Kayl stood at the highest point of the watchtower, his eyes fixed on the darkening horizon where the sun had just set beyond the distant mountains. The wind howled softly through the stone walls, carrying with it the faint rustle of the banners that flew above the settlement of Eagle's Reach.
The town below bustled with last-minute preparations. Eagle's Reach had grown from a small settlement into a formidable fortress—its tall walls and watchtowers offering a vantage point that allowed them to see for miles in every direction. The name had come from the strategic location itself, perched on a high plateau that overlooked the surrounding forests and foothills. Like the eagle that graced their crest, they could see their enemies long before they arrived and strike swiftly when the moment was right.
The crest of Eagle's Reach fluttered on the banners lining the walls, a fierce golden eagle in mid-flight, its talons gripping a shield and spear, ready to strike. Its wings curved into a protective arc, symbolizing the settlement's defense, while the sharp spear represented their ability to hit fast and hard. The gold and crimson of the crest shimmered in the torchlight, bold colors that reflected their power and the blood shed to protect what they had built.
Kayl traced his fingers along the stone wall, his mind racing as he watched the approaching Xavarian forces on the horizon. His heart was steady, but his thoughts buzzed with the weight of responsibility. He had summoned all the soldiers he could, and the walls of Eagle's Reach stood tall, but doubt gnawed at the edges of his mind.
"Are we ready?" Kayl asked quietly as Rael and Tessa joined him on the watchtower.
Tessa's eyes swept over the settlement, her expression unreadable. "We've done everything we can. The archers are stationed at the walls, and the Shadowblades are ready for infiltration. But… it's not going to be easy. They're sending more than we thought."
Rael crossed his arms, his face hard. "They underestimated us, but even this smaller force still outnumbers us three to one."
Kayl's jaw tightened. He had hoped the reinforcements he was about to summon—1,000 Swordsmen, 1,000 Archers, 1,000 Spearmen, and 150 Knights—would even the odds. But even with these additions, the Xavarians still vastly outnumbered them. But it was the only chance they had.
"I'll make the summons," Kayl said, turning toward the summoning chamber. "Get the others ready for deployment."
Summoning the Final Troops
Kayl descended from the watchtower and entered the summoning chamber. The air inside was heavy with the weight of the magic that had filled the room during the recent mass summonings. The rune circle on the ground pulsed softly with power, and Kayl knew that the final preparations had to be made.
He closed his eyes, reaching out to the system with his mind.
System Summoning Available:
• Swordsmen – Tier 1
• Spearmen – Tier 1
• Archers – Tier 1
• Knights – Tier 2
The light in the chamber flickered, responding to his command. Kayl's voice was calm but filled with purpose.
"Summon 1,000 Swordsmen, 1,000 Spearmen, 1,000 Archers, and 150 Knights."
The rune circle glowed brighter as the system responded.
Summoning in Progress
Swordsmen (1,000)
Spearmen (1,000)
Archers (1,000)
Knights (150)
The air in the chamber crackled with magic as the soldiers began to materialize, their armor and weapons gleaming under the flickering torchlight. The ranks of Swordsmen and Spearmen formed up quickly, disciplined and silent, their shields raised and weapons ready. The Archers took their place behind them, bows in hand, their faces calm and focused.
But it was the Knights that drew Kayl's attention. Mounted atop massive, armored warhorses, each knight carried a long lance and a gleaming sword. Their armor was heavier than that of the other troops, designed to withstand the most brutal of attacks. The horses, covered in steel plate, pawed the ground eagerly, their eyes fierce and determined.
The knights stood as the final line of defense—Eagle's Reach's shock cavalry, capable of breaking through enemy lines with sheer force. Their arrival bolstered the ranks of the settlement's army, bringing the total to:
• Swordsmen: 1,500
• Spearmen: 1,500
• Archers: 1,500
• Knights: 150
• Militia: 500
• Shadowblades: 50
Outnumbered but Not Outmatched
With his army assembled, Kayl returned to the walls. The Xavarian army was closer now, the crimson banners of their empire moving like a sea of blood through the forest. Even from this distance, Kayl could see the disciplined ranks of Xavarian soldiers—well-trained and well-equipped, their armor gleaming in the fading light.
Rael joined him, his expression grim. "Even their small force is overwhelming."
Kayl nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he studied the enemy formation. The Xavarians outnumbered them three to one, and the fact that this was only a small contingent meant the empire didn't consider them a significant threat. But they would learn.
"We don't have to defeat their whole army," Kayl said, his voice quiet but filled with resolve. "We just need to break their spirit."
Rael raised an eyebrow. "And how do we do that?"
Kayl's gaze remained fixed on the approaching enemy. "We'll hit them before they reach the walls. We'll harass them, whittle down their numbers, and take out their leadership. If we can break their chain of command, they'll be in chaos by the time they reach us."
Rael nodded, a hint of approval in his voice. "It'll buy us time."
Kayl turned to Tessa, who was overseeing the placement of archers along the walls. "Tessa, prepare the archers. We'll need them in the trees. And make sure the Shadowblades are ready. This will be our first strike."
Tessa gave a sharp nod. "Consider it done."
Kayl's eyes flickered back to the horizon, where the Xavarian army continued its steady march toward Eagle's Reach. His heart was steady now, his mind clear.
They may be outnumbered. The Xavarians may have the advantage of numbers and resources.
But Eagle's Reach had something else—its people, its walls, and the strength of those who called it home.
And Kayl would make sure that the Xavarians would never forget the day they faced the eagle's reach.