After hearing my revelation, there was silence in the conference room. If it had been 10 years ago, I would have been ridiculed for publicly stating these facts in front of the ruling party. Now, my reputation makes my word credible, and the resources I have are second to none in town. In terms of military power and influence, even the mining consortium cannot match me. They know I'm telling the truth.

The mayor was the first to recover, nervously stroking his thinning gray hair with one hand.

"Are you sure about their numbers?"

"Unless there are mass deserters, there should be at least 250 warriors, and a fifth of the cavalry."

"I couldn't believe it. Sullivan, what was he thinking?"

The audience was silent, and the members looked at each other nervously. Banker Holden, one of Sullivan's former supporters, stepped forward. I have a good idea of his argument and I need to state and address it here so that it doesn't get mentioned later behind closed doors. We can't have objections.

"Gentlemen, we are dealing with a destructive force, but it is well known that Sullivan himself is a defender of the faith, although he is somewhat misguided. Our priority should be to negotiate with them, and not to seek bloodshed, as the barbarians do. ”

The owner of Marquette's only luxury store was an old man with a thick white beard, his name was Dean, who complained in the back.

"You're saying it's misleading?"

"Gentlemen, please do not let fear and anger dominate your minds. We are all civilized people here, and I believe that with enough kindness, everything can be resolved. ”

"You say it lightly," replied the angry old man, "and you lick his ass like a freshly minted penny coin!"

Oh, good idea.

"I'm just asking us to listen to his request and see if we can reach an understanding."

His eyes were fixed on me, or at least tried to stare at me, until he flinched.

"Sacrificing the few to save the many is a small price compared to peace and redemption."

The participants laughed and insulted each other, and some shouted in agreement until the mayor screamed.

"Enough!"

It was the first time in years I heard him raise his voice.

"It doesn't make sense. Of course, there will be discussions, and of course, there will be no results. ”

The mayor stood up and walked through the room, and we watched in amazement. He's usually a rule-abiding guy, and even I wonder where it all leads.

"I know what kind of person I am. During my seven years in office, I have been the most senior civil servant in the city. People follow my advice not because of any authority, but because I can always find an arrangement that works in everyone's favor. I always seek harmony and compromise in all my affairs. My goal is to solve the problem in the most peaceful and pleasant way possible, for the benefit of all, between the miners and the merchants, between the rich and the poor, between the peasants and the caravans. I know what they're saying about me behind my back. I am weak. They weren't wrong! I am not like some of you here, it is the noble warriors and soldiers who saved this land from the greedy hands of the old world. I prefer peace to victory, I admit it. Therefore now I say unto you, There shall be no covenant in this matter. ”

At this time, we were all drinking what he said, and the whole room watched in fascination as a leader was forged in a moment of crisis.

"Sullivan won't be content with shutting down a brothel and banning some drinking establishments. Do you think a person who easily abandons due process and the rule of law will settle for a few concessions? Do you really think you'll have a say in parliament after he's gone? No, I said. No. A man who is spurned and tries to impose his will on others, not by his virtue or his thoughts, but by the strength of his arm, will not rest until the world is broken and twisted according to his vision. Sullivan would purify the city until all duties, all positions were occupied by lackeys and sycophants. Even then, he will track down what he thinks is a possible opposition. If you want proof, ask yourself how he brought so many people together. Who backs up his claims with money and weapons? We don't know, but what I do know is, Mr. Bank, that an operation of this magnitude is an investment. This investor expects a return. There is no wealth, only wealth that we have created and possessed ourselves, and remember my words, it will be taken away.

"No, gentlemen, there will be no arrangement. There is only one word for a man who rules by force and conquest, and that is tyrant. As Jefferson once said, the blood of tyrants and ours must renew the tree of liberty from time to time. The time has come, gentlemen, for I have never worked so hard, so sacrificed, to see my beloved city fall into the hands of a fanatic and a madman. Whatever your decision tonight, I will fight this man to the last breath and send him and his minions to the depths of hell, shot at a shot if necessary, for no matter what the cost, T. will be free forever. ”

The room was so quiet that you could hear the shadow of a pin falling, and then old Dean rushed out of his seat and blew his horn.

"That's a good point!"

