Twenty—no, more than thirty soldiers stood near the city gate.
These soldiers were fully armored and carried enormous Tower Shields as thick as door panels. They stood at the gate in strict formation, ready for battle.
Every one of them was tall and powerfully built, clearly elite troops selected for the task. They had already spotted the Resistance Army and were beginning to form ranks.
Gwen glanced back at her men. Every one of them was panting, already somewhat exhausted—riding consumed a great deal of stamina, especially since they were not particularly skilled and had to expend even more effort controlling their horses.
This was bad.
There was no way they could charge through that.
If they could not break through, they could not seize the inner city. If they could not seize the inner city, they could only retreat, or else become trapped prey in a jar.
And retreating meant placing their lives in the hands of the Winter Wolf, leaving them only to pray that their luck was good enough—or that the enemy was merciful enough.
Bone White Crow, please have mercy on your people.
Gwen's mouth went dry, and cold sweat trickled down her back.
For a moment, she did not know what to choose—perhaps they could make a desperate attempt now. If Isaac was nearby, they might still have some hope with his help. But if he was not, it would simply be sending themselves to their deaths.
The soldiers holding the giant shields carried no weapons in their hands, but through the gaps between their shields, she could vaguely make out firearms at their waists.
Gwen hesitated for only an instant before the opposing commander gave the order. "Soldiers, raise your shields and hold the gate!"
Should they charge? If they wanted to gamble on