. Although the enchanters were still recovering from their efforts in powering the portal, they volunteered to channel their limited magic to further enhance the runes. Enchanter Erevan offered to utilize their remaining spell components, providing additional magical support. "We've used most of our resources for the portal," Erevan confessed, "but I have enough left to launch a few fireballs and a flame blast. It may not be much, but it should be enough to make the goblins regret their advances if they get too close."

Among the camp followers accompanying the reinforcements, Garrok noticed a group of dwarves carrying pickaxes and shields strapped to their backs. They were miners, preparing explosives. Garrok asked Sgt. Ironheart about their purpose, and the sergeant explained, "Goblins have a bad habit of tunneling under fortifications. Our lads there will have the difficult task of countermining to intercept the tunnelers and plug any holes they find. They're also planning on mining beneath the goblin lines, leaving them an explosive surprise courtesy of a few barrels of black powder."

Once the gun towers were completed and the 6-pounders were installed, the gun crews wasted no time in practicing their drills. Garrok had the privilege of observing the process. Powder was carefully poured down the barrel, round shot was loaded, and everything was tightly rammed to ensure a secure fit. Witnessing this inspired Garrok. Using empty grain sacks, he filled them with round shot and powder, creating a makeshift version of his paper cartridge for the siege guns. Now, instead of laboriously performing the five steps of reloading the siege guns, all they had to do was open the sack and pour its contents down the barrel. The sack itself acted as wadding to seal any gaps. With this innovation, the well-trained crews could now fire three shots a minute instead of the usual two.

Lord Engvyr commended Garrok, recognizing his ingenuity. "The guild masters will be very impressed with this little innovation," Engvyr praised. "Good showing, big man." As they made their way to the Citadel, the captain had called for a strategy meeting. Garrok, deemed an expert in Orcish tactics, was invited to join.

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Inside the Citadel, the room was already filled with the leaders of the garrison and reinforcements. The captain wasted no time in providing updates. "Reports have arrived from the cavalry camped outside. They have discovered the makeshift harbor the Goblins are using to unload their army. The numbers are staggering—a horde of approximately 10,000 Goblin expendables armed with clubs and spears. They have several companies of Goblin Janizaries wielding Tüfenks, and we've also observed several goblins carrying oversized guns in their ranks, these must be the saka siege guns. Many goblins were seen pulling the bronze hafif top siege guns."

Mutterings and discussions erupted throughout the room. The captain continued, "Meanwhile, our scouts have been monitoring the Orcish camp. It appears that a conflict of some sort has erupted within their ranks. Many orcs have been observed leaving the camp, but there are still several hundred remaining."

Amused by the situation, Garrok snorted and gained everyone's attention. The captain turned to him. "Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of us, Garrok?"

A grin spread across Garrok's face as he replied, "The chieftain has lost face. The orcs didn't manage to loot the fort, and the cavalry intercepted their raids on caravans. But perhaps the most humiliating blow was when I infiltrated their camp and rescued their only prisoner, Tink. The warriors have lost confidence in the chieftain and believe him unworthy of their loyalty. He will be desperate to save face and regain his honor."

The dwarves in the room chuckled, entertained by the turn of events. The captain contemplated Garrok's words. "If the cavalry can delay the goblins, the chieftain might become impatient and attack us without their support. If we provoke them, we could entice them to charge our defenses, where we can defeat them. Killing the chieftain would likely cause the orcs to flee."

Garrok's grin widened. "Leave that to me. I humiliated him, so my words will sting him the most. If you can lure them outside the walls, I can shame him into charging us. Perhaps a raid on their camp would be enough to provoke him."

The captain nodded, considering the plan. "Hmm, yes. I can send the mounted rangers to fire upon their camp. That should be sufficient to provoke them into attacking us."

Later that day, the orders were dispatched. The cavalry was to harass the goblin supply lines, doing everything possible to delay the enemy army. The mounted rangers, on the other hand, would target the Orcish camp, attempting to provoke the orcs into attacking the fort.

The stage was set for the final battle. With determination in their hearts and a plan in motion, the defenders of the fort prepared for the imminent clash with the forces of goblins and orcs. The outcome of this battle would determine the fate of the frontier, and the defenders were resolved to fight with every ounce of their strength and cunning.

As the sun set on the eve of the fateful day, anticipation hung heavy in the air. The time for strategic maneuvers had arrived, and the defenders stood ready to face their adversaries head-on.