The thunderous applause turned into a standing ovation. I'm so proud of our little mayor, when did he grow his backbone? His sharp rhetoric shattered the pacifist party's fragile unity in a minute, just as the most cowardly of them would succumb to peer pressure. I wasn't used to the productivity that followed. A resolution drafted and unanimously passed by the town council in an hour? This is simply unheard of. In a short time, the committee mobilized the militia, drew a defensive line and quickly set up roadblocks. The whole city was helping to build it, and the mayor drew the crowd with a rousing speech that gave the whole event a festive atmosphere. I knew what was going to happen and prepared myself. The Knights of Gabriel prefer a stealthy approach, and my former caster enemies have all been destroyed, including the Pike family. In this way, there is only one faction left that is aggressive and powerful, and can dominate an army like a wagon.

Bloodsucker.

September 24th, 1833, Marquette

A vampire is coming. I asked Harrigan, the head of security, to scout their camp. Since he already looks like a roadblocker, he'll be a good fit, and I must remind him that if Sullivan wins, dreams will be burned to ashes, don't have any good ideas.

My henchmen confirmed. An old acquaintance is coming, and I would love to receive him with the respect he deserves. I wasn't confident I could defeat him single-handedly, but I could hold him off long enough for his rabble to disintegrate. Their rabble is expected to intimidate up to a hundred militiamen. They don't know the pyrotechnic destruction I'm going to unleash on their poor skins.

I took some extra steps to welcome them. I expected the battle to continue into the evening, and my men, I mean my troops, needed some light, so we erected a fire covered with asphalt so that it could be easily lit from a distance. I believe that my own security forces will fight, because I recruited them myself, taking into account this possibility. The big question is, will the township group meet?

As I walked towards their training ground, where they had a late-night training session, I think they were trained to attack marauders and cattle thieves, not to hold back a determined force.

The warehouses of the North District disappeared, and as I passed the last guarded barricade, I heard the sound of troops marching and the commotion.

The National Guard drilled in their usual spots, but without the usual humor. So far, I've avoided their meetings and only now realized how many daughters I have like them, some of whom haven't even retired from their "dreams". Their expressions were serious and determined, though a few flinched at the sight of the group lining up at the edge of the grass. These viewers wore clothes of varying quality, and the only thing that really connected them was the general sense of anxiety they exhibited. A few of them recognized me, and a fat old man in a mended suit limped up to me, waving his cane in the air.

"It's all your fault, it's all your fault!" He screamed.

John put his hand on his chest and stopped him casually. The man's anger turned to my bodyguard, and then, out of self-preservation, he took a few cautious steps back. Several more people stood behind him and joined them in their accusations against him.

"You and your stupid thoughts!"

"Not a woman's character!"

"Stop messing around right now."

Wait a minute....... It's easy for me to imagine why they're angry. If it weren't for my support, the National Guard might have been disbanded, and while it wasn't my initiative, I was clearly an easy target for their accusations.

I endured their insults with composure and was sure that a solution would soon emerge. In fact, it's now traveling through the fields with Thunderbolt.

A burly woman walked around the small assembly and put her feet in front of the old man, who now looked like a child caught stealing eggs.

Augustus Edmond Sch

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Little Augustus!"

It's a mouthful.

"My little pigeon ......"

"Don't do that!" How dare you humiliate me in front of the whole town?"

"The front line is not for a cute babe like you, my wife"

"You dare to slap me on the back, do you think I'm stupid?" Do you think you'll be able to go home and wait for things to pass? Let me tell you. Jenny, when she was in Johnstown, it was overrun by a bunch of bandits, and I didn't expect things to get better here if they succeeded. If you all pull up your pants and turn around now, don't expect us women to be safe, because a victorious army always needs entertainment, understand? Augustus, I didn't say anything when you married me in the barn, did I?"

This becomes very personal. The men in the room flinched at the tone of voice, but we, the gossip lovers, leaned forward in anticipation.

"No, my honey pot ......," replied the poor fellow.

"You didn't hear me complain when you were out drinking with your friends while I was running and taking care of the kids, did you?"

"Hmmm......"

"What about you?"

"No sugar."

Ah, the miracle of selective memory.

"Did I leave her outside in the rain when your mother came to stay with us?"

"No, dear."

"Well, if you have to listen to it once in your damn life, it's now, because I'm definitely not going to wait for those clowns to walk around town as if they were the masters here."

"But sure," a voice came from the middle of a small group, "Mr. Sullivan won't let them ......"

While all eyes were on the criminals, there was a precious and wonderful moment of silence. The young man's face turned red when he realized that his neighbors had wisely decided to stay away from him.

"Peter Wilkins, do I hear you talking nonsense?" An old man's voice came from behind. Before the lynching officially began, Sch

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Madame signaled that she was not over yet.

