It is day six of the siege of Laleport. It is a four tiered city with a rich trading system with coastal villages. Most fish, bone and the region's own sirroot, a bland starch for cooking, comes through this city. They refuse to open their gates to my retinue. They have sent messages that they will not be ruled by an unclean bastard despite his claim to the blood of many High Ministers.
I am frustrated. I know people are dying within. The dragons have been making strafing runs almost hourly, though without pattern. The city is burning in areas that have combustible components. The Council tier has been reduced to rubble and still the gate has not been opened. The third tier bridge link has been dropped, though my own stone mages have seen to solidification of the structure.
Henrick offered to take the dragons in and open the gates himself, but I have forbid it. The city must come to its knees on its own terms. As the days pass, however, I am beginning to reconsider. If the sight of dragons working with my army has not moved them to compliance, it seems that little will.
Stone mages created lines of earthen trenches and ramparts to provide protection for the army and to help secure lines into the city. It doesn't stop the mages from bringing in supplies by magical means. They likely have support from other tiered cities also refusing to bow to my authority.
What good is being King if you must force others to kneel at your feet? I know innocent people have to be injured or starving. If the trench opens, I will attempt to work with Laleport's Trench Lord. So far, even he is holding fast.
It is decided then, as I write. I will allow Henrick to enter with the dragons and open the gates. Obviously, the city warehouses and mages are working successfully to prolong this siege. I cannot afford each city to take this long.
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