Barnes's troops reached the outskirts of Snow Eagle City and completed their encirclement in a single night.
They sealed off three sides, leaving only a narrow opening by the west gate.
But they did not attack immediately. They seemed to be preparing something.
The nobles of Snowseal County gathered once again in the same military tent.
Unlike the farcical, relaxed atmosphere of their last meeting, a heavy tension now filled the hall.
Even Count Firth, who had made a drunken spectacle of himself at the previous meeting, said nothing.
He huddled in his chair like a quail, scarcely daring to breathe.
Viscount Webster sat in his armor, his expression grave.
"The Snow Oath has come in force, with an estimated two thousand men, but we hold the advantage," Webster began, sweeping his gaze over those present.
"Snow Eagle City's garrison numbers two thousand, including over a thousand combat-capable Knights. We still have a chance of winning a direct engagement.
But I recommend a more cautious approach: hold the city."
He paused. "I've already sent Duke Edmund a request for aid, but his army will probably need ten days to reach us.
We have ample provisions and strong defenses. As long as we hold out, reinforcements will arrive."
Everyone nodded slightly in agreement. After all, they had no better option.
"Next, we'll divide up the defensive sectors." Webster spread out a map of Snow Eagle City.
"The southern wall may be old, but the terrain is open. If the enemy's main force dares to launch an assault there, we can wipe them out in one stroke.
I suggest assigning the southern Frontier Nobles to defend it. Your men are fresh and your horses swift. You can react quickly, making you ideal for this position."
He shifted his tone and looked