Siege of Hestrja

The Siege of Hestrja began on the 11th of Saati, 7662 when Marshal Osku of Pilkala brought his army to the gates of the city. Marshal Osku had only recently departed from the main army of Grand Duke Arttu once the main force had crossed the Bryn river during their march over Wheatash Bridge. The city was largely taken by surprise by the arrival of the Doric army as many in the republic has assumed the declaration of war by Grand Duke Arttu I was against King-Elect Andelwyn personally, and that the war would be tough largely over the control of Asjaer. Occurring the day before the Battle of Ebben Field, the defenders were largely unsure of the intentions of the attacking force who had done little but set up a blockading perimeter around the city. Only two days later after Marshal Osku had let a captured messenger pass through to the city to inform them of the defeat at Ebben Field . Marshal Osku proposed a meeting with the captain of the guard who was leading the defence of Hestrja, offering him and every resident of the city safe passage and leniency on their surrender. The meeting between Marshal Osku and the captain were said to have been very amicable, Osku informing the captain of the Grand Duke's plans for Asjaer and the likely swift war ahead. With news of the battle, the captain of the city guard promptly surrendered the city, and true to his word, Osku allowed the citizens to travel freely while only keeping a small garrison to control the city while he would press westward.

The garrison would be left in the control of Lord Onni of Orpala, a young nobleman from Osku's Surcounty of Pilkala. The young nobleman was considered a promising military prospect, having served under Osku for several years prior, would be expected to hold Hestrja with three hundred men, against whatever relieving force may attempt to retake it.