The Empire's Blackwatch Legion had drawn almost all the Ratfolk's attention.
The scattered forces had also encountered a few Ratfolk. Annan, closest to Blackwatch, faced the largest Rat Tide. But once the Magic Muskets opened fire, the battle ended within half a day, leaving an eerie calm around him.
Only a few stray Ratfolk remained scattered across the Grasslands. Some crept to the edge of the "forest" to feed on corpses.
The Hellfire Legion's cavalry began waking at dusk. They had slept only three or four hours.
Their physical exhaustion was gone, but their mental fatigue remained.
Annan projected a Magic Film above the Camp to help the soldiers relax and had the Goblins prepare food.
Blom returned with mixed news: the Saik Duchy's Allied Forces were surrounded by Ratfolk.
They had neither escaped the Rat Tide nor vanished beneath its black waves.
"Blom, Elder, go support the Saik Duchy and set an anchor point while you're there. Femi, tell the Soldiers to prepare to rescue our allies."
Femi turned and shouted, "Boys, we've got more Ratfolk to kill!"
The listless Hellfire Soldiers perked up at once. They cleaned their Magic Muskets and murmured prayers.
Thirty minutes later, Annan opened a Portal on schedule before the assembled Warriors.
"Thank you... I thought you might leave us to it." The duchy's Count, his face drawn with exhaustion and tension, finally let out a long breath.
"We treat our friends with the warmth of spring." Annan gestured to him. "My cavalry will cover you. Pull all your men back."
The Count glanced at the ordinary Soldiers behind Annan and hesitated. "But..."
"I wouldn't put myself at risk for no reason."
Annan signaled Hellfire to advance. Before long, gunfire rang out on the other side of the Portal.
Soon, one of the Count's