Rajar and Nala encountered an incoming cavalry unit. The Storm Bull managed to somehow make a large u-turn on Vengeance in a bid to lure the cavalry back towards the Esrolian troops at the gate. Nala and Tiwr had no difficulties following suit, much more nimbly. Although they made efforts to use the massive statues for cover, their attackers also made efforts to use the two Praxians for target practice, lighting them up with a Sunbright spell. Arrows (including some on fire) flew at them several times. Although some bounced, at least one Tarshite arrow found purchase in flesh, wounding Nala badly.
Closer to the gate, Suuraki, mounted on his High Llama, took advantage of the elevation to shoot at the enemy forces, putting two or three arrows into the mass of horse and rider, and doing some damage in the press.
Xenofos chased down his horse, then gracefully leapt into his saddle and followed the Esrolian cavalry, who had dashed left from the gate, rallying them.
Berra was charging up the stairs, invoking the terrible powers of her god as she ran. The Humakti made short work of the first to stand in her way, cutting his arm off and demanding his surrender to get him out of the way as fast as possible. The Babeester Gor shock troops followed her.
Meanwhile, both Maalira and Valseena were frantically trying to heal the rising number of injured. Chalana Arroy’s initiate did not discriminate, caring for warriors from both sides of the conflict. Valseena, follower of the great and wise Eiritha focussed more closely on her own herd, attempting to heal wounded infantry. One of the people taken prisoner by Berra also threw himself on Maalira’s mercy, potentially causing a marvellous problem later.
Varanis called on Orlanth and leapt to the top of the wall. She made the honourable choice to ignore the warrior whose back was turned and instead attacked one who met her face on. They exchanged blows several times, before the Vingan struck his head and he tumbled from the wall. On the ground, still some distance away, Rajar called out a warning about the cavalry. Varanis heard and took up the cry, but below, Maalira misheard her. The White Lady thought Varanis was mortally wounded and charged towards the stairs in hope of saving her. The warrior who had just lost his arm clung to Maalira’s robe, begging for sanctuary.
Before Nala retreated to seek out a healer, the shaman called on Maran Gor to open a chasm in front of the lead cavalry. Several fell, wounding horses and riders badly and trapping them for the time being. About half of the attacking cavalry made it over the chasm, as the second rank had time to jump. Three of them punched through the Esrolian infantry, causing some havoc behind the lines.
Still amongst the infantry, Valseena spotted Nala and pushed her way through to aid the injured shaman. While it took several tries, between them, Valseena, Nala, and Tiwr were able to repair the damage to Nala’s leg.
Xenofos, both scribe and cavalryman, sang the battle song of the Greens, inspiring himself and the Esrolian cavalry to plunge into glorious battle. Shining and fierce, they charged! Should anyone survive this conflict, surely songs will be sung in their honour.
Rajar and Vengeance connected with the three warriors who had broken through. Suuraki shifted to his dagger-axe, then made a rather spectacular, if unintentional, dismount.
On the wall, Berra spotted the local High Sword, Gallem, charging in her direction with his guards at his heels. She closed the distance between them, hardly pausing to cut a man in half and take the pressure off Koraki. Maalira dived into the melee to help heal Koraki.
As Gallem approached Berra called for his surrender in in the name of the Household of Death. He called her to surrender in the name of the God, and neither of them did. Instead they exchanged blows. The Sword Lord shattered Wind Tooth with his greatsword, but Berra swapped Lord Eril’s sword into her right hand and continued to attack.
Varanis leapt overhead, to land on the other side of the cluster of Humakti, attempting unsuccessfully to hit one of them on her way past. Her battle cry was a call to Vinga and Kallyr. Koraki, now bleeding a little less, swept into the fray. The other Vingan bodyguard either flew or leapt around the walls.
