ardent
full of enthusiasm; eager; zealous
barrage
an outpouring of artillery fire; a relentless assault
begird
surround; encompass
besmirch
to sully, to dirty
cautery
the act of burning or searing flesh to stop a wound
cess
luck
citadel
the stronghold or fortress that protects and commands a city
clamorous
loud, tumultuous, chaotic noise
decimation
great destruction or harm
decrepitude
the state of being weakened, worn down, impaired
exhultation
an archaic form of "exaltation", meaning an increasing of joy or power or intensity
fatuous
silly; inane
hecatombs
sacrifices of many victims
midge
little flies
oblation
the act of making a religious offering or worship
orisons
prayers
pall
something that covers or conceals
parried
warded off a blow
spate
a flood
stint
stopping
taciturn
not desiring to talk
