It was a simple, unstoppable act that changed the nature of the siege and cut at the farmers and the simple people of the fortress more effectively than all the military victories that could be scored.
The first fires were visible to the northeast. Birdhead town, the furthest east of the fortress' communities, was put to the torch before morning creased the sky, and the last watch saw the town burn, just two leagues from the walls.
Just as the sun began to cast forth a ruddy light, Bixue village went up to the west. By then, the walls of the fortress were lined with farm folk. Then Ningjing village went up the flames.
