The tiger refuses to descend from its lair, a fruitless effort to lure the snake from the hole.
Seeing no movement from the fortress's defenders, the Herders slink back, once again completely surrounding the Bridgehead Fortress.
Just as Colonel Jeska had anticipated, the Terdon Tribe hadn't lost their order; the pretense of disarray and panicked flight was merely a facade.
It's actually more accurate to say that being able to feign such a convincing defeat, without devolving into an actual rout, further proved the Terdon leader's control over his people.
Dark clouds hung low, and a deadly winter wind howled as vultures circled in the sky, portending more death and slaughter.
Watching the barbarian horde return after being defeated, the soldiers and militiamen struggled with disappointment and growing anxiety.
No one sang the hymns of praise anymore, and morale was not as high as before.
The previous tears of gratitude were now extinguished.