"Sullivan is a bastard."

Wheezing.

"yes, I said it! Has the man who thinks he will keep his word forget his oath of justice? To protect the people? Can you explain how we were protected in the face of the approaching army? What are you talking about, dear Penelope?"

"Those who give up their fundamental freedoms for the sake of temporary security deserve neither freedom nor security," an owl-like girl replied in a didactic voice.

“…… They won't get it either," Sch

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Pretending to be calm, he continued. "Mark my words, once such a person tastes power, he will not retreat without a fight. While we can still win, we might as well fight now. ”

There was a buzz of approval from the female crowd, and poor Augustus sighed and was defeated.

"I understand, wife, not that I like, but ...... I understand. I'm just too worried...... I don't think I can help it. We have to do what we have to do," he replied, and walked away.

The crowd quickly dispersed, and when the girls went back to training, Sch

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Mrs. and Stetson stayed with me. Once we're quiet enough, I'll break the silence.

"I'll have to ask them."

I expected there to be arguments, but no.

"yes, I think you know. We don't need your consent to fight, you know?"

"Of course not. I just want the people around me to know what happened to them. ”

"Alright, alright, let's get it over quickly."

We slowly walked towards the field, nervous women in a vague circle. Some seem calm, others not, but unless I'm guessing wrong, they're all here. Well, let's hurry up and end it.

Courage comes in many forms, but not all of them require violence. There are many ways to serve that are useful for communities at risk. In the days to come, we need our hands to work, to care for the wounded, to repair the damage that is about to be done. I want you to understand that this is what anyone can ask you to do. Tomorrow, Sullivan's army will arrive, and a battle is about to begin. I hope you all understand that to fight for the town and your sisters, you must be willing to look a person in the eye and pull the trigger to kill. You must be prepared to see your friends bleed, suffer and die, and perhaps you yourself will make the final sacrifice. There's no shame in joining a nurse or clean-up team, and there's plenty of time to do it. Those of you who gather in the square tomorrow must be prepared to go all the way, for our enemies are merciless. I'm leaving now, leaving you to make your own choices, and hopefully we'll see you again at the end. That's it. ”

When I left, the silence ended, but within a minute, the drill began again. I have my answer. They will fight.

September 25th, 1833, T.

The moon is round tonight, and its light shines on us with a pleasant glow. Visibility was so good that even mortals did not have any difficulty. I wonder if this was intentional, just as the timing of the invading forces was deliberate. The unit was supposed to arrive at noon, but was delayed due to a natural lack of organization. When night fell, they set up camp on the northern edge of the city, and since then have been recovering their strength, eating, laughing loudly, and singing obscene songs, as if victory had been assured. My men spent the day preparing, and I couldn't resist looking at them from the palace of my dreams, even though I knew I could. I'd rather conserve my strength for future confrontations.

Now we are standing on horseback, facing the mob that is quickly assembled. Three hundred of them were dressed in a variety of clothes, not so much a regular army as a rabble. They gathered densely around bandit lords and mercenary leaders. An army from another era, as fierce and scattered as the Germanic warriors who faced the Roman legions.

Behind us was the warehouse district, heavily guarded, with only a few basic fortifications on the main street, which men could climb in a few seconds, some of them women. Our purpose should be obvious. We look weak so that they don't scatter their forces from weakly defended areas to besiege us. We want them to look down on us and rush forward to break our resistance in one fell swoop. It's working. My hearing choice attackers are already commenting on what kind of girls they like. Hopefully, their lack of discipline will deprive them of flexibility in leadership. However, we have a plan, which relies on attracting them further into the warehouse square. The good thing about it is that it's simple, like most of my plans, and it involves a blast...... Actually, just like most of my plans. If they don't take the bait, we have other options.

The small delegation around me moved uncomfortably. I always try to dress up modestly and meekly in order to offset my lady's status. No one can appear docile in the Métis. Nightmare was even a foot taller than the tallest stallion, and it took her only two seconds to castrate every horse in the area. I was wearing my combat suit, which was smooth and fitted, and it looked like it was armor. I also took a shotgun and a rifle attached to a Métis harness, as well as two pistols and a long knife.

Everyone in the delegation pressed their gaze forward, and then couldn't help but turn to me one by one. When their eyes confirm my presence, they blink and continue to look ahead. After about ten seconds, suspicion forced them to look at me again to confirm that the outrageous memories were real. It is a circle. If their cat dragged the carcass of a neighbor's dog home, they might feel the same way. It's on my side, but it's also much more dangerous than I thought.

