"Then I should drink a bit more."
The crowd burst into laughter, but soon no one could laugh anymore.
A squad of cavalry swiftly took control of the dock, and the neighing of their warhorses scared off the boatmen who were trying to untie the ropes and flee. Immediately after, infantry carrying firearms and long halberds rushed in.
Seeing the soldiers meant business, the townspeople finally panicked. The townsfolk hurried back home to lock their windows and doors, while the merchants in haste raced back to the river port, colliding headlong with those who were forced back.
Watching the mass of people squirming like entwined maggots, Heigmer rode out from the military formation on horseback.
"What do you plan to do?" A man with a panicked expression summoned his courage and shouted at the knight on horseback.
Heigmer ignored him and instead glanced at the eager deputy officer, along with the hundreds of hungry young men behind him.
"Take it over."
