Chapter Nine: Osgiliath FallsThe host camped for a while outside Minas Tirith, while they restocked with provisions from the city, and rested their men, some of whom were harbouring terrible injuries. In the morn of the fifth day, however, there arose a clamour in Osgiliath, and even from the walls of the White City could enemies be seen mustering amongst the ruins, reading themselves for a charge towards the White City again. A hasty conference was made, that the Orcs should be allowed to descend on the gates, and while thus occupied, the armies currently camped outside would fall upon their flanks and rear, and could easily cut them down. As Tuor passed his gaze over the battleground, he noted the enemy - mainly the Southrons, with their deadly Mumakil rearing over the common infantry. The main attack was concentrated on the gate, where battering rams where being brought to bear, whilst on the East wall siege towers were in motion. Hearing a sudden smash Tuor noticed a section east of the gate-tower had been destroyed by enemy catapults. Men of Minas Tirith could be seen fighting on the walls, or firing arrows down into the hoard below them. “Captain Althamus, take your men and head for the breach,” he barked, “Daetirion, deal with those catapults. Dwarves to the Siege-towers; men to the gate. MOVE OUT!” Instantly the host obeyed.
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The battle was over. The Southrons, pressed up against the walls of the city had reacted in surprise and the host had wreaked havoc, culling the enemy almost to a man. However intelligence reported the enemy massing for a larger strike, with reinforcements on route. Stepping around the carcass of the Mumakil, Tuor greeted the Captain Daelir, who had come out to meet the horde without. Daelir told Tuor that this army had only been an army to detect the strengths of the city, soon, a much larger army would come, one which would not be so easily fooled by the plan. To meet them in battle before the walls would surely result in the deaths of all concerned. The only options available, continued Daelir, would be flight or retreat into the city and fight to protracted siege which would surely result. |
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Captain Althamus lifted the flap of Tuor’s tent and entered, blinking slightly at the increase in light within. He found the rest of the generals already in attendance there. As he took his seat amongst them, Woodpecker rose to his feet. “So we are decided then” To take a place as the defender in a siege would severely restrict the use of many of the portions of our army, much better that we should attempt to harry the attackers as they advance towards Minas Tirith and reduce their numbers that way with hit and run attacks. Any Questions? Then we leave at noon tomorrow. I will send an envoy into the city now to inform them of the supplies which we are likely to need, and the decision we have come to. Gentlemen, we have work to do. Good Night to you all.” |
