Outside Themonium, large armies were stationed on the roads heading to the city as well as any traversable terrains, cutting the city from the rest of the world.
On the walls of this city, soldiers of the city adopted a ready position. They were ready in case this massive army circling them commenced an assault. They were also wary, though. They knew their number was much less than the opponents. Not to mention the siege weapons that started arriving yesterday. They were not optimistic about their chance of protecting the city.
The leaders of these soldiers were observing the situation. They grouped on the wall directly above the main gate. Among them was a tall and broad armored knight, Arther Pendrake. If there was anyone who could resolve the situation, it was this person.
Yet, in the opposite force, Duchess Isabelle stood ready. The roles between these two had switched from the time when Therribus sieged Fort Garadhor. The two wondered how fate could sometimes be so ironic.
"Do we know if Emris or Meryl is heading here?" Arther asked.
"My people whom I communicated using the communication device told me that the two lord marshalls remained in their forts as of two days ago. There was no sign of them mobilizing," An officer by Arther's side said. This officer's name was Castus.
"My source told me those two lord marshalls were still on the fence about supporting the outworlder king. Maybe that's why they didn't join this siege," Another official called Brussius added.
"I'm not sure… My people told me that they had a good opinion about the new king," Castus said.
"Then your people are wrong!" Another joined the conversation. It was Warren, the magistrate who had been fired by Jack. His son, Walter, was by his side. The boy was still missing an arm courtesy of Jack. Warren failed to get a service from the Church of Creation to regrow his boy's arm.
"How is it possible the mighty lord marshalls bow to that pretender of a king? They must have been waiting for the spark of rebellion. Once we announced our stance to all of Themisphere, I'm sure they and more others will come and join our cause. All we need to do now is endure this siege!"
Everyone here was people who believed that Jack had unlawfully claimed the throne, even when it was Goddess Serenity that decreed the ascension. They feared the Goddess, but their fear of the Goddess was trumped by their fear of being enslaved by the outworlders. They were also not among the devout type. Hence, their attempt at rebellion.
The most who got to lose was Warren. He was already kicked out of his position once Jack ascended. He had no chance to regain his power as long as Jack was king. Thus, he was the most passionate to kickstart this rebellion. He was the one who had been busy going around places connecting same-minded people and planting the seed.
They were supposed to make this city their secret headquarters. By placing their trusted army here, they could have full control and act more freely without the fear of someone reporting them to the capital.
Now, they were just about to make their first move, but this army just came out of nowhere and surrounded them. Warren was very angry and afraid. He couldn't let the others falter. Otherwise, all his efforts would be wasted.
However, even with his attempt to rouse the others' spirits, one look at the army surrounding them made it hard for anyone to be optimistic.
Castus let out a heavy sigh. "We thought we have been careful not to be found. It seemed that we still play into their hands."
"I still can't believe all of those soldiers are obeying that phony king's command. Can't they see they are dooming themselves?" Brussius asked.
"They are just lowly soldiers who can't think for themselves," Warren said. "They are a disgrace for Themisphere."
"Do we truly have to fight them here?" Brussius asked. He tried to act brave but the others could hear the fear in his voice.
"Of course, we have to! We fight them to the death if we have to!" Warren exclaimed.
"What good is it if we die?" Brussius returned.
"Then we die for a just cause!" Warren yelled.
"Don't make me laugh! I bet you will be the first one to run if they breach this city!"
"How dare you say that!"
"QUIEETTTT…!!!"
The heated discourse was brought to a close by Arther's thundering voice.
"This is not the time to quarrel among ourselves! Our enemies are right there in front of us. You are lowering our troops' morale with your bickering. If you want to quarrel, go find a room and do it where no one can hear you!" Arther scolded.
Warren and Brussius lowered their heads in shame.
Castus came to Arther's side. "My lord, what do you think we should do then? Should we maintain our stance and fight them till the end?"
Arther's eyes remained on the enemies in front. Right next to where duchess Isabelle stood was a large group of outworlders.
Arther said to the others without turning to them, "If they attack, they will show all of Themisphere who they truly are, wolves in sheep's clothing who try to take over our kingdom by force. If we die, we will be martyrs that show Themisphere that there are still people who love this country and are willing to die for what's right. Our fight will not end with us. We will be the spark that gives the others the courage to fight off these outworlders!"
"Oorah…!!" The soldiers who heard Arther's speech exclaimed in unison.
Some of the officers were also roused by the speech, but most felt fear instead. Arther talked as if they were sure to die. They didn't want to die. They joined this rebellion because they were afraid of the outworlders. Afraid that sooner or later, the outworlder king would replace all of them with his kind.
Warren was one such person, but he was still glad that Arther showed a fighting spirit. Arther was right. Even if they lost here, this event could be used as something to incite the next rebellion. He, of course, didn't plan to be among those who died for the cause. He had prepared a secret escape route just in case. If everyone died here, he would be the one to carry their torches and spearhead the next rebellion.
