But nineteen more were right behind him.
The eastern wall section, twelve feet wide at the top, suddenly had twenty human heavy infantry fighting hand-to-hand against Commander Vex'ahlia's defenders. The confined space meant skill and individual combat prowess mattered as much as numbers.
Settlement defenders fought with desperate intensity. Goblins used their lower center of gravity to duck under sword strikes and attack legs. Serpentfolk used their natural flexibility to dodge and strike from unexpected angles. Orcs used raw strength to bull-rush enemies off the walls.
But the humans had armor, training, and relentless pressure. More soldiers were pouring across the tower's bridge every few seconds.
"Eastern wall is engaged!" Commander Vex'ahlia reported, her mental voice tight with combat focus. "Twenty enemies on the walls, more coming. We're holding but taking casualties!"
