There was no room to talk anymore, the commander had made up his mind, and so did Carmen.  

The fight was on. Melnik lunged into action and rushed forth like a raging bull, breaking the table with his bare hands in a single smash and throwing a powerful punch toward Carmen. 

The shield endured albeit with a protesting twang, but the recoil was immense the Captain felt his bones were twisting from the inside. It was like the Commander's fist was a sledgehammer. 

[b][color=ed1c24]"[/color]You are not walking out of here. None of you can! Until I say so! You've made your choice, Captain, a regrettable one! Men! Slay them all![color=ed1c24]"[/color][/b] he taunted. 

The hornet nest had been stirred awake. The soldiers on the west side of the camp started to arm themselves. The sentries were fully alerted and their Muskets had already been aimed at Mireille, who maneuvered toward the nearby watchtower and called upon the light of faith. Two soldiers who followed her were stunned, shielding their faces with their hands. One soldier on top of the nearby tower staggered and fell from the nest, while the other one hid like a literal bird. 

Meanwhile, Carmen took a step back, taking advantage of the small windows in Melnik's onslaught by gaining more distance. The commander retreated, typical of him to let his men have a taste of their adversary first. The first soldier had his faceplate caved in when enraged Carmen bashed the side of his Mentor's shield into his face, knocking him down instantly.  After that, his blade would clash with another soldier's longsword, who had a very poor stance Carmen could easily slip his sabre through his defense and slash his torso open. 

Six more remained. Two were at Carnathia, attempting to strike her from a blind spot with their swords. Meanwhile, the two were attacking  Amaris using the same strategy. 

While Mirielle had 2 soldiers stunned, one fell and another in hiding, the soldiers from the west tower were still aiming for the party. If Mirielle was too bright to shoot, then they would only need to shift the muzzle of their rifled muskets toward the kingpin of the enemy's party.