As the night settled over IronFord and the remnants of the second wave retreated, Trax returned to Dras and Maris. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city's defenses. Dras and Maris stood ready, their weariness hidden behind their resolute expressions. Trax's footsteps echoed in the quiet as he approached.
"Still holdin' up, I see," Trax remarked.
Dras nodded, his gaze steady. "We've weathered the day and now the night. What's next, Trax?"
Trax leaned against the wall, his eyes scanning the horizon. "It's well into the night, and they'll try to keep us on our toes. Don't expect a full assault, but they might throw somethin' at us. Just be wary."
Maris, adjusting his stance, spoke up. "What do you think they'll try?"
Trax's lips quirked in a rueful smile. "Goblins are crafty. They might not attack from where you expect. Keep an eye on the walls – they could use grappling hooks to get over."
Dras exchanged a glance with Maris before turning back to Trax. "We'll watch the walls closely."
Trax's gaze returned to the two defenders, his expression serious. "And they might try to weaken our resolve. Taunts, magic – anythin' to unsettle us. Stay focused."
Maris nodded firmly. "We won't let 'em get to us."
Trax's nod was approving. "Good. We've got this city to protect, and we won't back down."
With that, Trax turned and began to walk away, his figure disappearing into the shadows. Dras and Maris exchanged determined looks, their resolve strengthened by Trax's words.
__________
In the quiet hours of the night, the squad's watch rotation swung into action. Maris swapped positions with Alia, allowing the latter to take over her shift. Meanwhile, Dras assumed the second watch alongside Alia. As the city's bustling activity gave way to stillness, they found themselves with a moment to talk.The night enveloped Dras and Alia in a shroud of tranquility, a temporary respite from the relentless turmoil of the day. They leaned against the cool stone wall, sharing tales of their shared past, their voices like whispers in the dark.
Alia's eyes glimmered with fond recollections as she spoke, "Remember our village? My father working at the forge, shaping metal with his skilled hands. I used to watch him, fascinated by the sparks and the way he brought creations to life."
Dras nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, those were simpler times. Your father was a master of his craft."
Alia's fingers unconsciously brushed against the warhammer at her side, her smile softening. "He taught me more than just how to wield a hammer. He taught me about dedication and the power of creation."
Her smile dimmed, a shadow of sorrow crossing her features, unnoticed by Dras. "I miss him," she confessed quietly. "Especially now, after what happened in Kellis. He's most likely... gone."
Dras's gaze softened, his hand finding its way to her shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "I'm sorry, Alia. Losing someone you care about is never easy."
Gratitude gleamed in Alia's eyes as they met his. "Thank you, Dras. But we can't change what's happened. All we can do is face what's ahead, together."
His innocence to her deeper feelings was both endearing and frustrating. As they conversed, Alia's heart carried unspoken sentiments, a blend of affection and empathy. Yet, she cherished these moments, when they could stand shoulder to shoulder, united against a world that demanded them to mature well beyond their years.
Dras's thoughts shifted to his own father. "My father," he added, a touch of nostalgia tinging his voice. "He was often out hunting, providing our village with fresh game. A sturdy man with a strong sense of duty."
Alia's head tilted, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Sounds like he cared deeply for our village."
Dras nodded, a wistful glint in his gaze. "Yeah, he did. He had a way of making everyone feel secure, as if he was watching over all of us."
As the night wrapped around them like a protective cloak, Alia's gaze held an earnest curiosity. "So, what's next for you, Dras? Once all of this is over?"
Dras's brows furrowed slightly as he pondered her question. "Well, my priority is finding my sister. She's out there somewhere, and I won't rest until she's safe. I inherited that estate from my uncle, but honestly, I'm not sure where home really is anymore. I just want my sister to have a place where she's secure."
Alia's eyes softened as she regarded him, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "That's admirable, Dras. Your sister is lucky to have you looking out for her."
A fleeting smile graced Dras's lips. "I hope she thinks the same way."
Before their conversation could deepen further, a sudden disturbance shattered the tranquil night. An arrow whistled through the air, burying itself in a stone pillar nearby. The chilling cry of "NIGHT RAID!" pierced the air, jolting Dras and Alia into action. They quickly roused the rest of the squad, their urgency palpable.
As the night sky stretched onward, a new threat emerged on the horizon. Dras and the squad exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them as they prepared for the next wave of adversaries. The battlefield came alive with movement, the enemy army steadily advancing under the cover of darkness.
"Get ready, everyone," Dras called out, his voice steady and resolute. "This is it. Let's show them what we're made of."
The third wave was a formidable mix of foes, a united front of Orcs, Dwarves, and Goblins advancing relentlessly towards the city's defenses. Flares of magic burst forth from IronFord, cutting through the night like shards of light and illuminating the chaos that unfolded. The sky danced with hues of arcane energy, a dazzling display of power and might.
