For a brief moment, someone suggested Riku should go down to fight. His aim as an archer wasn't great, and he was wearing a sword. Maybe he was better at the sword. Then shouldn't he go? But Barty put a stop to that thought before Corin could even step in, and coolly the soldier that that the Prince was, under no circumstance, to leave the wall unless his life was in danger.
Philip put his hand gently on the Prince's shoulder as they faced the gate. They were as ready as they'd ever be. The Prince's small court gathered around him, the Prince's own line of defense. Brave, scared young men, who would kill, and fight, and die for their Prince. Philip couldn't be prouder of all the young men he was watching over today. If any of the Prince's court survived, he'd have them start their real training as soon as they returned to the castle.
"Stay close to us," Philip murmured to the Prince. The Prince could fight, but they were there to ensure that no Galbadian got the better of him, or snuck up on him, or more than one soldier tried to attack him.
The gates opened, surprising the Galbadians. From above, arrows rained in a steady hail, keeping the Galbadians from rushing the gate and the emerging men. But, once they were all out, and the gates closed behind them, the archers became unable to help. It was their turn now.