Jacobs back-slash removed the Goblins head from his shoulders. For the moment he was free to assess the situation. The latest wave of monsters is nearly finished, made up of low level Goblins and Orcs no higher than level 8. It had seamed that the Underdark threw nearly every type of monster that resided within its depths. First a swarm of Slimes, a horde of Undead, then Spiders and finally Goblins and Orcs in the latest wave. 1 wave every 2 hours allowed them to rest and recuperate, but the monsters were getting stronger and possibly more numerous. 3 of the Guard had been carted back to the Hall for healing and recovery, no one had died yet but at this rate it would change sooner rather then later.

Alert...Day 1 Siege of the Dark Oak Grove of Midnight has been completed. Be warned, the second day will have 5 waves of monsters.

Wonderful, at least the day of work was finally over. He watched as Captain Thardan Dulkam marched up with 20 of the guard. They would be taking over as defenders of the Grove for the night in case someone tried to raid it. Jacob and the current shift would head back to the fortress for a much-needed rest, food, and relaxation. The loggers were stressed and had occasionally helped with the monsters to vent their frustrations. Jacob had no idea what Andria was doing to the Grove, but everyone there could feel something happening. All the Oaks of the Inner Grove glowed with power, it seemed to give the defenders heart but also drove the monsters mad for some reason. "Lets go people, time to head home." Jacob called to his exhausted War Party. Although all the monsters had been low level, do to the sheer amount everyone had gained a level. Jacob still had to review what they had chosen as their ACs as well when they got back. Check in with Jigibs and the construction efforts, talk to Thorgon about beefing up the Guard at the Grove tomorrow. and see if Eiloma had anything for him.

The Guards at the wall were nervous, constantly looking at the cavern entrance to see if any monsters approached the keep. Jacob wish he had time and resources to upgrade the defenses, but he didn't. Even thought the Grove was under siege, Jacob still had to keep his eye on other goals, like paying to work crew that mined the Silver, building a Barracks and Housing. In the distance, Jacob saw that the foundation and part of one wall had been completed for the smithy. He could see Torgan and the Dwarf Stroznog discussing something over a beer. Jacob had been worried about the two getting along, one being an Orc and the other a Dwarf, but apparently work and beer brought the two together. Jacob eventually wanted to have a brewery and a brew master here, but that was far down on the list of things to do at the fortress.

Jacob saw Thorgron and Jigibs approaching and Jacob took a moment to talk to them while his War Party continued into the hall for food and comfort. "Captain it has been a long day. Tomorrow I want 20 Guards at the Grove deployed with the workers there, not the standard 10. I know it is going to cut back on workers, but due to the Grove bringing in all the local monsters we need the extra defenders to protect he Grove. It will be for two more days. After that, work will be back on schedule."

Jigibs immediately jumped in "Its fine, the work I plan does not usually involve Guard 'volunteers' that are assigned to me." Thorgron eyeballed the Goblin before responding "I understand. I will lead the Guard contingent myself tomorrow. I will also include the 8 recruits in the 20 to get the same experience, they are all at least level 10, so they should be fine tomorrow." Jacob wasn't so sure but his War Party would be there to back them up.

In the main room of the Hall, a table had food and drink ready and a couple of his Bonded were already sitting and eating while others were staggering in. All of them looked tired, it had been a long day between the trek to the Tomb then being under siege the rest of the day. They had all earned a break, and they were all getting it, only Snaggletooth and Mug were not there. The three Guards that had come in wounded were already healed and resting. Jacob headed to his room to get out of his armor and get in some regular clothing, time to check to see what his Bonded choose as AC.

Snaggletooth Stormcaller

Spoiler: Spoiler

Spirit Caller: The Shaman is entwined with both the Elements and the Ancestores. They will heed the Shamans call and assist his people when their is need. (Cost of spells is decreased by 5%, increased damage and healing by 5%)

Chalxae Freath

Spoiler: Spoiler

Assassin: The ultimate killer is never seen or heard, you are the Shadow as your enemies die either from blade or poison. (Increase all stealth based attaacks by 10%, poison based abilities are now unlocked)

June Moonshadow

Spoiler: Spoiler

Beast Master: The Ranger that has become one with the Wild around them can summon the strongest defenders and champions of the wild. (Increase the stats of all summoned animals by 10%, Unique Summoning unlocked at lvl 30)

