After the thunderous barrage outside the walls of Tamworth, the West Saxon Ealdorman who led the defense of Mercia was no longer eager to fight Ragnar and the crushing weight of his iron legions.
To continue meant only obliteration. While Ragnar's steam-belching engines inched closer to the city gates, the Ealdorman was discussing with his remaining Thanes the best path to avoid total ruin.
A group of West Saxon nobles was currently bickering about their options within the Great Hall of Tamworth.
One man, a battle-scarred Thane with a thick beard, slammed his fist on the table.
"We must hold the citadel! We have sworn oaths to King Aethelwulf! If Mercia is to fall back into the hands of these heathens, then we shall make sure the 'Iron Father' chokes on our blood!"
However, after speaking his passionate speech, the Thane found that not a single person within the room agreed with his opinion.
