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When they finally reached the river at Staal, their progress ceased entirely. The conditions forced Armfelt to retreat temporarily in search of supplies, only to realize the locals were suffering from famine just as much as his troops.
The Retreat Begins
By November, Armfelt's task had transformed from an offensive siege to a fight for survival. After engaging in a hopeless siege with dwindling supplies, Armfelt received news of King Charles XII's death, a significant blow to morale. With their situation deteriorating, Armfelt ordered the retreat back to Sweden.