The letter paper bore traces of ash, hastily inscribed with a few lines.
Bitler quickly finished reading, his face expressionless as he tucked the letter into his chest. He asked the messenger, "Where is the Colonel?"
The messenger replied in a low voice, "With the troops."
"How's the legion doing now?"
The messenger dismounted, leaned in, and told Bitler, "The troops are stuck on St. Paul Street."
Bitler nodded, the messenger's words matching the content of the letter.
The old Sheriff had in fact received a call for aid.
The city's garrison, stationed outside, had encountered armed rioters on the inevitable route into the city—St. Paul Street. The combat resolve of the rioters was unexpectedly tenacious; they erected barricades in the streets, coupled with arson, entangling the troops for the time being.
