James, Baron Rothwell's son, nodded solemnly, understanding the situation. "Father, I'll do my best to ensure the safety of the citizens. We'll find refuge in the forest until the threat has passed. Take care and lead the defense with all your might."
Baron Rothwell gripped his son's shoulder with a mix of pride and concern. "You're our hope for the future, James. Go, and may the Light guide your path."
As James hurriedly organized the evacuation of the citizens through the hidden tunnel, Baron Rothwell turned to his remaining defenders. The inner city of Ember Ridge now faced the impending siege, and the odds were against them.
"We'll hold the line for as long as we can." Baron Rothwell declared, his voice unwavering despite the dire circumstances.
"Boom!" The sound of the enemy's cannon shook the ground, sending a wave of fear and dread through the defenders. Baron Rothwell looked up at the sky, where a dark cloud of smoke and fire was forming.
He knew it was only a matter of time before the walls would crumble and the enemy would swarm in. He closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer, hoping that his son and the citizens would make it to safety.
He gripped his sword and prepared to face his fate, knowing that he had done everything he could to protect his people and his land. He opened his eyes and shouted with all his strength, "For Ember Ridge!"
The defenders, inspired by Baron Rothwell's unwavering resolve, echoed his battle cry. "For Ember Ridge!" The rallying cry reverberated through the inner city, creating a surge of determination among the defenders.
As the Pinnacle Republic forces continued their relentless assault, the defenders stood firm, repelling wave after wave of attacks. Arrows soared through the air, finding their marks among the invaders, and the clash at the main gate intensified.
Baron Rothwell, at the forefront of the defense, swung his sword with precision, fending off attackers with a display of martial skill. The defenders fought with a sense of duty, their allegiance to Ember Ridge fueling their resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The sound of enemy cannon fire continued to echo through the besieged city, each explosion a stark reminder of the impending danger. The defenders, despite the deafening chaos, held their ground with unwavering determination.
Baron Rothwell, his sword gleaming in the midst of battle, shouted commands to his defenders. "Hold the line! Stand strong against the onslaught! We fight for Ember Ridge!"
The city walls shook as another round of cannon fire struck, causing portions of the defenses to crumble.
"Order the mercenary dogs to fall back and let our mighty magic cannon obliterate these pathetic worms!" Commander Alex roared to his soldier, who quickly relayed the message to the hired fighters.
The mercenary forces, having served as the initial frontline, received the command to fall back from Commander Alex. They disengaged from the battle, retreating to a safer distance as the Pinnacle Republic forces prepared to unleash their mighty magical cannon upon the defenders of Ember Ridge.
Commander Alex, with a determined gaze, ordered the soldiers manning the Arcane Thundercaster to unleash its devastating power. The magical energies within the cannon surged, and a powerful incantation filled the air.
The defenders, witnessing the preparation of the formidable weapon, knew that the incoming onslaught would test their resilience to the utmost. Baron Rothwell shouted to his remaining defenders, "Brace yourselves! Hold steady! We will face this challenge together!"
"Boom!"
"Argh!"
"M-my leg!"
"Boom!"
The Arcane Thundercaster discharged its magical energy, and a devastating beam of power struck the weakened city walls. The impact was tremendous, causing a significant portion of the defenses to crumble and creating chaos among the defenders.
The defenders closest to the blast were thrown to the ground, some die, others injured. The screams of pain and despair filled the air.
Baron Rothwell closes his eyes, there is nothing he can do but accept his death.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
In the aftermath of the devastating explosion, the once vibrant inner city of Ember Ridge lay in ruins. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring the remnants of homes and structures that had once stood proudly against the threats that faced them.
"Hmph!" Commander Alex surveyed the destruction with a smirk of satisfaction. The Arcane Thundercaster had done its job, leaving Ember Ridge in ruins. The Pinnacle Republic forces, emboldened by their apparent victory, prepared to advance further into the city.
"Commander, the city is ours now." Mayor Eldric said as the mercenaries entered the city and raised their flag.
"Indeed, Eldric. Ember Ridge will serve as a stern example to those who dare resist the might of the Pinnacle Republic," Commander Alex replied, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
As the Pinnacle Republic forces claimed victory over Ember Ridge, Commander Alex and Mayor Eldric walked through the smoldering ruins of the city. The Pinnacle Republic flag was raised high, marking their conquest.
"Commander, the citizens who survived have fled into the forest. What shall we do with them?" Mayor Eldric inquired, his voice a mix of triumph and concern.
Commander Alex, reveling in the success of their siege, contemplated the fate of the remaining citizens. "We shall leave them for now. They are no threat to us in the forest. Our main goal is to establish control over the city and ensure its complete submission."
Back in the forest, James and the surviving citizens witnessed the destruction of Ember Ridge from a safe distance. The once-proud city was reduced to rubble, a stark contrast to the vibrant place they had called home.
"We can't stay here. The Pinnacle Republic won't stop until they find and subdue us," James declared, his eyes reflecting a determination to resist.
'Father, don't worry, I will join you later, but first I will take revenge on Pinnacle Republic.' James speaks in his mind as he aims to destroy Pinnacle Republic.
James, fueled by a potent mix of grief, determination, and a thirst for revenge, led the surviving citizens deeper into the forest.