I don't care if we're in the final stages of the game. Whatever happens here, I'll be gone in a few days. I'm not worried about my image.

There are six of us, representing the citizens of Marquette. Half of the council members came, and there was a woman representing the nobility, who would not spit in my face even if my face was on fire. Several riders emerged from the trembling crowd in front of us and lazily crossed the plain. There were twelve of them, and that was a clear message, and the little intimidation I expected from the man who faced me, to their right. Aside from Sullivan, he was the only one who didn't look like he made a living by raiding caravans.

Riding the nightmare, he was still wearing a beige suit from another era, just like the first day I saw him. His handsome face was still covered with black hair, and his blue eyes still showed a complete lack of interest. The only difference is in his aura.

Lambert of Lancaster, Melusin's opponent, Lady Moore's executor, and now a mage. He looked at me, and the annoyance he conveyed was the most obvious expression of emotion I felt from him.

A moment passed, and he stared at the town behind me with a condescending pleasure. I was fired.

Sullivan stopped very close to the mayor, and his men did not surround us, but the message was clear. He scoffed at me, and the first time he spoke, everyone saw his arrogance in his self-righteousness.

"I'll be brief. I'm not here to negotiate, I'm here to give an ultimatum. You must renounce your evil deeds or your entire city will be purged of them. As a sign of your repentance and acceptance of the light and will of God, you are to give this woman and her staff to my care. Lay down your arms and go to the church in town to pray and wait for judgment. Do as I say, and I will be merciful. Even those who oppose me will have the opportunity to atone for their sins and keep their property and family. But if thou wilt resist me, I will cause Jehovah himself to be angry with thee. We will track down and punish evil, killing everyone in our path, because God is just, and He will pick you. You have an hour, don't delay. ”

With the dignity of the perfect bloodthirsty lord, he turned and left. The men in the back would roar and spit at our feet, and some would even ask us to resist because their men needed to "relax". Lambert was the second to leave. Obviously, I didn't even ask him to say a word.

The mayor turned with the contempt and dignity that his stocky frame could tolerate, and we quietly followed him back to the barricade. The sentinels opened a short passage for us to pass through, and then immediately closed it again. Still without saying a word, we followed the fearless leader to the command tent, where the head of the militia, Captain Wallace, was waiting for us.

The mayor did not speak, but went to the corner and rummaged through his personal belongings until he found a plump smoked sausage. The other members of the committee formed a semicircle around him, but he still did not speak. Instead, he took out a folding knife, unfolded it, and plopped the sausage on the map of the town that I had generously provided, and so far there were no grease stains on the map. He raised his eyes and began to speak in a calm voice.

"My grandfather told me a story about England, and it's a good story, and while you may think that I have chosen the timing ill-advised, I beg you to listen to me now, for all will be worked out.

In 1649, a man named Cromwell succeeded in establishing a republic, and although we Americans consider such a regime benevolent, I assure you, it is by no means benevolent. Grandpa told me how they defeated the royalists and seized power. A victorious regime will, of course, purge the opposition from the government for the sake of stability, sometimes permanently. ”

He cut off the end of the sausage and tossed it aside.

"It was natural, so no one helped. Then, the republic must be unified so that the Welsh will be brought under its command, and who will help them? None of the others were Welsh, so they didn't help. ”

The new slice joins the first slice.

"But then there was a surge of dissent in Scotland, and they too had to be suppressed. At that time, few people were willing to help the Scots. The proud Highlanders were isolated, torn apart, and eventually defeated. ”

Now, the plump sausage is less than half the size it used to be.

"Of course, the Commonwealth extends to Ireland. Cromwell ended the war of secession, who helped the Irish? No one, because no one left. ”

There is still a third of the fat part of the sausage left

Of course, for the good of all and for the salvation of souls, participation in the Anglican Church is mandatory, and who would object to it? Not a single one. They must give in or be fined for each violation. ”

The mayor threw the last slice on the pile of discarded bread and lifted the stump of the original piece with his stubby fingers. It's not much bigger than the other parts.

"You are all wise people, and I don't need to expand too much on this parable. You know, when Sullivan realizes that Lady Rice's disappearance doesn't bring about the Holy Kingdom he envisioned, he looks for the person he thinks is closest to corruption, then the next, then the next. By the time he is finished, none of you lieutenant generals will be whole. I won't even discuss his proposal with you, because it's not a compromise, it's a surrender clause with threats. Now, is anyone against it? Speak up now and don't be afraid. ”

No one spoke, and even those who supported peace could feel the arrival of the gallows, and although some would have disagreed in other cases, they now kept the peace.

