The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the battlefield that lay before the Swamp Village. The air was thick with tension as Ashen, standing atop the highest tower, watched the Ironclad Dominion's forces assembling. The distant clang of metal and the rumble of siege engines filled the air, a prelude to the impending assault.
Jaecar, ever vigilant, returned from his final scouting mission. "They're deploying their heavy siege engines to the west. We're looking at trebuchets and battering rams. Their elite soldiers are leading the charge, backed by infantry."
Ashen nodded, his mind racing. He turned to Michael, who stood ready beside him. "We'll need to draw their forces into the traps Heqet has prepared. If we can funnel them through the narrow passes, their numbers won't matter as much."
Michael's expression was grim. "It's going to be a bloodbath, Ashen. We need to be ready for anything."
