Stein Rays's Move (27): Lucifal's Miscalculation (3)

The battle for Hockeharn Fort began almost immediately, and the fighting remained deadlocked.

The defending Sixth Knight Order had 4,000 soldiers, and with the fort's regular garrison, their total was a little over 5,000.

The Ninth Knight Order, by contrast, appeared to have just under 5,000. In a battle with such evenly matched numbers, the defenders had the advantage. The fort wouldn't fall easily, but they didn't have enough men to drive the enemy away, either.

That wouldn't do. Even now, the First Knight Order and Liffrea's soldiers, the main forces of the rebellion, might be closing in on the royal capital.

They had to find some way to break the deadlock...

Foggard grew increasingly impatient, but he couldn't see any major change in the course of the battle.

The Ninth Knight Order wasn't forcing its way forward so much as launching a series of small attacks and, if anything, keeping the fort surrounded.

The situation changed perhaps two hours after the battle began.

The Ninth Knight Order had settled into a complete siege. The leading members of the Sixth Knight Order had gathered to discuss a way to launch a counterattack when...

"It sounds like there's a commotion outside..."...