A Dead End

This was the problem they now faced. The Syndicate was currently far stronger than Stromgarde, and they also had the aid of the Ogre Tribe.

"Even if we join forces with Prince Galin's Trollbane Guard, we still do not have a certain chance of victory." Facing the Raven Guard officers, Roderick laid out the current situation.

The building they occupied was one of the few intact structures within the territory controlled by Prince Galin. Stromgarde's master was deeply grateful for their arrival and did his best to provide the Raven Guard soldiers with whatever assistance he could.

"Then how has Prince Galin resisted the enemy's attacks? Their numbers are far too small," someone asked in confusion.

At Roderick's signal, Antoine rose and explained, "The Syndicate's alliance with the Ogre Tribe is merely one of mutual interest. After the Syndicate took the central castle without a fight, the Ogre force known as the Stonefist Clan occupied part of the northern district. They believed they had fulfilled their obligation and refused the Syndicate's demand to continue attacking Stromgarde's remaining defenders."

"The Syndicate's leader once tried to resolve the matter alone, but the streets were narrow and easy to defend yet difficult to attack. The Trollbane Guard far surpassed the Syndicate soldiers in both combat skill and weapons and armor, while the difference in numbers was offset by the terrain. After suffering heavy losses in several assaults without advancing a single step, the Syndicate changed its strategy to a long-term siege, intending to starve the defenders within the city to death."

Augustine also began adding what he had witnessed in recent days. "The Syndicate's soldiers have not received complete, formal military training. Most are bandits with terrible combat discipline. They have suffered many casualties against the Trollbane Guard's defenses."

"But the Ogre Tribe's