"That's decided. Mr. Wallace, we'll go as planned. I will tell Sullivan about our decision on a personal basis, on my own. It is my pleasure, gentlemen. ”

"With all due respect, sir," I objected, and all froze, "I may have a safer and more obvious way of expressing our refusal." ”

"Is it now?"

"Yes. I assure you, the message will be very clear. ”

"Good. Gentlemen, return to your places and get ready. We will soon have an opinion on Sullivan's proposal, may God bless us. Dismissed!"

Will the God of Christianity help me fight another vampire? An interesting point.

The committee members walked out of the room in an orderly manner and dispersed. I walked out accompanied by the mayor. All the troops present had no clear purpose, and went around and glanced at us secretly, as if I could not see that they were all waiting for us to speak. Those mortals are so cute and pretend to be so busy. They are mine. We kill together. I made a gesture, and they slowly surrounded me with determination and shyness. John sat next to me, looking serious, holding a heavy wolf hunter in his oversized paws. He had a full quiver on his shoulder.

It took the shy group a full minute to shuffle the cards. Strange squads were scattered all over town, ready to suppress those I suspected of apostasy, only the Crick brothers were present. The rest of my troops are here.

From my right to the left, I found my security team led by an eager Harrigan, who was really heavily armed. Then we were joined at the last minute by a group of armed volunteers, led by Sch

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Mr. led, and he did not want to, and I quoted him, "Leave my wife to give those thugs something." "In the end, the village guards came here in their best clothes. For easy identification, each wears a blue armband.

I turned to the mayor and saw him secretly eating a slice of sausage. He shrugged his shoulders and added in a calm voice when he realized I had noticed him.

"Eating always calms me down, I'm sorry."

Well, that explains his audacity, and now his flamboyant display is suspected of having other motives when he savages the pitiful snack.

"Would you like to see your face?" He added calmly.

Oops, I'm impressed! I never expected him to let me command, because that's certainly what he meant.

I stepped aside and climbed onto Métis's head. My character instantly changed from a well-dressed lady to a warlord, and when the Métis took a step forward, they flinched. She snorted, and I dare say it was a joke.

They are all waiting, and I need to convince them because Lancaster's specialty is the impact on humanity. The bandits and mercenaries outside were gathered at his command, and he would encourage them to behave in a barbaric manner unheard of, I knew it. Lambert has always been the archetype of arrogance and petty fighting. It is not enough for me to be taken away or captured, he will destroy everything I have built and erase every one of my achievements from the map. That's what he is, and that's what his people are here for.

I took a deep breath and channeled my inner predator. Tonight, I'm no longer behind it. I am Ariana of Nelaari, the Princess of Blood. I belong to the oldest clan that has ever been, and I am a conqueror at heart. In order to survive, to liberate myself, to rule, I killed hundreds of people and opened up a bloody path. It's impossible for this little bastard to understand what I've been through. This will be his last field trip.

I laughed so hard that I grabbed the whole crowd at once. My eyes first found Harrigan, and I used what I had learned from Loss.

"Where are my people, my dream-keepers, gamblers and drunkards, warriors and killers? Where's my little villains?"

They roared as I awakened their desire to kill and their will to destroy and rule. I turned to Marquette's gun-wielding citizen.

"Where are the volunteers?" Fathers and workers in our cities? Who takes up arms to defend their homes and families? Where are the staunch defenders?"

Another roar joins the first, a roar of pride and determination. They are peace-loving people who are driven by circumstances to resort to violence, and like all those who are not accustomed to violence, they will be unrestrained tonight.

"Finally, what about the special women, my Amazonian women? Where are those frontier warriors who do not give in and are not conquered? Where's the Township Regiment?"

The third roar was high-pitched, until an even sharper voice interrupted it.

"Brave defender, pick up your flintlock pistol......"

Hundreds of echoes.

"Remember, aim for the."

A small part of me was frightened, while the other part only thought of good, mutilation and horror. When they... Never mind. I continued.

"No army will come to our rescue. No miracle can drive our enemies away from the battlefield. Look at the people around you. Here it is. We are the ones who stand outside between the greedy crowd and your loved ones, your family and your homeland. Some of us will bleed, some will die, and it's up to each of us to make sure that these sacrifices are not in vain. Grab your musket and aim for the kill. Tonight, you are not wives, husbands, and citizens. Tonight you are warriors, fighting for each other and for your town. Tell me, what are you going to do tonight?"

