Helluddar Krögen XIX's page

The King's look hardens as Niyut and Malthazir describe the icy foes to the north. He cares little to decipher the darting looks between the oracle and the elf. "If they travel down the river, then it is true that our walls will not hold them from the city, but perhaps the palace walls will hold. Some magic still resides there," Helluddar responds. Turning to Sir Kümmel, the King continues. "Günenwhey and Häfenóst were to bring their men up the lift to help secure the northern gates. Tell the Graves to deploy their men on either side of the river from the walls to the palace. As more of the army arrives, they should secure the remainder of the river up to the falls.". The knight nods to his liege and, glancing at Niyut, spurs his horse into a gallop.

I do not know your plans from here, and you are not under my command," Helluddar concedes as he returns his attention to the group. "But, would you find Rhykal at the Tower of Conjuration? And ask her to send the Archuses. Any wards and protections they can provide will be most welcome. Also, bid her to hasten her departure from her Tower and from Earthenwork."

As the group follow the lead of Lüendolf Kümmel and make their way towards the king, the see a pair of well armored knights approach Helluddar to converse. They point back towards the palace and speak with exagerated gestures while the king listens intently. At last he speaks just as you approach within earshot.

"No, no... send the elderly, children and mothers first. Commoners... nobility... slaves... Aertens... or any other race of the gods... it makes no difference. Keep it orderly, no favoritism. All must be evacuated. Anyone else able to wield a sword or otherwise fight stays for now. As for the royal court and the nobility, Prince Jannik and my brother will stay with us. Princess Anelei and Leonhard’s daughter, Giseila, must make the trip immediately. Appoint a knight as personal guard for each and send a squad of King's Guard with them. Lady Sabine is free to make her own choice, but if she stays, her son Didrik must surely go. Lady Lieselle and her young children have no choice; they must go as well," Helluddar commands in a resolute tone. The elder of the two commanders bows his head in deference. The king continues, turning his attention to a younger knight, "Thank you, for volunteering, Sir Cássyon. Once the royal court is through the Circle, you follow them with a legion of the City Command. The Hazard is unsure what defense, if any, Talanor has. Secure a place for our people to house. Look to Princess Anelei to rule in my stead." The two commanders nod in unison and turn their horses to leave. "And Cássyon... if he lives, find Gunther at the Bright Tower. If Earthenwork falls, he's third in line," the king shouts after the two men. Sir Cássyon shouts back, "For Haemil!"

Helluddar turns his attention to the group, "We cannot thank you enough. Many of the nobles and their people have arrived, but we are outnumbered by the gnolls. And while the walls of Earthenwork still hold the bulk of their army at bay, many of them have found their way into the lower city. We have pulled back to the lifts and will soon have our forces in the upper city. Disabling the lifts will halt their advancement... but I hear you have seen visions of giants coming from the mountains. What can you tell me?"