Heart of Flame

XXXI. To Victory

"It's late, Daag. The battle is at dawn. We need sleep," Murdak groused as he took a seat at the small table. The human lords were still filtering in, though there was no expectation that the Queen of Yssa or the Lady Penitent were joining them. Both would need their rest if they were going to confront the possible dangers of the Black City. It was also Sorne's understanding that the two women needed a few more moments together before what was likely death.

"We have a problem," Daag said, rolling out the map of Losena and the surrounding area. "Lieren and Vaeroth just came back from scouting with Azgar. The siege engines have been battering at the north side of the city, which is hardly a surprise, but they've made far more progress on one section than anticipated. One of the towers is going to collapse in a few hours."

Murdak let out a sharp hiss of breath. "Before the army's ready to move. We marched all day. If we bring the full force to bear now, we won't be able to sustain any kind of effort long. Everyone is tired."

"There is a shard of Deus in the heart of Losena," Lieren said. "If they reach it, we will be defeated and the east lost, no matter how long our army holds."

Sorne felt the muscles in her jaw tighten. "They could be delayed if those siege engines were attacked. Do enough damage to them and they'll have to rely on the trebuchets to bring it down...trebuchets that will be ours at dawn. Daag, when will the tower fall?"

"Maybe an hour or two before dawn under the assault from both trebuchets and the rams, if they work at it all through the night. Losena is sturdy, for a human city," the dwarf said.

"We should assume that they will keep it up," Murdak said, frustration coming to life. He slammed his fist down on the table hard enough to make it shudder. "Damn it! It will be over before it begins. We cannot muster the army."

Daag shrugged a little bit. "Disable the rams and it'll take twice as long, if the gods are kind. That's long enough for us to take the trebuchets."

"I'll go," Sorne said, her eyes fixed on the map. "Nirsal and I, some njoshari, some giants, some footmen, maybe a mage or two...if we break the rams like Daag says, we can delay the legions long enough for you all to do the rest."

Murdak looked at her, his face softening with worry. "You'd be more than a mile from reinforcements, facing all seven Princes. Hell, you'll pop up practically in one's face. That's certain death. I can't ask you to do that, Sorne."

"Good thing you don't have to," Sorne said with a grim smile. "If they aren't stopped, everyone dies. Give me a little bit to get some volunteers and get moving. Lady Lieren, could your people send us near the siege towers?"

"A score or two," Lieren said with a nod. "We could not move more. Your giants will need to be in their lesser forms as well."

"We are placing a good deal of faith on the shoulders of very few," King Philippe said as he studied Sorne and then Murdak. "Is this wise?"

"If it were anyone else, I'd say no," Murdak answered. "But Sorne hasn't let me down once and I don't think she's about to start."

"Wasn't planning on it," Sorne said, relaxing slightly now that her fate was decided. She had been worried she might have to fight with the orc warleader more.

"Give me a few minutes to gather my people," Lieren said. "I have no doubt you must do the same."

"Indeed." Sorne dipped her head politely to the delegates present. "It will be done. I wish you the gods' favor, in this as in all things." She turned and ducked out of the tent, heading back towards the camps of the orcish hordes. Her first task would be finding some orc njoshari who were interested, which wouldn't be difficult. She knew that as soon as Áshildr got word of it, the giant would be jumping at the chance. Sorne had a few other names in mind already. The majority of her people would be going with Vakr, but a few could be trusted to wade into these odds.