In what seemed like very little time, the approaching army arrived and surrounded the walls. The banners were not those of the Kingdom of Plouffe, causing some confusion among the ranks inside the town. A bugle sounded, a clear call for a parley. (Patreon)

“Well, there you have it, the parley” Fiona said to Selena, “How long until she surrenders? She knows we have plenty of reinforcements coming.” Selena nodded, then gave orders to Rowena, “I want her to see the town, my army, and the assembled townspeople. I want her to see the knight she sent in the pillory. Open the front gates and let her in, with a light guard escort so she feels comfortable and takes it all in. If she doesn’t surrender, she’ll be in these stocks by the end of the day.  Go, open the gates immediately!”

(Sorry that I skipped the picture here, we are transitioning to where it gets 'good' again.)