Siege of Dalth'it
The Conflict
Prelude
After the Battle of Verdant Fields the year before, the Democracy's rout by the King's Force led them back to their home in Dalth'it to recuperate.
Deployment
Democracy
7,000 foot soldiers 4,000 archers 3,000 warcasters 3,000 cavalry 2,000 charioteers 50 defensive siege (trebuchets and balistae)King's Force
10,000 footsoldiers 6,000 archers 5,000 warcasters 4,500 cavalry 150 offensive siege (rams, ladders, catapults, siege towers)Battlefield
The Elysia Basin, wide plains stretching before Dalth'it. The killing field went on for three miles from the city gates.
Conditions
Democracy: kill Manaron, or withstand the siege.
King's Force: bring Jatzetz out of Dalth'it, or breach the city.
The Engagement
This battle was the deadliest battle in the short war for the throne.
It started with Jatzetz sending assassins to kill Manaron, and it was reported they succeeded. Jatzetz, seizing the opportunity, sallied from the gates. With archers on the first of the Double Wall and trebuchets lined along the top of second Wall, they volleyed round after round, arrows and flaming stones blotting out the sun. The shade of them cooled the charging party on the hot morning. The King's Force was just getting prepared at the charge, but mustered themselves just in time to not be completely slaughtered.
The magician's casting their wicked spells, the swordsmen and lancers piercing each other, and the charioteers cutting down fleeing troops like wheat in a harvest. All seemed to be in Jatzetz favor, and a rout was eminent until a formidable figure strode out from his tent, completely armored and glowing with yellow-orange flame. Manaron was not dead.
At this, Manaron fought like a fiend, throwing back soldiers, shattering spears with his gauntlet and bending and breaking swords on his arms. He smote the thousand or so elite soldiers that acted as Jatzetz personal guard and army. As if a beacon was ignited within them they exploded into light, their armor and clothes vaporizing with each stroke of his greatsword and greatlance. When a wizard or sorcerer tried to conjure a battery of magic missiles, but a blue light ignited on him and a blue shield warded him. Jatzetz rounded his remaining men, about seventy, and retreated.
He found to his horror his forces retreating as well. Unfortunately for them, the King's Force had split and doubled round them, cutting them off from the city. The few thousand had no choice but flee south and then east to Louveryit, and another chance.
Outcome
Disheartening of Democracy forces, overwhelming increase in morale for King's Forces. King's Force took over Dalth'it, a heavy blow to Democracy morale.
Aftermath
The real beginning of the end for Democracy movement. Although the failed siege of Hlee is seen as a the beginning of the end, Hlee was never going to fall from the start. This loss, however, crushed the Democracy and the spirit of those who lived in Dalth'it. It also solidified Manaron as the undisputed ruler of Evoria, and feared and respected.
Historical Significance
Since it happened so recently, there is not much in the realm of history provided by scholars. It was well documented to be sure, but a fresh event is yet to be fully revealed.Legacy
This is considered the best of Manaron's victories. His most tactical victory was the final rout that ended in Jatzetz death, but that victory could not have been achieved if not for his almost godly escape from the hands of the assassins, whom were all captured and whose displayed at the gates of Dalth'it. A harsh warning for those thinking of defection.
In Literature
Many poems have been written praising the king and his tenacity. Some poems praise Jatzetz determination, and even Manaron penned a short treatise on Jatzetz bravado.
Included under Conflict
Conflict Type
Battle
Battlefield Type
Land
Start Date
Aftvernal 10th, 2706
Ending Date
Midsummer 1st, 2706
Conflict Result
Decisive King's Force victory. Democracy routed to Louvryit.
Location
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