Mary Cruent. Month 10, Day 15, Year A.F 652. Neil Principality.
The day has turned to night, yet the war rages on. We might have pushed back the armies on our wall, but it doesn't mean the others had done the same.
As embarrassing as it sounds, we stayed in our designated position, watching and waiting as the men on the other walls suffer the brunt of the attack.
And as much as I wanted to help, my hands were tied. The Neil had its Prince and its orders were to stay where we are stationed.
An explosion erupts behind me, interrupting my thoughts. I look up to see the night sky covered in fireballs. It looks like the night bombardment has begun.
As unfortunate as it is the City doesn't have the defences against such attacks, even if it used to, no demon mages were left to counter it.
I shake my head as I walk, sensing the countless concentration of mana. This night is going to be long and loud.
Standing in front of the headquarter's door, I hear loud shouts and screams. The commanders are irate from the casualties their companies have incurred. I steel myself before opening the door.
The various commanders stop in their argument as they look at me in silence. The mood was heavy and their face of argument was replaced with shock
I point up as another explosion rock the ceiling above me and spoke dissipate the tension,
"Do we have a plan against this?"
"None so far, Miss Mary." The prince spoke in a fearful tone, his middle aged face contorting in shock, every time an explosion lands.
Another spoke up, "We were just discussing it."
I walk to the chair, their eyes still boring at me, I question their behaviour,
"Is there a problem?"
A man spoke up with a smile,
"It's no problem, Miss Mary, we were just shocked at your performance."
I look to the voice, seeing Sir Alvin, a young blonde young man with a sweet smile, I almost cringed away. It was always weird how he was sweet to everyone.
"Excuse me? I don't believe I did anything remarkable."
A boisterous laugh follows from a bearded middle-aged man, "HA! Nothing remarkable she says, if this is gonna be my competition,
I have got to retire."
A chuckle follows and a condescending voice spoke, his young apprentice mocking him,
"Don't worry old man, the fact that you sucked never really changed."
"What did you say!?"
The old man shouts back as an argument started, I shake my head, the two men speaking were Brin and Dave, a master and student. Both are capable soldiers, with battles under their belt. Though hearing their banter is a joy in these grim meetings.
A cough stops their argument and a young red demoness spoke, "I believe we are still on a meeting." Her glare silences any rebuttals.
Lady Ivrida, one of the few demons that chose to work as a mercenary, instead of joining the retinues that tried to recruit her. A capable mage, certainly up there in terms of strength.
The Prince coughs as well, hoping to keep the small pride he has left, after his disastrous decision, resulting in his retinue's demise, "Yes, I think it's best we start discussing our battle plans."
A fist slam to the table and Brin shouts, "Then we fucking fight them, smashing their heads in, while we still have the chance."
Dave nods to his words, "Despite the old man's way of saying it. It is the best bet we have. After all, we either die here, burnt and starving or we take the battle to them."
"Oh, really? Then would you be willing to take the lead?" Alvin glares at them, looking at them in contempt.
The sentence stumps the two men, their expression a bit disgruntled, ready to argue against him. He does have a point, no one wants to throw their men into what could be seen as the riskiest move.
Ivrida spoke, interrupting their impending argument, "Let us instead use that as a last resort, any wrong moves now will result in our death."
Seeing a perfect time, I spoke up, "I mean, we're still holding them back, Right?"
Alvin replied, "Quite true, and with our supplies lasting us for a month of siege. I'm sure they're panicking."
Ivrida interjects, her face stern, "In their hurry, they'll make a mistake, one which we can
capitalize on."
I shrug as I look to our benefactor, "But are you willing to wait that long? Prince?"
After all, we are paid by the day, the longer this war goes, the bigger money he'll lose.
The prince shrinks at our stare as he mutters, "I think it will be for the best if we try to at least get
the best deal.
He mutters to himself, "So I can at least make some money"
We furrow a brow at his words, leaving us with a bit of worry that his coffers will be unable to pay us the due we deserve. He shrinks as he spoke in a panic.
"Oh, yes, yes. I forgot your payment for this week and the last few weeks." He stood up as he went for the door.
Seeing our expressions, he exits the door in a panic. "I'll have it sent to your camp before
the sun rises."
The weird behaviour makes me look around the room, Brin and Dave look irritated, while Alvin and Ivrida have unreadable expressions.
Thinking this was the right time to ask this question, "Do you guys think he still has the money?"
"Nope."
"Fuck No"
"I hope so."
"Unlikely."
I sigh, so it wasn't just me. I look up, "What should we do then?"
Alvin replies, "Shouldn't we just open up the gates? I mean this" An explosion once more rock the room, "Isn't exactly a situation I want to be stuck in."
Brin followed, "Can't we just extort the guy for money? We'll at least get our week's worth before getting the hell out."
Dave rolls his eyes, "And get blacklisted? No thanks, Id rather have work after this."
Before the three men could argue, Ivrida spoke in an authoritative tone. silencing their debate.
"No, We wait for him to break his contract."