Chapter 86: The Siege Continues

Chapter 86: The Siege Continues

Silvia's POV

The sun barely rose over the blood-soaked battlefield, its golden light struggling to break through the thick smoke that clung to the city. The siege had lasted through the night, and still, the enemy surged forward. The flames from the trenches still burned, but they were no longer enough to deter the relentless assault. The Remnants had adapted, using debris and fallen bodies to create paths across the fire, their hunger for victory undeterred.

Silvia stood at the highest point of the wall, sweat and blood clinging to her skin as she tightened her grip on her sword. Below, the battlefield was a chaotic mess of steel, fire, and flesh. The once-glistening banners of the city were torn, battered by relentless attacks, but still, they flew.

Dragon appeared beside her, his breathing steady despite the exhaustion in his eyes. "They're testing us," he murmured. "Trying to wear us down before the real push."

She wiped her brow, her gaze shifting toward the largest siege tower, which inched closer with every passing minute. "Then we don't give them the chance. We take the fight to them."

Garrik's voice boomed from the nearby watchtower. "Commander! They've regrouped in the eastern district. We need more men there!"

Silvia turned to Tarren. "Take the archers and reinforce the eastern wall. Keep them from breaching."

Tarren nodded, already moving before Silvia could finish her command.

Dragon tilted his head toward the siege tower. "What about that? If they land that bridge, we'll be overrun."

Silvia clenched her jaw. "Then we make sure it doesn't land."

A Desperate Counterattack

Silvia sprinted down the stairwell, Dragon following close behind. Below, the soldiers fought tooth and nail to keep the enemy from reaching the inner courtyard. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, the screams of the wounded, and the clash of steel filling her ears. She could feel the exhaustion creeping into her limbs, but she forced it aside. They couldn't afford to falter now.

She reached the weapons cache, grabbing a set of explosive charges. Dragon raised an eyebrow. "You're planning something dangerous."

She shot him a smirk. "That's the only kind of plan I have."

The two of them raced through the city, dodging falling debris as enemy catapults sent flaming projectiles over the walls. They reached the side of the wall just as the siege tower's bridge began to lower.

"Now!" Silvia shouted.

Dragon lunged forward, using his monstrous strength to hurl the first explosive onto the wheels of the tower. Silvia followed, leaping onto a fallen platform to get closer. She placed the final charge just beneath the structure's supports before throwing herself backward as Dragon grabbed her, pulling her away from the imminent explosion.

The blast rocked the battlefield. The massive wooden structure groaned before tipping to the side, collapsing under its own weight. Enemy soldiers still inside screamed as they plummeted to the ground, crushed beneath the wreckage.

Silvia exhaled, her heart pounding. "That buys us time."

Dragon chuckled. "Remind me never to question your reckless plans."

The Fight for the Courtyard

Silvia barely had time to breathe before another explosion rattled through the streets. The western barricade had collapsed under a barrage of enemy fire, allowing dozens of Remnants to spill into the lower levels of the city.

"Fall back to the inner courtyard!" Garrik roared, his voice carrying over the chaos.

Silvia and Dragon sprinted toward the courtyard, where the defenders were forming a last line of resistance. Bodies littered the cobblestone ground, blood soaking into the earth beneath them. Archers took to the rooftops, firing down upon the advancing forces, while swordsmen clashed against enemy ranks in brutal melee combat.

A massive warrior clad in dark iron armor charged toward Silvia, swinging a spiked mace that could crush stone. She barely dodged, rolling to the side and countering with a precise slice across his exposed leg. The warrior grunted but did not fall, instead swinging wildly again.

Dragon, in his monstrous form, leaped in and slammed the warrior against a broken column, his claws ripping through armor. "You take too many risks," he muttered to Silvia as the enemy soldier collapsed.

She smirked, panting. "Says the man who fights like a beast."

Garrik and his forces held the main gate of the courtyard, but they were being pushed back. Silvia knew if they lost this ground, there would be no retreat. This was their last stand.

She raised her voice. "We hold them here! No one steps back! This city does not fall!"

Her words lit a fire in her soldiers, and they fought with renewed determination. The battle waged on, each moment heavier than the last.

A Flicker of Hope

As the dust settled, Silvia looked toward the horizon. The enemy forces were still vast, but for the first time since the siege began, their momentum had faltered.

Garrik arrived, blood splattered across his armor. "We held the eastern district, but they'll come again. What's next?"

Silvia straightened, squaring her shoulders. "We fight. We hold the line. And when the time comes… we push them back."

A new fire burned in her veins. This war was far from over, but as long as they stood, they had a chance.

Dragon wiped the blood from his brow and gave her a smirk. "If we survive this, I expect a feast."

She chuckled, though exhaustion weighed on her. "You'll get your feast. But first, we win."

As the first light of dawn broke through the thick smoke, Silvia tightened her grip on her sword.

They were far from victory, but for the first time in days, hope burned in the air.