Outlander
"With all due respect," you say carefully, glancing furtively at Merida. "Hoofdown is not prepared for defense. The castles are spread apart and their are no siege fortifications. With the time we have, I suggest a full evacuation of the city."
Merida is about to interrupt when the Horsemaster raises his hand to stop her.
"I do not like the decision, Lieutenant. But it is the right one. The nation is worth nothing if I cannot save the people within it. Merida, gather the Masters and spread the word for an evacuation. The city must be empty by dawn."
Merida leaves, compliant, but unhappy. As you turn around, you find yourself wrapped in Lucia's arms.
"Thank you, Nathan," she says in your ear. "I know it was a hard decision, but it is far better than waiting in the city for the goblins to sack the castles."
You nod, squeeze her hand, and leave to help the other people. By dawn, the citizens of Hoofdown are leaving their castles behind en masse. At noon, you turn back, with Lucia behind you in the saddle and following the Horsemaster and his daughter.
This company approaches a rise that overlooks the abandoned Hoofdown. You see a black blanket swallowing the base of the castles, then you realize that is is just a swarm of goblin warriors sowing destruction. The buildings and fields are being razed, and the castles are being crumbled to dust.
Merida turns away, a tear falling down her face. The Horsemaster does not break down this way. He simply comes down from his horse, cuts his long braids off and then cuts his horse's tail down to a stump. You and Merida follow suit. When you return to the rest of the company, they will understand the significance.
Merida is about to interrupt when the Horsemaster raises his hand to stop her.
"I do not like the decision, Lieutenant. But it is the right one. The nation is worth nothing if I cannot save the people within it. Merida, gather the Masters and spread the word for an evacuation. The city must be empty by dawn."
Merida leaves, compliant, but unhappy. As you turn around, you find yourself wrapped in Lucia's arms.
"Thank you, Nathan," she says in your ear. "I know it was a hard decision, but it is far better than waiting in the city for the goblins to sack the castles."
You nod, squeeze her hand, and leave to help the other people. By dawn, the citizens of Hoofdown are leaving their castles behind en masse. At noon, you turn back, with Lucia behind you in the saddle and following the Horsemaster and his daughter.
This company approaches a rise that overlooks the abandoned Hoofdown. You see a black blanket swallowing the base of the castles, then you realize that is is just a swarm of goblin warriors sowing destruction. The buildings and fields are being razed, and the castles are being crumbled to dust.
Merida turns away, a tear falling down her face. The Horsemaster does not break down this way. He simply comes down from his horse, cuts his long braids off and then cuts his horse's tail down to a stump. You and Merida follow suit. When you return to the rest of the company, they will understand the significance.