Final preparations

As the people and Holy Knights prepared for the impending battle, a sense of urgency hung in the air.

Esther, accompanied by the knights, walked through the narrow, winding streets, strategizing and coordinating their defense. The once bustling alleyways were transformed into fortifications, with barricades strategically placed to channel the enemy forces into predetermined routes.

Half of the residents worked side by side with the knights, carrying heavy objects to reinforce the barricades. Their faces etched with determination, they understood the importance of their roles in this critical moment.

Esther, her voice filled with both gratitude and resolve, praised their efforts.

"My dear friends," she spoke, her voice echoing through the maze-like streets,

"Your bravery and commitment are beyond measure. Together, we are creating a shield that will protect our domain and faith!

By guiding the enemy into these narrow paths, we gain an advantage, giving our knights the opportunity to strike with precision and strength."

Everyone nodded in understanding, their sweat-soaked brows reflecting the intensity of their labor.

They had come to trust in Esther's guidance, her wisdom shining through even at her young age. As they worked, a sense of unity and purpose permeated the atmosphere, reinforcing their resolve to defend their homes and loved ones.

As the sun began to set, the once-familiar houses now stood vacant, transformed into strategic positions for the Holy Knights.

Adelaide led the remaining residents towards the towering presence of the cathedral, a symbol of solace and protection.

"Let us take refuge in the sanctuary of our faith. While we worked hard to help our knights, the others moved supplies and furnitures inside. With them, we can wait and be protected by our Lord till the conflict is over!,"

Adelaide said, her voice filled with a mix of calmness and urgency.

"In times of great turmoil, we turn to our God, seeking solace and guidance. Within these walls, we will find strength, comfort, and the unwavering presence of our beloved deity." The 'former' Slum dweller, exhausted but determined, streamed into the grand doors of the cathedral.

Their footsteps reverberated through the cavernous space as they sought shelter and solace within its hallowed halls. Families huddled together, clasping hands and bowing their heads in prayer.

Adelaide stood at the front of the cathedral, her eyes scanning the gathering, each face a testament to their unyielding faith. With a soft, steady voice, she led them in a collective prayer, their words intertwined with hope, determination, and unwavering trust in their God.

In the flickering candlelight, the scene was one of resilience and unwavering devotion. The echoes of their prayers seemed to merge with the very essence of the cathedral, creating an aura of protection and unity.

Adelaide, standing tall, her young voice rising above the rest, embodied the strength and grace of their community. As the night settled in, the villagers found solace in the presence of their God, knowing that they had done everything within their power to defend their homes and their way of life.

In the face of uncertainty, their faith burned bright, lighting the path ahead and igniting their spirits with a resilient hope.

While Adelaide raised the spirit of each believer, Esther stood beside Aeden and Sir Richard. The three of them oversaw the current preparations of the Knights.

A few hours ago, the slum dwellers, Sir Richard sent out, reported that Old Man P. will attack from all four directions. Each attack group consists of 100 thugs. The equipment: unknown.

The Spy's did not have enough time to examine their equipment carefully before the enemy realised that they were being spied on and attacked every person that did not ran away.

After Esther heard the news of the enemy, she knew that they were heavily outnumbered. Each attack group will face 5 Holy Knights and 10 Knights. 15 against 100. Each Knight needs to face at least 6 enemies.

The 10 Longbow-Knights will support each group and shoot at the enemy from roof.

Esther and her advisors knew that a simple hit-and-run tactic would not work against such an overwhelming number of enemies.

Kami, who could hear everything trough his shadow bonds, decided he needed to help his followers a little or his religion would face extinction.

The sacred medium began to glow.

...

Hours passed after Kami gave an advise from an old battle in his past World.

He drawed inspiration from the famous Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans held off a massive Persian army at a narrow pass, the strategy was to funnel the enemy forces into tight chokepoints, maximizing their defensive advantage.

...

Esther, flanked by the knights, moved with purpose through the alleyways, guiding the placement of each barricade. In her hands holding the sacred medium with the advise from her God inscripted in it.

Heavy wooden beams and sturdy crates were hauled into position, forming an impenetrable barrier across the side streets.

These makeshift walls stood tall, their rough-hewn surfaces giving testament to the domains' resourcefulness and determination.

With precision and careful consideration, the barricades were strategically positioned so that all roads leading into the Divinum Square converged into a single, narrow street in each of the 4 directions.

This ingenious design forced the enemy to traverse a bottleneck, limiting their numbers and restricting their ability to maneuver effectively. The barricades, lined up like guardians, presented an imposing obstacle to any would-be attacker.

The knights worked tirelessly, reinforcing the structures with additional supports and fortifying weak points. Thick ropes were lashed across the tops, adding an extra layer of deterrence, while makeshift spikes were affixed to deter any attempts to climb over.

The scene was one of organized chaos, as the Holy Knights and knights coordinated their efforts, driven by the urgency of the impending battle.

Shouts and commands filled the air as they fine-tuned the placement of each barricade, ensuring the utmost effectiveness of their defensive line.

As the final barricade was erected, a palpable sense of both apprehension and determination settled over the makeshift fortress and some cheers and applause could be heard.

The Knights surveyed their handiwork, their faces etched with a mix of exhaustion and steely resolve. They knew that their survival hinged on the success of these barricades. They knew that their new found home would be completely defenseless, if they messed up the construction and the barricades will get destroyed.

At the end of the day, every knight retired to rest, ensuring they were as mentally and physically prepared as possible for the impending assault, leaving the night watch in the hands of a few civilians who would not be involved in the upcoming battle.