[x] Yes
-[x] Fallory is fucked, whether they're willing to acknowledge it or not. The longer a siege is held, the worse the sack of the city and the fate of any common people will be. If things get bad enough quickly enough, maybe they'll shank a royal and negotiate a surrender that leaves the city intact.
A light breeze whistled throughout the plains, grass waving nonchalantly back forth. The wind was a welcome respite, bringing with it a sense of finality and...the scent of sweet grass. Then it continued on, slithering away in disgust, as if it knew the words that were on the tip of your tongue. The officer watched you expectantly, the soldiers, cautiously. Sylvia was still turned away, her eyes glazed as she watch the breeze continue on its journey. Finally, you inhaled,
"We agree to your terms. I'm going to take my men, and we're going to leave."
The older man ran through his graying hair with his fingers, a look of satisfaction clear on his face. However, you, on the other hand, felt weak. Before you dumped into the Nameless, you were a soldier, sworn to defend the realm and its citizens. You were expected to bear the brunt of maliciousness that swept throughout the country: bandits, rebels, and yes, invaders as well. To suddenly drop all of that...It looks as if your time among criminals had taken its toll. Even though your convictions were well and truly shaken up...you still felt a pang of satisfaction. Every thrown stone, every sneer, and all the whispering. Gone.
"You are given one hour to move your men. If any stand in the way, they will be treated like those who are defending Fallory, and will be cut down without hesitation. Understand?"
"Yeah, understood. We'll be moving immediately."
Spurring the horse, you turned it around and started riding back towards the lines. But as you passed Sylvia, you swore you saw the glint of her teeth spread in a wicked smile, and a dancing light in her eye, before her face returned to its placid state. Sweeping that sight from your mind, now came the hard part: convincing the Nameless to leave. Or, at least, the majority if them. It shouldn't be all to hard considering. A lot of them weren't even remotely loyal to the state, thanks to the constant use of the magical tattoos.
Finally, you were shaken out of your reverie when a gruff voice shouted, "Look who's back. So what now, Fearless Leader? Battle formations and all that?"
The thoughts of a speech went through your mind. Rousing words spelling out a hate for the country and the people of Delvah. Reminders of what the Nameless endured on a day to day basis. The treatment afforded them by the very military they were supposed to fight alongside. They very fact that they were shown more civility by an invading force than their government had ever done. It all just melted away.
"Grab everything you got, we're leaving. Anyone who wishes to stay will likely die within minutes of their assault." With a heavy sigh, you whipped the reigns, and sent the horse trotting away from the Nameless, Sylvia following closely behind.
Uncharacteristically silent, the men and women of the Nameless looked at each other as the word spread. Many immediately sheathed their swords and gathered behind you, some with smirks, others with dead eyes. Those were the ones who couldn't give two shits about Fallory and the independence of Delvah. They had no qualms abandoning the citizens. Others were still unsure. And a select few stayed. They jeered at you. Everything from "scum" to "shitstains" fell upon your ears. But their voices were too few, and your indifference to their insults quieted them down. The choice had been made.
Soon, the huge mass had broken formation, and were simply following you and Sylvia, who was still holding the black banner. The twenty men behind you soon spread out to hundreds, like chicks following their mother. It would be comical if the situation weren't so grave.
The ramparts and walls of Fallory suddenly exploded into shouting as they realized what was happening. A few arrows fired from their archers, but they fell far short, probably stopped by their commanders. No magic or siege projectiles were sent flying at you. Understandable. They'd need all the ammunition and advantages they could get. One of their major ones had just walked off the field, after all.
The jeers and screams shrunk, same as with the massive walls of Fallory. Feet trudging along the grass, you felt your own eyes glaze over. All that was left was the counting of each footstep.
....677, 678, 679...
Your stomach rumbled, and you could feel your thighs becoming sore. How long has it been since I've last rode a horse? Was it when I was with the knights?
...780, 781, 782...
Sylvia had placed her mount next to yours. She still hasn't dropped that damnable banner.
...1,111 , 1,112 , 1,113....
...3,114 , 3,115 , 3,116...
"Oi, ya bastard. Think we've gone far enough?!" One of the men shouted.
But you didn't stir. It was only when Sylvia reached over and placed her hand on your shoulder that you were roused. Turning your horse around, you could already see the spires of smoke. If you were quiet, you could hear the shouting of men. When did they begin their assault?
"I suppose we have."
"Well, what the fuck are we supposed to do now?!"
Indeed.
"Well, I see it one of two ways, honestly. We could all disperse."
"Ah, fuck, that sounds good. I wanna find the nearest unburnt town and drink till I die."
"I think we could all use a bit of drink."
[] Disperse. All of you.
[] Convince the Nameless to follow you. (+20 to leadership rolls)
[] Leave with Sylvia in tow.
[] Write in.
Sylvia thoroughly enjoyed that...Relationship increased
