Adrian Shadows of Amn 369

The moat had been completed and filled before Adrian's arrival, and he was sure that Lord Roenall had noted it when he came to make his threats.

To that watery moat Edwin and Jan added various acids and poisons. Then they, together with Imoen, did they what they could to strengthen the walls and drawbridges with defensive runes and spells. "Fortress magic", as it was known, was a specialty of the Abjuration school, the forte of none of the three wizards. If anything, Imoen was more flexible in those matters than the other two, as a non specialized mage who could lend her cantrips to any brand of the art. Nalia gave assistance too, telling them what she knew of the castle and how it could be augmented. She never joined the party proper, but certainly she was willing--nay, eager--to aid in the defense against the hated Roenalls.

Adrian wasted no more thought on it. He spent his time inspecting the troops, and with Anomen and Korgan trying to improve their traning in what little time they had left. They were good soldiers, faithful and fervent, but they also lacked experience. Adrian dipped into his coffers to hire mercenaries, but on such short notice he only acquired a pair of toughs wielding maces and leather armor, and one experienced spearman from the south who had full plate. One of the peasants had inherited chainmail and a magical shield from some paladin ancestor; Adrian sighed and put him in training with the others, lending him a lesser magical sword out of his own treasury.

Adrian truly looked a Lord as he stalked the grounds or the battlements. Even to this day he still wore the cloakd of Baldran; it flared about him as he walked, making him seem more regal. The peasantry and farmers saw him as a true Lord and Master for the first time; their bows were sincere. Even the Major Domo gave him more honest respect, and wasn't quite so utterly fearful.

Was this what it was like for you, Sarevok? He asked within. But his brother had not answered for many tendays. He got back a vague flicker from Sarevok--wherever he was in the Outer Planes now--that seemed to say "not exactly".

He looked up to the battlments and saw Imoen wave cheerfuly down at him. She had the short bow of Gesen ready to unleash the lightning, and other party members were on call at a moment's notice.

He hoped it would be enough. He was confident in his own ability, but knew not what sort of help Lord Roenall could buy. It may be that his actions in the city would provoke the Council of Six--or rather the Four of them that were left--into lending Roenall aid to fight the "upstart rogue lord".

There was nothing left to do, but wait.

-----

"My lord!" a scout shouted as he ran up to Adrian in the courtyard four days later. "Roenall's forces approach!"

"And our own reinforcements?" Adrian turned to Korgan.

Korgan climbed the stairs to the battlements and looked out. A crazy grin split his berserker beard. "I see the sort of help ye asked for comin Adrian. A loose circle closing in. More than twenty, but couldnae tell ye how many exactly."

Adrian nodded. "Let's hope it will be enough."

----

Lord Roenall led his troops to the front gate. "I don't suppose you would be willing to surrender now, peasant?"

Adrian smiled grimly and looked from one side to the other.

Lord Roenall did likewise and gasped, then cursed.

Werewolves. Ogres. Orcs. Beasts of every sort from the Windspear Hills had come.

"You truly are a monster!" Roenall shouted at him.

"You have no idea," Adrian replied. "Let it begin!"

Roenall's forces charged at Adrian's defenders, while the monsters in turn charged Roenall's invaders.....

#1 Arcalian

#2 Guest_Lord E_*

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Adrian Shadows of Amn 369

#1 Arcalian

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