Landing craft still crossed the river, but now the warriors who disembarked ran straight up the riverbank, shouting and cheering, swords held in the air as they joined their fellows.

Miro closed his eyes and then let out a slow, deep breath.

"Lord Marshal," Beorn said. "Are you coming?" He grinned, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I know a faster way," Miro said. He waved his arms, and the dirigible slowly descended. A ladder was thrown out.

"No, thank you," Beorn said. "I don't have a head for heights. I'll chance the river."

"See you there," Miro said. "Bring the Halrana animators over with you, will you?"

Soon Miro was lifted up and over the splashing river. From his vantage he could see his men swiftly gain the advantage, and the green and brown flag of the allied army soon flew from one, then another of the squat towers. Miro was careful to display the Alturan raj hada on the dirigible for all to see, the circle double-striped to indicate the Lord Marshal was present.

When he was across, he jumped down from the dirigible and sent it back out of danger.

His first concern was for defences. "Secure the towers on both sides as long as you are in view of the bridgehead, then pin the rest down with archers. Have the colossus smash up the walls and get the men to move the blocks to form a wall on four sides. Let me know the instant the Halrana animators have arrived from the Alturan side. The instant, you understand? Tell Marshal Scola to continue the advance and encirclement, I want the river cleared in both directions. When Marshal Beorn arrives, he's in charge of the defences."

"Yes, Lord Marshal." They said as he issued the orders.

"The animators are here," a soldier came running up, six men in brown robes behind him.

"Thank you, soldier," Miro said. "Please get me fifty men to form a patrol."

"Yes, Lord Marshal."

The soldier spoke to another man in the raj hada of an Alturan captain. Miro regarded the approaching animators.

"You know what you're here for," Miro said.

"We do," one of the animators, a Halrana with tapered moustaches, said. "I can hardly breathe. Do you think there are many still functional?"

"Calm down," Miro said. "You're in the middle of a battle."

The captain came forward. "You requested a detachment, Lord Marshal?"

"Yes, captain. We're going to find those constructs."

Amidst the chaos Miro heard someone calling his name. "Miro!"

He turned and saw Marshal Beorn. "What is it?"

"The dirigible pilot signalled that there's a mass of men forming in the east. They must be from the enemy's main encampment. It's a counter attack."

Miro nodded. "I understand… Marshal Beorn, our defences are in your hands." He turned to the Alturan captain and the Halrana animators. "Come on," he said, "we don't have much time."

~