Chapter 53: The Enemy at the Gates

As the first batch of defeated and weary soldiers fled to the domain of Targus, dawn was just breaking. It's hard to imagine what they felt, trekking fifteen kilometers through the forest in the dark of night. These retreating soldiers, seeing the somewhat dilapidated castle in the distance, felt an overwhelming sense of safety. Under the guidance of a messenger, they made their way to the castle gate, imploring Gwyneth to open it.

...

Stepping outside the castle, Gwyneth observed the soldiers collapsed on the ground, their faces pale from exhaustion and fear. A fleeting sense of triumph crossed his mind, quickly replaced by worry. He was relieved he hadn't joined the allied army, but after their crushing defeat, what would the Hafdans target next?

After inquiring, he had a rough understanding of the events. The Hafdans, as described by the soldiers, seemed like devils incarnate. Towering over an average height of 1.8 meters, they dwarfed the 1.6-meter-tall peasant conscripts. Strong and battle-hardened, they could easily take on two conscripts at a time, seeming indestructible.

Of course, Gwyneth didn't believe in undying devils, having killed two Hafdans himself. The real problem was their overwhelming numbers. With the Earl's reinforcements still en route and the recently formed noble army routed, it was clear that they couldn't be relied on for immediate regrouping and combat.

In the western part of the Earl's territory, there might be unaffected nobles further away, but their assistance would be too late. At this point, Gwyneth's domain was likely the only organized resistance left in the western Earl's domain.

After brief contemplation, Gwyneth concluded that staying within the castle was the best and only option. Open field battle was out of the question. The four thousand men of the allied army had been decimated overnight by the Hafdans; his few hundred men stood no chance.

Having made his decision, Gwyneth inspected the soldiers to ensure no Hafdans were among them, and then allowed them into the castle. Every additional hand was a boon. He refrained from enslaving these newcomers, a tactic he had employed only occasionally. Since many of them hailed from nearby domains, indiscriminately enslaving them could complicate future local relations.

Moreover, the Earl was due to arrive soon. It was best to remain prudent to avoid giving others a handle against him.

In the following days, several more groups sought refuge, adding about three hundred people to Gwyneth's castle. Most were guards from various noble estates, not as rigorously trained as Gwyneth's own men but still combat-ready. Some had lost their weapons in the chaos, but Gwyneth had captured a cache from the Hafdans previously, which could now be utilized.

After dispatching scouts, Gwyneth soon received reports that the Hafdan army was regrouping and advancing towards the castle. He immediately declared a state of siege, with all combatants ready for battle.

To ensure readiness, all guards, including Gwyneth, wore armor at all times, even while sleeping. The armory was opened, and various weapons were made readily available. Notably, Gwyneth equipped his archers with local short bows, more suitable for defending the castle walls than the longbows.

His conscripted soldiers from Targus, trained by him but without extra armor, were armed with 3.8-meter long spears and stationed in the castle courtyard, ready for combat. Non-combatants, including castle maids and the elderly, women, and children among the civilians, were forbidden to go out, to avoid unnecessary complications.

...

Finally, the next morning, Gwyneth saw the Hafdan army approaching the castle from his tower. Their undisciplined march exerted immense psychological pressure. Their eyes and the aura they emitted were terrifying. Already the elite of their tribe, their recent plundering and slaughtering had imbued them with an indescribable quality – a fearless disdain for death and all things.

The leading Hafdans had a relaxed demeanor, casually carrying shields and axes, whistling as they walked, almost as if on a spring outing. Gwyneth recalled that look. Initially brutal and ferocious, but after killing hundreds, it morphed into nonchalance. These were undoubtedly the elite.

Having not seen the Hafdans for nearly two months, Gwyneth had gained new insights into them. He glanced back at his conscripts, already trembling at the imminent battle.

He wondered why the Hafdans would target him. Without siege weapons, assaulting a well-defended castle seemed foolhardy. What could they hope to gain? Even if they captured the castle, could they withstand the Earl's forces or a reformed noble army?

Yes, maybe they could, but Gwyneth was certain they would starve inside the castle. Without the support of local civilians, a castle meant nothing to conquerors focused on rule. They had slaughtered so many – what did they plan to rule? Were they going to relocate their people here?

...

But perhaps it was simpler – they might just want to, or seek revenge for their fallen comrades. Gwyneth remembered annihilating a Hafdan scouting party; perhaps this was their motive for the assault. Watching the Hafdan army approach within a kilometer of the castle, Gwyneth's eyes hardened.

"Let them come," he thought. "We'll take a piece of them with us."