[puffyn]

---- Arcoscephale, Turn 35 ----

Yesterday's sortie from the castle walls came within a spear's thrust of defeating us. Nearly a third of my troops fell, and several bands were scattered into surrounding areas; there are only a handful of troops still camped around the city walls. If their next attack is as strong as this one, we will be in trouble. Fortunately, it seems as if many of their leaders came out and fought, and few returned to their blood-stained homes.

I think they had finally realized what a threat we pose to them, because this time they attacked with far better troops than the masses of rag-tag slaves we have encountered before. A flock of giant poisonous bats flew directly toward the mystics, who were fortunately surrounded by many brave hoplites who sprang to their defense. That left the vinoghers to meet the bulk of their forces, which included several evil looking spiny monsters. All the while five priests stood at the back with dozens of young girls; by the time we reached them, not one was left alive. There was much bloody fighting before we finally prevailed. I did note with some curiosity that Sadhana and another mystic whose name escapes me led the mystics this time; yet the troops seem to have rallied around Amshula and Tushar, because they believe them responsible for the lightning strikes that helped drive off the bats.

As the few remaining priests finally began to flee, three of their tribal kings suddenly "freed their minds" and joined our side, unfortunately without bringing their warriors also to our side. One of them said that the Prophet Huehueteotl had come himself to watch the fight, but was among the first to scurry back to the castle; it was the former king's opinion that there would be much blood-letting tonight in the wake of the devastating defeat, and he would rather be outside the castle while it was going on. Since we have so few troops assembled here, I have assigned all of the defectors guard duties. I do not suspect they will betray us, since they are unlikely to be greeted with anything other than open knives should they return to their city, but I have instructed my troops to remain cautious around them.

I leave at dawn to collect wayward troops. Had they been veterans, seasoned warriors, who had fled, I would have left them to wander. The phalanx would have been strengthened by the removal of the weakest elements. But most of them are fresh recruits from the south -- more boys than men really, and we desperately need more hands to maintain the siege. It is unlikely that Mictlan will attack again in force before I can return, which is why I will risk it. Besides, tensions among the mystics have been high ever since the battle. I suspect there is another argument brewing, though at present Amshula is so exhausted that she has slept ever since the battle ended, nearly two days ago. I would like to be gone from the camp before she awakes.

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