"Warrior!"

"So, warriors, remember the plan! The men are in the front, the women are in the back, and on both sides are sharpshooters. Fight without fear, kill without mercy, and any bastard who shoots before I give the order, I'll shove their rifle into their ass!"

The ensuing roar was deafening, and I could see from here the enemies hurriedly lining up. No warrior will surrender, who can utter such a shout. Yes, come to the Killing Land, prey.

I turned to my artillery assistant, an old man with a serious expression.

"Let's give them a formal answer. At the half-mile mark, shoot at will. ”

The man turned around and whistled, then waved a red flag at the people far behind us. A moment later, it began.

I always found mortars to make a deeper and quieter sound than field guns. Nothing is more unequivocal than indirect artillery fire to show a refusal. The first loud bang sounded behind us, and the dust on the ground shook with it.

The shell climbed to the apex of the track, leaving a red trail and a whistle, like the furiest teapot in the world. A few seconds later, the shell hit the ground with a loud bang that could not be weakened even at a distance. A beautiful flame erupted from the center of the camp, setting the tent and supplies ablaze. Some screamed as they were incinerated by Scarragher's magic cannonball, the same cannonball that the ruling party had used against us in the Battle of Black Harbor.

I really prefer to be on the side of the bombing. I wish I could see Lambert's face now.

A large group of enemies is running forward, which is a stupid strategy, they are exhausted before they reach us. But Lambert brought the robbers into battle. I brought the soldiers.

Our ranks waited neatly in front of the barricades.

"Check the range and adjust," I told the observer, letting him continue his work. Merritt is good at her job, and with the support of the borrowed Rosenthal mage, they will be able to fire quite a few shells from the protection of a circle.

I'll send a signal to Brother Creek right away.

"Set them on fire."

Soon, flaming arrows fell on the prepared pyre. The stadium sounded instantly, and a red light lit up the entire stadium. My mortals will have perfect vision.

We waited silently, and I turned curiously to the mayor. He muttered a prayer in a low voice, which made me uncomfortable. He had a Bible and a gun in his hand.

"Excuse me, Mayor?"

"No, ma'am, what I pray for is courage. Forgiveness is a matter for later. ”

He smiled palely in return, and I tapped him on the shoulder in support. He's here, and that's all that matters.

The enemy is still closing in on us. Their screams and ridicule stand in stark contrast to our own disciplined ranks. No one spoke, no one moved. Surrounded by grim faces.

The mortar now fell behind the assembled crowd until the scout raised another flag and the next screaming shell fell to the ground, this time a little shorter, still blocking the road with an incandescent crater. Somewhere to my left, a man was vomiting and his neighbor handed him a handkerchief.

The next shell landed right in the middle of the enemy. More than two dozen men were killed at once, and their mutilated limbs rained down on their comrades, who remained indifferent. Undoubtedly, Lambert's work. It takes a lot of effort to shock them.

"It's hot outside, isn't it?" One of my bodyguards whispered. Some dark laughter welcomes this comment.

After a while, the first enemies reached the halo. The flames shone in their manic eyes and the flashes of their weapons. When we finally got into their field of vision, a low roar began to sound. The first few started running towards us again, and the rest spread out like a line.

One hundred and fifty yards.

"Ready!"

The first echelon raised their muskets.

"Goal!"

Dense steel-topped branches lean forward. One hundred yards.

"Fire!"

The roar of the platoon made my ears tingle. When the first echelon knelt down and reloaded the ammunition without saying a word, a blue cloud formed by the spent gunpowder rose into the sky. In front of us, only a small group of people fell, but the pace of progress slowed down, because even the most brainwashed idiots were hesitating to die. Some of the most brutal bandits returned fire, but with little success.

"Come on, you bastards, do you want to live forever?" A man in fancy dress screamed, looking a bit like a uniform. He raised his sword, and the enemy continued to advance, faster.

"Ready!" I shouted again.

"Goal!"

Fifty yards.

"Fire!"

At one range, most National Guards can hit a target the size of a small mirror. More than 20 men fell to the ground on the spot, while others screamed while clutching mutilated body parts. The man with the saber let out a terrible scream and fell to the side, holding what little manhood he had left. A girly laugh, with a hint of madness, caressed my ears.

