### 204

Prince Ewevin holds a conference of war. An hour passes before the captain returns to the company, and his news is greeted with mixed feelings by his travel-weary men.

‘We ride into battle tonight,’ he says, his voice firm and unwavering. ‘We are to lead an attack across the Tekaro Bridge to break the city gate, which is greatly weakened at the moment. We must attack tonight if the enemy are to be prevented from making good their repairs.’

Many of his men, battle-hardened veterans of countless wars, cannot hide their fear that the attack is suicidal. The gate is heavily defended by archers and cannot be taken without a great loss of life.

‘Each man will be paid a thousand crowns,’ says the captain, hoping to change their minds with the promise of gold, but few are impressed; what use is gold to them if they are killed in the assault? ‘Those who wish to fight can stay by my side,’ he bellows, his steel-blue eyes blazing with anger. ‘Those who will not fight can go.’

If you wish to stay with the captain and assault the city gate, turn to 126.

If you decide to leave, turn to 280.