Resistance at the bridgehead lost all cohesion around the ten-minute mark.
The conscripts were the first to lay down their weapons. They had been driven out to serve as human shields in the first place. Now that it seemed they might not have to die, they naturally surrendered at once.
Once the first group threw their spears to the ground, nearby soldiers who had still been watching followed them back toward the walls. Several family officers tried to call them back, but musket fire killed them before they could shout more than a few words.
The Tear Knight infantry had already advanced to the Second Defense Line. Whenever they spotted anyone still organizing resistance, their muskets immediately swung toward them.
The remaining family knights could no longer charge, either. Muskets and Clerics blocked the way ahead, while cavalry controlled their route of retreat. The knights exchanged looks. They did not want to fight the Tear Knights, either. Their earlier charge had been driven only by knightly honor and loyalty to their family, but now that it was plainly suicide, they too laid down their weapons.
The Tear Knights did not continue killing those who had disarmed.
Their infantry swiftly took control of the gatehouse and the main bridge, while engineers went straight onto the bridge to inspect it.
Quartermasters crossed the bridge area to join the troops holding the granaries, while the surrendered defenders were taken to an open space and placed under guard.
Soon, Marquis Holt was escorted down from the castle by his loyal guards and brought over. His face was ashen as he prepared to face judgment.
When Marquis Holt reached the bridge, he remembered the half-hour deadline Shien had given him.
At first, he had thought it was a form of political pressure.
Now the actual