I turned to the mayor.

"It's a Stetson felt hat. She has a kind of fixation. ”

He just nodded, his face rather pale. The advancing party was now sprinting at full speed, and even humans should be able to hear the sound of their many feet on the ground, heavy breathing in their chests and shouts in their lips. They are like a huge creature, with a hundred hearts, bleeding, wounded, but quite active and very dangerous. A mad grizzly bear. We are tightropes with ties, hats, and frills. They won't crush us.

"Ready!"

The soldiers in the first row stood up, and only a few were too nervous to reload.

"Goal!"

Twenty yards.

"Fire!"

This time the volley was devastating. Dozens of people fell to the ground and rolled to the ground, only to be trampled on by others because they had gone berserk. The fastest fighters rushed at us with impunity.

"Private of the first class, bayonet!" Private of the second class, shoot casually!"

These men skillfully turned their threads into a large expanse of sharp, deadly steel. The National Guard in the back was frantically reloading ammunition. The mortars fell silent after the last shell, because the enemy was now too close to us.

By then it will be too late to plan. When the first fighter jumps over the barricade, the scuffle begins. The first ones were pierced, but there were also some who rushed into our ranks, cutting people everywhere. In the heat of battle, it only takes a few seconds for this front to get bogged down. Immediately afterward, the pressure eased when the National Guard began to fire at the attackers who had climbed over the barricades. I saw a man climb up and aim at our line. I shot him in the head, just as John got into a fight with his bow and crossbow, knocking the two scoundrels flying. After that, the other enemies got this information.

The barricades mitigated the initial onslaught, and my first line held on. On the left, the townspeople defended, covered each other, fought in unity. On the right, my security guards are using the weapons I have provided them to destroy their enemies with unparalleled brutality. Swords and balanced battle axes fly through the air, catching those robbers who cross the barricades. A pistol is a shot at close range, usually at someone's face. The supporting fire from the native guard really worked, but there were still almost 250 enemies, and little by little they advanced. Soon there were so many people on the barricades that our muskets could not quickly eliminate them, so it was the turn of the gangsters to shoot at us. The screams of the first female join the chorus of pain and anger. A girl next to me was shot in the heart, fired, and fell to the ground and died. The wounds keep accumulating, and we are constantly being repulsed. I loaded the pistol almost inhumanely, took out the officers and sharpshooters, but it wasn't enough.

And then it happened.

A roadblock robber in a clay pot climbed up a crate and placed two grenades on cigars on his cracked lips.

"Damn it." I cursed in frustration. I needed to, but didn't have time, I picked up a knife until the side of my body cracked, leaving me in a big surprise.

The madman, covered in grenades, fell to the ground with a look of surprise on his face and a deep hole in his chest. The mayor looked at the used pistol with trembling hands. Nice photos.

I think it's time.

I whistled to get the attention of the observers. He nodded, picking up the trumpet that hung around his waist. The loud sound of the horn muffled the noise of the battle.

"Alright, boys, toss the ball!"

Sparks came out from the depths of our ranks, and soon, our own grenades flew overhead before falling into the chaos of the opposing side. The attackers spun around in despair. Some knelt on the ground and tried to grab the bombs before they detonated.

I turned and ran into an alley, with the mayor and John following me. Our troops ran in the chaos, clinging to one side of the street.

Marquet's entire cavalry detachment waited impatiently in the alley. In the eyes of these people, anxiety has been replaced by anticipation, and they are very eager to join the fight.

"It's time," complained their commander, "gentlemen, go ahead." ”

I followed them slowly down Main Street. In front of us, men and women scurried, but as planned, they left the center of Main Street freely. The chaos and relative lack of visibility caused by the explosion allowed most people to flee safely.

"Line up!"

The riders form a tight wedge behind their leader. Lead, crush and conquer. No, let them do their job. If I charge now, I won't back down. Lambert's whereabouts remain unknown.

"Unsheathed, charged!"

The whole detachment jumped forward without restraint, the men screamed at the top of their voices, and somewhere in the middle, a musician with a trumpet was enjoying the time of his life.

How did the chaotic infantry resist the charge of the cavalry? The answer is, they don't. The spear tips next to each other split through the bandits and crushed them to their feet.

I don't understand. I walked around and picked out the people who had fallen behind with my spear. Some of my mortals are on earth, and I can't help them. I still see a man in a brown dress leaning against the wall. She was the last.

