Chapter 953 - 176: Blazing Flames Engulf the City (Part 2)
The low hum of the horn echoed, and the Crusaders’ camp gates swung open. Squadrons of cavalry bearing various flags charged out of the camp first, forming ranks on the hill before the city, each squadron clustering around a brightly armored noble officer.
Except for those under Losa’s command, most of the officers in the army are nobles.
If the clergy monopolize knowledge like the Eastern aristocrats, then the noble class holds generations of military merit; even the most outstanding civilian soldiers must follow the commands of noble leaders.
Boom—
Another round of stones flew out, smashing a tower straight through, and the falling rubble sparked a series of screams.
The gigantic catapults forged by the Crusaders require a significant amount of time to reload after each strike.
But the wall stands here, neither dodging nor retaliating.
Though the Saracens would build large siege weapons, it’s clearly impossible to mount them on the walls.
Malik bit his lip fiercely as he hesitated, then shouted, "Everyone back to your posts, raise my banner at the top of the wall, let the soldiers know I stand with them!"
The generals hurriedly advised, "Your Highness, it’s too dangerous!"
"If I were concerned about danger at a time like this, then I’d flee the city with my brother!"
He drew his sword, forcibly suppressing his internal fear, and sprinted towards the wall.
General Mujit shouted, "What are you waiting for? I’m going to protect His Highness, everyone else to your positions!"
Upon reaching the top of the wall, Malik looked at the dense enemy below, striving to quell the fear in his heart.
Only to see the massive siege engines steadily approaching the wall, pushed by Crusader soldiers.
These engines were pushed by soldiers under Losa’s command, composed of "Flemish Spearmen" and "Swiss Halberdiers," each wearing a boat-shaped water pot helmet, and clad in large chest armor and a chain armor liner, much like those summoned militias sent by wealthier city residents of the Crusader cities.
This equipment was considered advanced for the time, second only to the walking knights.
At this moment, they resemble puppets, silently executing military orders.
"These Franks are different from before."
Mujit whispered in surprise, Franks were known for their fierce courage but lacked discipline. The Mamluks would often defeat them by exploiting this weakness during battles.
"These are Losa’s Franks, I should say."
Malik, a crown prince versed in military affairs, had long accompanied Saladin in campaigns—but he was unlucky in facing an opponent like Adil in his previous life; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been defeated in the internal conflicts after Saladin’s death.
Malik tightened his grip on his sword, "A truly frightening opponent, even without the Demon Dragon, even without his team of casters, he remains the most formidable of all the Crusader princes."
Today, no one doubts the enemy’s fearsome nature.
Even though Malik detests speaking words that might shake military morale, the facts speak for themselves—and no empty talk can rally the troops’ fighting spirit.
With his banner raised, Malik shouted, "My subjects, soldiers, generals, Damascus is in grave peril! The barbarity and savageness of the Franks is known to all, the moment they breach our city, they will desecrate our holy altars and shrines, converting them to heathen chapels. They will seize your possessions, and slaughter your wives and children—no one will be spared. Now, our fates are intertwined—for Holy Fire Everlasting, and to defend yourselves, take up your weapons, resist, fight!"
"Roar!"
"Holy Fire, the greatest!"
The defending soldiers, militias roared in anger and fear, venting their inner rage.
Small catapults on the walls hurled fire pots at the gigantic siege towers.
They appeared somewhat young, wearing the loose robes like the fire-worshiping clergy, raising a wooden staff and chanting spells.
Compared to ordinary casters selected from among the populace
Saladin, through nationwide efforts, recruited these talented young casters—even before being discovered, their extraordinary spiritual power often resulted in a series of "paranormal events."
Though still developing, they displayed considerable potency in the defense battle.
Unfortunately, as soon as they emerged, they were targeted by Crusader woodland archers—tall and robust, wielding longbows the height of a man.
Roar—
Malik felt his heart tremble, he instinctively looked up.
"The Demon Dragon is coming, ready all!"
Damascus’ defenders deployed bed crossbows,
The thick bowstring twisted from cattle tendon pulled taut,
A heavy hammer smashed the iron anvil, the bowstring snapped with a bang, and the mighty crossbow
Ladon flipped with agility, dodging
"Damn it!"
"Be cautious, your dragon scales may not withstand these crossbow arrows."
Losa explained, the Demon-blocking Gold Weapons posed some threat to the Demon Dragon, after all, Ladon was only in Phase One, although intimidating, he did not wield the invincible power shown in simulated battles.
Malik felt his heart tremble, he instinctively looked up.
"The Demon Dragon is coming, ready all!"
Damascus’ defenders deployed bed crossbows,
The thick bowstring twisted from cattle tendon pulled taut,
A heavy hammer smashed the iron anvil, the bowstring snapped with a bang, and the mighty crossbow
Ladon flipped with agility, dodging
"Damn it!"
"Be cautious, your dragon scales may not withstand these crossbow arrows."
Losa explained, the Demon-blocking Gold Weapons posed some threat to the Demon Dragon, after all, Ladon was only in Phase One, although intimidating, he did not wield the invincible power shown in simulated battles.
Malik felt his heart tremble, he instinctively looked up.
"The Demon Dragon is coming, ready all!"
Damascus’ defenders deployed bed crossbows,
The thick bowstring twisted from cattle tendon pulled taut,
A heavy hammer smashed the iron anvil, the bowstring snapped with a bang, and the mighty crossbow
Ladon flipped with agility, dodging
"Damn it!"
"Be cautious, your dragon scales may not withstand these crossbow arrows."
Losa explained, the Demon-blocking Gold Weapons posed some threat to the Demon Dragon, after all, Ladon was only in Phase One, although intimidating, he did not wield the invincible power shown in simulated battles.
Malik felt his heart tremble, he instinctively looked up.
"The Demon Dragon is coming, ready all!"
Damascus’ defenders deployed bed crossbows,
The thick bowstring twisted from cattle tendon pulled taut,
A heavy hammer smashed the iron anvil, the bowstring snapped with a bang, and the mighty crossbow
Ladon flipped with agility, dodging
"Damn it!"
"Be cautious, your dragon scales may not withstand these crossbow arrows."
Losa explained, the Demon-blocking Gold Weapons posed some threat to the Demon Dragon, after all, Ladon was only in Phase One, although intimidating, he did not wield the invincible power shown in simulated battles.