The Marquise's Ambitions (Part 2)

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Our impromptu force arrived at the vicinity of the town of Cullen just in time, as the mercenaries were about to launch an assault against the defenders. We could tell from their formations that this was a determined attack, and the wooden palisades surrounding the place did not allow the town militia to mount an effective defense.

The Marquise of Monfort and I carefully crept into a hidden spot behind a copse of trees a few distances away from the immediate battle site. We asked the rest of the paladins to hide themselves a little far from our current position since Cullen was surrounded by a wide prairie, and surprise attacks and ambushes won't work here.

"What can you see?" I asked the Marquise. By the way, aside from being the captain of the Paladin Corps, she was also a capable scout. The reason behind that was her ability to cast the 'Sharp Eyes' magic spell, which improves her range, as well as line of sight.

"They bear weapons."

I got a bit pissed when she said, "Yeah, I know that, but of what type?" This wasn't a time for jokes, Lady Monfort!

"Swords, spears...and maces?"

"Magicians?"

"There were a few."

"Archers?"

"They got several at the back of their line."

"How about cavalry?"

"None...oh wait, I see one! I think that's the commander...or I could be wrong."

I quickly shifted from my hiding spot to confirm the Marquise's sighting, "Yep, I guess it's the commander alright. His gestures suggest that he's the one giving instructions. Could you estimate their numbers from observation alone, Lady Monfort?"

"That group alone maybe about a hundred or two? Plus, the archers on their rear line, that would put their numbers to around 250 or 260? Again, it's a rough estimate."

"How about their armor?"

"Hmm...most were wearing leather armor, and a few possessed lamellar armor used by the elves from Cherwoods."

"Oh, really? Could you tell if there were elves in that group?"

"I think I saw one or two earlier."

"Anything on the defenders?"

"Do we really have to check on that?"

"Of course! We need to know how long they could hold out."

The Marquise rolled her eyes and went back to her scouting, "Kuro, the town militia were armed with swords and spears as well. However, I could tell that they're exhausted, and their number was few...possibly some of them were manning the main gate, and was obscured from my sight."

"Alright, let's get back quickly." I tapped on her shoulder, "Their attack could start any moment now, and we should join the fray to relieve the garrison as soon as possible."

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Back with the other paladins, who were impatient to attack, the Marquise told them the information we gathered. At once, the ladies were quick to act. However, I asked their captain to hold them back for a bit more.

"What? You just told me earlier that we should make haste, or they could begin their assault soon!"

"Well, I said that." I explained to the Marquise, "However, we need to plan our course of action, guys!"

"Nonsense!" another paladin interrupted me, "You may have had the trust of Her Holiness, but certainly not us! Who are you to keep on acting like you're our captain?"

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