The fallen ram left a gap in the siege line. The Registry captain used it to bring two towers forward.
“They’re trying to settle them against the east wall,” Wei said. “If those bolts pin the wardens inside, the lane closes.”
Mara had the first families at the river shelf. The blue flags were still moving in steady order, but the gate could not remain open if the towers reached the road.
“I’ll take the towers,” Yan said. “Keep the gate clear.”
Wei’s shield team formed a tight wedge behind him. They carried boards painted with the blue evacuation mark. Yan moved ahead, grinning at the prospect of breaking the engines before the crews could plant them.
The first tower’s bolt crew fired at the wall. The bolts struck stone and showered the defenders with chips. Yan activated Blood Ignition. The technique gave him a fierce burst of speed and force. Its personal cost became added years and vitality, and his stride grew stronger rather than shorter.
He crossed the ground to the nearest tower. The crew had lowered the braces, but the support chains still hung from its frame. Yan pulled one chain free, drove his shoulder into the brace, and sent the tower tipping toward the abandoned earthworks. The structure crashed down away from the city, its bolt rack tumbling into the ditch.
