The End of the Beggining

They say the best laid war plans don’t survive contact with the enemy and all preparations made before a battle can sometimes be for nothing. Still, one must prepare regardless, especially a city that can soon be looking at a long siege.

For weeks, the leadership of Ostiarium managed to contain the rumours of the approaching Ozainae army coming to destroy the settlement. At first it was easy to get the citizens to go about their usual business as they had done in previous years, getting the city ready and geared to survive another harsh Arcadian winter.

Crops had to be harvested, animals slaughtered, nets cast into the bay of Pearls, meat dried, smoked and salted, grains turned to flour. The Duke’s orders kept everyone busy including most new arrivals who were quickly included in the city’s affairs and day to day duties. Everyone knows idle hands lead to wandering minds and these can quickly turn to mischief. But such news and rumours can only be avoided for so long. Curfews, conscription, even The Purger’s sermon took on a more bellicose tone, if that was at all possible, reminding everyone that there was no greater honour to die defending the Pillars and the faith.

Rumors eventually began to spread like wildfire through the city, whispering of an impending invasion by a formidable enemy force. The Duke had received word of their approach, and the city's inhabitants were preparing for the inevitable siege. The streets bustled with activity as blacksmiths hammered away, forging new weapons, and repairing Armor. The marketplaces were filled with merchants stocking up on provisions, ensuring the city's stores would sustain them through the trials to come. Those that were caught fleeing the city to disappear in Arcadia were publicly flogged , hanged and quartered

Matters were further exacerbated by the loss of contact with Aquilo. The small mining settlement that was the productive heartbeat of the Ostiarium war machine went suddenly silent. Caravans with weapons stopped arriving and those that with workers and equipment were never heard of again. Sir Zane was convinced the Odonine had taken it back eager for the secrets of steel and feared the mountain tribes were either aware of the coming army and had decided to take advantage of the fact or worse, they had joined forces with the Ozainae.

Scout reports placed the army firmly to the west of the now deserted Odsier Winter pastures. Thousands upon thousands strong, mainly consisting of the desert Septs led by their Prophetess, but also supported by other small tribes, keen to come to take their pound of flesh.

There wasn’t not much the city forces could do except hope that the great flood that was rushing their way would break upon their mighty walls. After all the natives could have the numbers but the settlers had the superior technology and weapons. But of course, the great leveller would be their magik. And thus why the Purger and his forces became so important in what was to come. Plans and discussions were made to try and harass the great army that had snaked away from the Great Desert of Skulls into the southern reaches of the continent but quickly discarded. Sir Zane put it best when comparing it to the nathair-nimhe.

Now the nathair-nimhe is a snake that is found in low ridges of Garrah’s mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both. No, there wasn’t much Ostiarium could do in terms of offensive. They would have to keep their backs to the sea and face the enemy coming their way.

No diplomatic solutions, no quarter was expected. No, this would be a fight to the death… And even the Pillars doubted the chances of Ostiarium’s survival…