Shigna Firecaller

Spoiler: Spoiler

Pyromancer: The elementalist that emraces the path of Fire, few will take this path because most will die in the attemt to control such an element. (Decrease all fire based abilitie costs by 5%, increase the damage of all fire based abilities by 10%)

Fenwyn Cabot

Spoiler: Spoiler

Demonic Calling: Warlocks have always depended on the Demons of the Abyss for their strength, now the Warlock will Master their strength and take it for their own. (Unlocks Demonic Bond, Increase the natural abilities of the Warlock and summoned Demon by 10%)

Mug Ruith

Spoiler: Spoiler

Shapeshifter-The druid is trained in the way of nature, its strength and weakneses. Now the Druid can call of the sheer animal power to bring against his foes. (Different animal shapes will be unlocked as the Druid grows older and stronger. Current Shapes: Rock Python)

Thelgrun had refused to choose and when Jacob asked about it he said "Mylord, my strength is limited do to not having a Patron. Until I find one, I will not unlock my Advanced Class because I have no idea how my new Patron will augment my abilities." Jacob had simply nodded even though he had no idea what the Fallen Paladin meant. After that he enjoyed the food and company before logging off for the night. Tomorrow would be a long day and only the second day of the Siege.

The next day Jacob noticed most of the people in the Hall were tense, including his Bonded. They were anticipating the coming battles and feared them. If it continued, they would make mistakes which could cause injuries and maybe death. Time for a Speech. "June, when we cleared the Spiders from the former Chapterhouse of the Blood Knights, were you afraid?" She nodded and Jacob continued, "Shigna, you were there when we took the Fortress of the Forgotten. Did you fear the Undead who held the fortress?" He nodded and Jacob continued "Snaggletooth, you were there when we cleared out the rebel Kobolds. Were you afraid there Golems would crush us?" The Orc smiled but nodded. "I was afraid when we stormed the Sisters of the Damned Fortress. Fenwyn, were you afraid when we went to the Cave of the Damned to face the Fallen Shaman?" The Gnome just nodded her head. "The point of all of this is that we are all afraid at one time or another. What we do despite that is what matters, I will go out there and fight whatever the Underdark throws at us because this is our land. This is our home and I will be damned to the Abyss before I let anyone destroy it or take it from us." At first, it was only one or two, but quickly others took it up. Guards stomping feet and slamming armored fists into their chest, others howling letting the Underdark know that the Fortress of Midnight and its people still stood strong.

Alert....The Primordial Power of Balance has taken notice of your cry of need and insperation, have faith and keep walking your choosen path Oathmaker.

Keep Ability Unlocked: Rally Cry

Description: When you notice a break in you enemies battle line or your troops on the point of fleeing the battlefield, activate this ability to inspire your troops to fight on longer and harder. (Increases Damage by 25% for 5 Minutes, Can only be used once during a Battle or Siege, cooldown 24 Hours)

Dam...nice little ability there. One that could literally turn the tide of battle. "Well done mylord. You point out their flaws, yet make them into their strengths. Not the most artful speech, but I am sure given time we will turn you into the proper noble." Eiloma told Jacob, which caused him to shudder in disgust.

He had seen what Vampire nobility said and did, and he would never be like them. "Face your fears mylord" Eiloma dug at him one more time before walking away. Damned woman, he was not afraid of being a noble just afraid of losing himself along the way. 20 minutes later Jacob his War Party, 20 Guards and Thorgron, and the Grove workers left the Fortress behind to head to work. It would be a long day, but they would face it together.

As the group approached the cave that contained the Grove, Jacob saw that the bodies that had been left where they had fallen had been dragged or carted away into two large piles where they now burned. All the Guards that had maintained the watch through the night looked exhausted from the hard labor but were preparing to leave to eat and rest. Thardan Dulkam saluted Jacob as he walked by and toward the Grove. The Trees appeared brighter than they had yesterday, but nothing had changed with the Mana Well or central Dark Oak. Elise was getting her workers settled and Thorgron was getting the Guards settled for the next shift and for the battles to come. Thorgron and the Guard would blunt the attacks and Jacob and his War Party would be there to assist when and where needed. For 15 minutes they waited, then he heard the whispers and grunts before they saw the first Goblin and Orc (all of them level 8 or below), a few dozen so far and the terrain was the only thing that allowed them to survive. The walls of the cavern prevented the Goblins and Orcs from flanking the Guards. "Stand fast. Shields to the front and brace for the Charge!!" Thorgron bellowed as the Guard prepared for the waves of enemies. Jacob drew Moonlight and prepared, it was going to be a long ass day.