Lucy Wickshire

Walter rode to the outskirts of the city, waiting for soldiers he had ordered to arrive. He was positioned under a shade with a silent D'huile behind him. Soon, sounds of arriving horses could be heard from afar. After waiting a while, he saw the Juhntt soldiers arrive with their commander; Walter's second-in-commander.

They arrived and stared at Walter with hostility.

"You must be Lord Steinhouse. We were supposed to meet you at the camp, but you called us out here." the commander said with a soft laugh. One could see ridicule in his eyes. Walter almost sighed inwardly; he had no idea how to deal with soldiers.

"You have laid siege on the Westforte castle, yes?" Walter asked.

"I wish my men win this battle without a scratch. Or you think not?" he asked.

"You will be waiting your entire life then. They have enough food to last them a life time." Walter said mildly.

"We researched how much food they have and have poisoned their farms. They have highest a week or two. Lord Steinhouse, in war, one must do the leg work and gather information first." the commander said condescendingly.

"There are tunnels outside the rocks by the north of this city. The city mayor has been supplying them with enough food and weapons. When they transport all the arrows tonight, they will open their doors the next day and fight you." Walter said slowly and he commander frowned.

"Where did you get this information? This city is part of the kingdom of Igar. They would not interfere with this war." he said.

"The city mayor is his second cousin. I have arranged for you and a handful of soldiers to replace the suppliers tonight. When you arrive, you should shorten their supplies. That way you can get home faster." Walter said and the commander paused. He did not like snotty lords who had never fought in their life, appearing and taking charge; but he had to admit that the lord before him did his research. He sneered in his head; at least he is contributing.

"Men! Move to the rocks on the north side and wait for instructions!" he ordered and the soldiers obeyed immediately. The commander was left behind with Walter. Walter only glanced at him, before he turned and rode back into the city. He did not waste time talking and introduced the commander to the mayor's guards in charge of handling the delivery.

It was now a matter of waiting for night to arrive. The commander had asked Walter if he would join them, but Walter declined.