From the city walls, the Dwarven defenders sprang into action. Their cannons roared to life, sending thunderous blasts that reverberated through the air. The night was set ablaze with bursts of fire and smoke as the cannons rained down destruction upon the enemy forces. Alongside the cannons, flamethrowers spewed forth torrents of flames, creating a wall of searing heat that pushed back any foes daring to approach the walls.
"Keep those flames going!" Maris shouted, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of battle. His hands moved with practiced precision, manipulating the flamethrower's controls to unleash torrents of fire. Beside him, Vara worked in tandem, her focus unwavering as she directed the flames towards the advancing horde.
Arrows whistled through the air, finding their marks among the enemy ranks. Lorn, perched on the ramparts, drew his bow with practiced ease. "Pick your targets, stay focused!" he shouted to his fellow archers. His fingers deftly released arrows one after another, each shot finding its mark with deadly accuracy.
The night air crackled with the clash of weapons and the resonance of battle cries. Axes swung, swords clashed, and spells erupted in bursts of energy. Amidst the chaos, Dras fought with unwavering determination, his rapier a blur as he parried and struck, his movements a dance of precision and agility.
The Chaos Dwarves revealed their own formidable weapons, rolling out portable cannons and taking aim at specific sections of the wall flanking the gate. A Dwarf standing nearby gestured urgently, "They're targeting the rooms where the mechanisms controlling the gate are. If they breach those, IronFord's defenses will crumble!"
Dras swiftly relayed orders to his squad, their determination unshaken as they understood the gravity of the situation. "Focus on those Chaos Dwarves! We can't let them break through," he commanded.
As the chaos raged around them, the squad directed their efforts towards the Chaos Dwarves operating the cannons. Arrows flew, aiming to disrupt their precision. Alia's aim remained steady as she let loose her arrows, each one a precise shot towards the enemy. Amidst the flurry of battle, the sound of grappling hooks clattering against stone reached their ears.
"Hooks! Over there!" Maris shouted, pointing to the edges of the wall where the hooks had been thrown. The squad moved quickly, axes and swords in hand, to sever the ropes before the enemies could ascend. Their movements were swift and determined, the urgency of the situation lending them an adrenaline-fueled agility.
But even in their skilled defense, one grappling hook held firm. Before they could react, a burly Orc clambered over the wall, its hulking form an imposing sight. Dras and Maris sprang into action, engaging the intruder in fierce combat. Alia, her eyes fixed on her task, rushed forward to sever the rope that had allowed the Orc access.
In the midst of battle, the clash of weapons and the roar of conflict filled the air. Dras and Maris fought side by side, their movements synchronized as they countered the Orc's onslaught. With determined teamwork, they managed to subdue the foe, sending the defeated Orc crashing back to the ground outside the city walls.
For hours that felt like an eternity, the night became a canvas of turmoil and determination. Flares illuminated the sky, and explosions echoed across the battlefield as IronFord's defenders stood unwavering. Dras and his squad held the line, repelling wave after wave of adversaries with unwavering resolve. As the first rays of dawn painted the horizon, they looked out upon a battlefield littered with the fallen, a testament to their unyielding defense.
Exhausted but not defeated, they stood together, their camaraderie unbroken. The third wave of enemy forces had been repelled, the city's walls still standing tall. As the dawn's light pierced through the darkness, Dras and his squad knew that their fight was far from over. With grim determination, they prepared for the battles that still lay ahead, united in their quest to protect IronFord at all costs. The sun's rays cast long shadows upon the battlefield, painting a scene of devastation and resilience.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle began to fade, the defenders caught their breath. Amidst the chaos, the squad gathered, their faces smudged with dirt and sweat, yet their eyes still burned with unwavering resolve. Alia, her warhammer in hand, looked around at her companions with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. "We held the line," she said, her voice tinged with a sense of pride.
Dras nodded, a weary yet satisfied smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "We did. But we know this is just the beginning. They won't give up easily."
Maris leaned on his bow, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. "We can't afford to let our guard down. They'll keep coming."
As the night gradually waned, fatigue crept upon them like a heavy fog. The tumultuous battle, a relentless whirlwind of action, had begun to take its toll. Their movements slowed slightly, and they found moments of respite between volleys of arrows and clashes of weapons.
Dras, recognizing the signs of exhaustion in his comrades, raised his voice above the clamor. "Let's take a moment to rest," he suggested, his words carrying a note of weariness that resonated with the squad. Alia's warhammer rested against her shoulder as she nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the same sentiment.
They eased into a huddle against the city wall, their backs shielded by stone. Shields were propped up, offering a makeshift barrier between them and the ongoing chaos. The weight of their weapons seemed to intensify with each passing moment, yet the respite was a welcome pause.
The first rays of dawn painted the horizon, bathing the scene in a soft, golden light. Dras and his squad allowed their eyes to close, exhaustion pulling at them like an unseen force. The echoes of battle, once so overpowering, gradually faded into the background. The moments of rest offered a fleeting escape, a chance to recharge before the sun fully rose, and the relentless struggle for IronFord's survival would resume once more.