The elven attackers were just outside the gates. They had already surrounded some roadworkers, and were about to go in for the kill. Minty, Atomikus, and Nimby were still sparring just inside the fortress walls. I thought they were completely unaware, but much to my surprise, they proved themselves as the well-practiced, committed soldiers they are. Before I had a chance to make a sound or point or even finish a breath, The Gilded Men had halted their sparring and were barreling out the gates, straight into the enemy.



My heart skipped a beat as I saw our brave soldiers collide with the enemy, some still emerging from concealment. I remembered reading the reports of the last time our fighters had directly engaged the enemy, and the losses we had taken. I watched in horror as weapons were drawn, weapons of steel, wielded by both us and our foes. And then, just as the battle began, more of the enemy crawled out of the swamp, seemingly appearing from nowhere.



Steel flashed about between the combatants. Blood sprayed through the air. Limbs were severed and flung from the battle. Screams of pain and death filled the air. I could hardly move, much less comprehend what was happening. All I knew was that death was at the gates of our home. And then, almost as soon as it had begun, it was over.

Kikka wrote :-

You are already cancelling task