Powder, Smoke and a touch of Magic

Chapter 24: Garth's Gamble Part 1

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Captain Garth stood alongside his sergeant, Clovis, amidst the preparations for battle. The camp buzzed with activity as soldiers readied themselves and siege weapons were positioned.

Clovis studied the battle map intently before turning to Garth. "They won't know what hit them once we unleash the flaming ballistae," he remarked with a smirk.

Garth nodded in agreement. "Indeed," he replied, his gaze fixed on the map. "What are our numbers looking like?"

Clovis glanced at the troop count and estimated, "The villagers have around 80 troops. They may lack our training, but those strange weapons of theirs give them an advantage."

Garth listened intently, considering their strategy. "And our men?"

"We have 200, sir," Clovis answered. "We've reinforced our shields to withstand their attacks and close the gap."

Garth's brow furrowed slightly as he pondered their next move. "Do we have a magician among us?" he inquired.

Clovis shook his head. "Not a dedicated one, sir. But I am adept at the arcane arts and can assist in that capacity."

Garth nodded approvingly. "Good. Command the other battle group and prepare to advance," he ordered, stepping out of the tent to oversee the final preparations.

As Garth surveyed the camp, his mind focused on the impending clash with the villagers of Carvahall. With Clovis by his side, he felt confident in their chances of victory. The stage was set for a decisive confrontation, and Garth was determined to emerge triumphant.

Captain Garth, determined and resolute, raised his sword high, signaling the charge to his troops. Simultaneously, the massive siege weapons, two ballistae and a catapult, were unveiled, a gift from the Lord of Teirm. The tension in the air grew palpable as the assault on Carvahall's palisade began.

As the catapult released a flaming barrel, it soared through the air, leaving a trail of fire. Upon impact, a deafening explosion erupted, shattering the wooden wall near one of the watchtowers. The explosion obliterated the tower, debris scattered in all directions, and the unfortunate villager sentry stationed there was instantly claimed by the chaotic eruption.

Garth, atop his horse, observed the destructive power of the catapult with a sense of grim satisfaction. The successful breach in the palisade was a testament to the might he wielded. As the remnants of the exploded watchtower smoldered, Garth heard the sound of bells echoing from within the village.

Determined to stay at the forefront of the assault, Garth spurred his horse forward, riding alongside his infantry who led the main charge. The rhythmic pounding of hooves and the clamor of armored boots echoed through the valley as the combined force of Garth's troops approached the breached palisade.

As both Captain Garth and Sergeant Clovis's battle groups closed in on the breached palisade, the relentless barrage of flaming bolts from the ballistae in the background continued. The bolts pounded the palisade, creating small breaches in some areas and setting others ablaze. The catapult, stationed further back, hurled fiery projectiles that impacted houses in the village, contributing to the chaos of the battle.

The approaching armies, a tide of armored soldiers, surged through the breach, overwhelming the approximately 8 stationed villagers with sheer numbers. The clash was swift and brutal, as Garth's and Clovis's men cut down the defenders efficiently. The air was thick with the scent of smoke from the burning structures and the acrid tang of battle.

Amidst the melee, Garth called out to Sergeant Clovis over the din of combat. "Clovis! We need to secure two key locations to seize control of the village – Horst's forge and Morn's tavern!"