He was slowed by the sheer number of his opponents, but he was desperate to be first through the gate; he had to know what waited for him on the other side. As his sword rose and fell, blood spraying and splattering over his armoursilk, Miro knew he was fighting the same men who had launched constant sorties against his homeland. These soldiers in black had attacked the massed Halrana refugees at the Sarsen, intentionally cutting down men, women, and children. They had imprisoned the survivors, and occupied their lands, raping and pillaging at will. The Black Army had taken Amber away from him.

Even the other bladesingers couldn't keep up with their Lord Marshal. He spun and in a mighty arc he cut through two men with one blow. A pike was thrust at his unprotected face, but he cut the pole in half and slashed the throat of the warrior who held it. Miro sang in a clear, crisp voice and the words were part of who he was. The song came unthinking from his lips as he caused his armoursilk to become transparent and his zenblade to grow blue and ethereal. He caused waves of heat to pour from the runes, burning through his enemy's clothing and searing their limbs, causing them to drop their weapons from the pain.

Then Miro was at the gate, a tall tower of stone to either side of him. Orbs rained down; the Black Army were insanely killing their own men. The explosions were reflected from Miro's armoursilk, with only the shrapnel and bone splintering Miro's cheeks.

He despatched a Tingaran with two blows, the warrior falling to one knee, and then Miro saw an imperial avenger making its way towards him, twisting and turning with its strange gait. Miro used the Tingaran's back as a board to launch himself high in the air, his zenblade held over his head, the song from his lips never ceasing. The barbs of the avenger's flail tore at his armoursilk, but still Miro continued his trajectory. He took the avenger's head from its shoulders, landing with both feet on the ground as the body crumpled to the earth.

Miro next took down two surprised legionnaires, then he saw Halrana soldiers in brown over the heads of those he was fighting, and sensed the press of his own army behind him. Crushed between the two forces, the warriors in black started to throw down their swords. Those of the enemy who didn't surrender turned and fled. The two forces met and Miro's army surged into the city. The gate was won.

Marshal Beorn swiftly gave assignments to the green and brown-clad soldiers. Panting, Miro lowered his zenblade, allowing the runes to fade. He knew Beorn would take control, sending the men throughout the city — although it seemed the rising Halrana had done most of the hard work already. Calm began to descend as the final pockets of resistance were crushed one by one.