The horse Gal took from the square was a plain bay with no markings. It had been left riderless when the defenses collapsed. He swung into the saddle without hesitation.
Multiple soldiers remained outside the church.
Two druzhina professionals stood at the entrance with spears ready to stop mounted riders. Three townspeople held the corners of the wall with hunting bows. Another three had taken positions along the building.
By the time Gal arrived, more than thirty riders had surrounded the church. More men were still pouring in from the neighboring streets.
The militia at the corners opened fire on the converging riders.
One arrow struck a rider twenty meters to Gal's left, punching clean through the arm. The shaft burst out the inside in a spray of blood. The rider cursed, clamped the ruined arm against his side, and kept coming.
Nasan and two others answered immediately, sending arrows toward the militia.
