Athers slammed the citadel gate shut behind him. The other soldiers nearby began to pile objects against it, seeking to shore it against the inevitable Roman push. The main walls of the citadel surrounded the main fortress on all sides, with a single gate built into the walls. The Romans would have to cross a large swathe of open ground, scale the walls, fight their way through the garrison, storm through the citadel proper's gate and then take each of it's three tiers in order to clear the entirety of Ravus-York. It was the job of the garrison itself to ensure that never happened.
The garrison - and Athers' little surprise. The Captain looked up at Masters. "Is it ready?"
"It is." Masters said. "Just needs Whosit's authorization."
Athers nodded and sent Masters to the walls. He ran to find Lord Whosit. When he did, the lord was still in the citadel, still pouring over maps. The only difference was that he now had his armor on and his longsword lay on the maps of Ravus-York where the pieces moved.
"My lord!" Athers said, and strode towards him. Whosit looked up, a suspicious look on his face.
"What is it, Captain?"
"I need your authorization to launch Operation Ragnarok."
There was a long moment of silence.
"I was under the impression that I expressly forbade you from preparing that foul scheme!" Whosit yelled.
"Ah, you did." Athers said unhappily.
"Then WHY in the name of Stonehenge did you do it anyway!?!?!"
"Because it's our only hope, sir." Athers said stoically. "I believe that the Roman offensive has to be stopped."
"Even your plan can't do that!"
Athers heard the truth in that statement. However - "We can only hope and pray, sir."
Whosit sighed and looked at the men around him. Then he turned to Athers and said. "It might keep all these men alive after all. Alright then - pull everybody back and withdraw through the tunnels. We'll launch after we're clear."
Athers ran out of the citadel and to the walls. He relayed the orders, watching the Roman lines in the city proper. About two hours later, when almost everyone was off the walls, the Romans caught on to what was happening and charged. Athers swore.
"Fire!" He yelled to the remaining archers, who cut loose and wreaked havoc upon the Roman formation. Athers drew his sword and retreated off the wall with the rest of the men as the Romans stormed it, hoping to get into the Citadel before them. He made it and slammed the door. Most everyone had vanished down side tunnels and Athers joined Whosit and Masters by the last one.
"Ready?" he asked them. Masters nodded but Whosit still looked sick.
"Athers, this is the holy city of Christianity - JoeMacUnGee will burn you at a stake for this! Assuming the president doesn't catch up to you first!"
"I'll take my chances. I'm more afraid of Red Feather then JoeMacUnGee, and that's saying something."
Whosit shook his head and turned towards the entrance to the tunnel.
A rain of stone shards accompanied by a massive crash! made all three draw their swords and whirl around. Red Feather landed on the stone floor, which cracked at the impact.
"Good Stonehenge!" Athers cried, "Don't you ever SLEEP??"
"SLEEP FOR WEAK PUNY MEN!" Red Feather cried, lunging forward. Masters and Whosit sliced at his legs in passing and the giant man fell. Athers jumped forward and ran him through. However, Red Feather simply got up and hit Athers in the stomach, slamming him into a wall. Athers shook the stars out of his vision to see Feather withdraw his axe and swing at Whosit, who ducked.
Then Feather swung the haft of his axe into Masters' chest and the Eagle hit a wall which collapsed on him.
Athers leapt up and kicked Feather, who backed up a step, off-balance. Whosit turned and ran. Athers gritted his teeth and swung his sword. Feather swung his axe, was parried by Athers, then picked Athers up and and made as if to throw him.
A massive stone, dislodged by Feather's entrance, slammed into his chest and sent him flying. The big man was crushed under the weight of the stone, yet began to claw his way out even then. Athers ran over to Masters, saw his eyes glazed over.
"No." He whispered, and checked his friend's pulse.
Nothing.
"Damn you!" He swore, turning towards Red Feather. Whosit grabbed him, back from pushing the rock into Feather.
"Let's go!" he urged. "He'll be caught here."
Athers snarled, then ran into the escape tunnel, followed by Whosit. A moment later, Athers found the fuse and lit it, then fled even faster. And if tears were falling down his face, who would notice in the tunnel?
Then the thousands - millions - of gallons of oil and naptha that Athers had stored below Ravus-York detonated, filling the city with fire and destruction.
Ravus-York burned.
OOC: This scene was sad to write, but it concludes the battle for Ravus-York.
- Lighthearter
.
finishing it would allow planning to go ahead. considering there are fears about Ravus-York burning people wish to know how that will turn out before they do stuff. 
I think. The character limit might prevent me.
. Be patient - and please put any requests from now on as Visitor Messages - keep this thread on Realpolitik.
