The city was burning, flames billowing into the air while thick plumes of smoke rose amidst screams and shouts. The first breaches in the walls had occurred an hour ago, the invaders pushing in in force, and heavy fighting in the streets. The Southern gate had been taken swiftly after, two attempts to retake the gatehouse leaving only the bodies of the fallen. As the gates swung ponderously open, the defenders fell back, attempting to hold strategic points, to funnel the attacks into chokepoints, and stall them as long as they could.<br/><br/>It was a forlorn hope.<br/><br/>The Imperial forces swept through the choke points, smashing them asunder without seeming regard for their own lives or loses. Defensive coordination broke, the withdrawl becoming a rout, isolated forces bypassed or overrun, and the flames sprang up as the tides of battle moved on.<br/><br/>Kurghan of House Roshak led the best of his House warriors through a darkened street at a run. They had been first over the walls, first to force a breach .. theirs would be the honour of first to the palace as well. Ahead of him he spotted a score or more enemy warriors, falling back in good order. His teeth bared in what might be considered a smile. They might have a few more in numbers, but he would take the worst of his warriors over the best of theirs in any fight. Roaring their battle cries, they surged out of the dark and the street echoed to the sounds of combat.