The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt [188]
Feeling disappointed and mad, Miko watches as Ollinearn trundles to the docks and begins to load the last of his books on one of the waiting ships.
The clash of swords draws their attention to a section of the wall somewhat close to where they stand. Several attackers have managed to gain the wall and reinforcements are running to beat them back.
The fighting on the wall where the enemy has achieved a foothold is fierce, but the attackers are outnumbered and it isn’t long before the last one falls. A cheer rises from the defenders as the wall is once again secure.
“That was close,” Miko comments.
“I’d hate to be up there,” says James, watching as men remove the dead and wounded. The enemy soldiers they simply toss over the side to land on their comrades below.
The rest of the day progresses pretty much the same. The Empire’s army storms the walls, the defenders fight them back, and occasionally the attackers gain a foothold on the wall only to have the defenders cut them down, securing the wall once again. There were two brief respites in which the attackers withdrew, regrouped and then commenced their assault all over again.
They both take turns sleeping while the other keeps watch and by the end of the day, James is feeling much improved.
As the sun begins to sink toward the horizon, horns are heard from the field outside the walls as the attackers withdraw. When it becomes apparent that no attack is imminent, the men on the walls begin to be rotated off in shifts for meals and rest.
People begin to emerge from their homes and the streets once more become crowded. Many make their way to the Keep to see about loved ones who had been manning the walls.
“It seems the curfew has been lifted while the assault has stopped,” observes James. “This may be a good time for us to see about getting out of here, if that’s even possible.”
“Do you feel better?” Miko asks.
“Some,” James tells him. “My headache is only a dull throbbing now.” He feels the bump on the side of his head and says, “I think the swelling’s gone down from where they struck me. Being able to rest for a day has sure done wonders.”
They come down off the roof, grab their bags and leave the warehouse to merge with the people now back on the streets. They make their way toward the docks and find that the east side has been cordoned off and is guarded by several squads of the city guard. They are told that area is for the unloading of supplies and men.
They make their way to the western side of the docks where a mass of people have gathered. A man stands upon a wagon and is addressing the crowd. “…are going to come and help evacuate the City. They will pull up to the dock and at that time, in an orderly fashion, those at the head of the line will board quickly. Anyone, and I do mean anyone, who causes trouble or becomes a nuisance will be dealt with severely.”
Looking behind him, the man on the wagon sees the first of the rescue boats pulling up to the docks. He raises his hands to get the crowds attention. When they’ve quieted down he says loudly, “The first boat is here and more are on the way.” He signals to a squad of guards on the docks and says, “Start loading.”
When the crowd hears that, they surge toward the docks, pushing and shoving to be first to get on the boat. “Do not push!” the man says to the crowd, “the boats will be coming all night long and as long as needed to get everyone out.”
One man pushes an old lady down and runs for the boat, a guard sees him and moves to intercept. The man starts to fight with the guard, but is soon clubbed senseless. “Take him away,” the man on the wagon yells to the guards. Raising his voice even further he yells, “He will be the Last one allowed on the boats!”
When the people hear that they become a bit more orderly and soon an orderly line is formed as they wait for the first boat to fill. Other boats are waiting their turn to approach the docks to help evacuate the populace.