Suspiciously smoothly

Despite suffering a few setbacks including a wounded leg, your army managed to make significant progress in the next several skirmishes, sending the barbarians running with the superiority of your technology and soldiers' discipline. With the ratio of casualties skewed increasingly in favour of the Almaini, this only served to further bolster morale and confidence in victory among your men.

Among the assembled commanders, however, was a group of nobles who secretly despised your duchy's growing prosperity through association with a group of 'Christ-slayers' as they derisively call the Hebrews. Many hoped to distinguish themselves so as to challenge your authority.

When your spies informed you of this development, you simply sighed and accepted this inevitability.

I'll just have to deal with them when the time comes, You reminded yourself.

Leaving the matter of these anti-semetic nobles aside, your army was making good progress marching towards the heart of the barbarian homeland, the Magruvak suspiciously absent for several days. Having fought several battles, the troops are divided in opinion; the eager youngsters believe the Magruvak lost their nerve and cowered in their homes, while those who knew war at heart expected far worse.

"This is too unlike the barbarians," Count Siegfried remarked, "Most times I fought them, they dislike retreating if they can help it, and each time we led retaliations across the border they would harass us every step of the way, bleeding us dry by whittling down our men or stealing our supplies."

"Perhaps they are conserving their losses after the defeats they suffered," Viscount Sigmar offered, "I mean, if I were in their situation I would do the same. If that is the case, I welcome the challenge; better to kill them all in one sweep than to resort to exhausting ourselves over countless skirmishes."

"I agree with you on them cutting losses, but it could be that they are going to spring a massive trap on us too," Siegfried argued, "It is never good to underestimate the enemy even when you have the advantage."

Soon your army reached sight of the barbarian fortress, which was heavily guarded and stocked to the brim with siege engines. Instantly, you and your officers could tell that taking the fortress was not to be a quick affair.

"Your Majesty, that is the Fortress of Pabląg," Dietrich informed you, "It was originally under the Kingdom of Boiiar, but the Boii lost it to the Magruvak in a war some years past. Since then, Chieftain Vertrix has kept it in good condition through scrupulous maintenance."

"And if we've reached the fortress and haven't encountered resistance so far..." You mused as your eyes widened in realization, "Fuck, we've been had."

A scout rides up to you, saluting with urgency in his eyes.

"Sire, we're surrounded!" He reported, "Magruvak cavalry armies are marching towards us! They'll reach in two days!"

A litany of curses spew forth from your mouth like a torrential storm, scratching your head in anguish.

"I knew there was something suspicious about this," Count Siegfried said darkly, "Our way forward seemed so clear, so untroubled..."

"We are all eager to put an end to this war, though to be honest I was not expecting Vertrix to be this cunning," Viscount Sigmar admitted, "Siegfried, in your opinion, would it be possible to disperse and hide somewhere?"

"Not possible, I'm afraid," Siegfried shook his head, "Our enemy is mostly cavalry while our army is mostly infantry, and there are flat plains for leagues around. We cannot run, and we cannot hide."

"Damn, then that means we're left with only two options," Sigmar cursed, "Either to capitulate-"

"Out of the question," You put forth.

"Or, by some miracle... we take the fortress by tonight," Sigmar finished.

"Tonight? That would be suicide," You pointed out.

"Yes, I know, Your Majesty, but it is our only option," Sigmar affirmed, "Though to be honest, I cannot fathom a solution to such an impossible problem."

"Actually, there is one solution," Dietrich said, "The fortress looks formidable, but in truth, there is one weakness: The escape tunnels."

"Continue," You beckoned, your interest piqued.

"Beneath the fortress runs a series of escape tunnels capable of fitting entire platoons within, and by using them, we can sneak in a small unit of elite troops to open the gates, and thus allow us to take the city within the night. The entrances to them are well-hidden, concealed beneath piles of leaves and branches, but I managed to discern their locations with the aid of our scouts," Sigmar strategized, "Of course, the success of this plan may depend on the Magruvak's ignorance, but considering the situation, I am inclined to believe they are feeling overconfident."

"I have to agree with Siegfried on this one, Your Majesty," Sigmar assented, "And we have no better chance than to take the fortress. Your Majesty, give us the order and we shall take the fortress in the name of the Almaini Confederation."

"I greatly appreciate your enthusiasm, Sigmar," You nodded smilingly, "However, much as I hate to admit it, neither you nor Siegfried are masters in the art of stealth; I could hear you both coming from the other side of camp."

"His Majesty's right; if the gate **** is to succeed, it must proceed noiselessly," Dietrich added, "For that, we have our own cadre of elite spies and assassins who shall perform the deed."

"Nevertheless, I have an important task for you two," You reassure the two noble commanders, "The both of you must keep your armies posted at the gates, and make the enemy think that we are preparing for a long siege. Once the gates fall, you must storm in and take the fortress, kill all their commanding officers, and **** the battle to a quick close. That way, we can minimize casualties."

"Understood, Your Majesty," The commanders saluted.