I pushed Métis to the front and we picked up the girl, I remember her name was Penelope. She grabbed my arm with her bloodied hand. Her head rested on my shoulder. In the scuffle, she loses her hat. As we rode back to Warehouse Square, her brown hair tickled my nose. We don't speak.

She twitched in my arms for the last time. When I put her lifeless body in the arms of the nurse behind us, they didn't say a word. There will be time later to commemorate the deceased.

Warehouse Square is the largest open space in the entire city. My fighters regrouped, regrouped, rearranged behind the last barricades. Some are missing. Some people have a bloody bandage if the injury is not too severe. The painful wails behind us came from the infirmary. They remind everyone that there is no other way back.

A minute passed, and the cavalry detachments appeared in confusion from the main street, and then turned to the right to the position they had designated. The enemy did not follow.

Come on.

You smell blood in the water.

You want to follow us.

Soon, a voice reached my ears explaining why there was a delay. The thunderous sound of horses' hooves shook the earth, and the hoarse screams made us leave without question. Their cavalry had already entered the city. They must have taken some time to clear the barricades and let themselves in.

The sound of the charge grew louder and louder. Dreaming of safety, the Citizens and Home Guards cling to their rifle determination. They were covered in blood, but they didn't fall. Some people unabashedly look forward to the works around them.

A group of cavalry rushed out of the darkness, with Sullivan at the forefront. He held the cross in one hand with an excited expression on his face. As soon as he saw us, he screamed feverishly.

"It is God's will!"

I couldn't have said it better myself.

"Fire!"

At the front of the stormtroopers, the riders showed me a unique expression as they noticed the gaping mouth of the 24-pounder cannon facing them. Curiosity, surprise, fear, and even acceptance. When field guns fired shells at them at the optimal range, they all disappeared.

The world has become deaf. Cannon spews fire and a storm of steel charges through the melee. Dozens of people were instantly turned into red mist and flying organs, and the survivors could only watch in horror as they bled and died from musket fire. On both sides, cavalry detachments and militia squads were waiting for this moment, which they attacked the enemy fiercely in deadly crossfire. Yes, it was perfectly executed. Well done, my mortal.

"They have fucking cannons!?" One of the mercenaries shouted in frustration.

Of course not, stupid humans, of course not.

We have two.

"Second Battery, fire!"

The second field gun reaped a bloody harvest from another angle. Those who escaped the first blow collapsed and died. Panic spreads, and for the first time uncertainty pierces the veil of frenzy that Lambert has placed there. They are mature.

Sullivan squinted at the latch that nailed his cross to the palm of his hand, it was John's courtesy, and he could certainly be petty when he wanted.

Our eyes met.

I didn't tear their ranks apart with my claws, and I didn't fight a magical battle with Lambert. I fought like a queen, and now, I win. Sullivan, you lost from the start.

"General".

The shot put caught the referee who fell to the ground. His body leaned back, lying like an eagle on the panicked horse, which was fleeing the massacre.

"Now, boys, girls, let's get them out!"

The order to charge came from all sides. The militia and cavalry swept the disoriented attackers like a tidal wave. The citizens and guards shouted and marched forward, eager to reclaim their land and the bodies of their friends, eager to dispel the fear that had gripped them for days. This is too much for those who count on easy hitting. They will decompose and then run away as fast as they can.

However, the battle is not over. Gunshots rang out from our left, and I immediately realized what the problem was. A large part of Sullivan's men, maybe half, fled to the side. They may want to outflank us from the side.

I gathered the militia, they have not dispersed yet, they are still waiting to bleed. Their officers, already sensing the danger, rushed over to help them. I opened the way, and the ever-faithful John was by my side until I saw him.

Lambert stands in the middle of an abandoned shopping street. His usual air of arrogance and indifference was gone, replaced by frustration. He's depressed, and I don't know if he'll ever be able to get angry.

The militia behind me instinctively turned to an alley and continued on its way.

"Go too, friend, this is my fight."

John nodded, and reluctantly rode away.

Here it is.

I climbed down from Métis. The vampire is too fast to fight on horseback, and I don't want her to be hurt unnecessarily.

The streets were deserted. The shops there were closed and the goods hidden. It almost looked like a ghost town, but the red glow of the firelight and the crackling of the guns masked the calm that permeated the place.

Lambert came to me, he was the master and the executor, and I was the escapee, and I succeeded. He still thinks I'm weak. Even though his men fell and his plans were in vain, his arrogant attitude did not change. He doesn't understand it yet, but he will. I'm the queen and he's the prey.