The next day comes too soon.
The sky is still pale gray when the first horns of the monster camp blare across the plains, deep and thunderous. The sound rolls over Lefast's walls like a tide of doom.
From the ramparts, bleary-eyed soldiers grip their weapons tighter. Some are still bandaged, others still reeking of smoke from yesterday's fires, but every man and woman drags themselves into position.
"Already…?" one whispers, knuckles white on his bow.
Velira stands above them, cloak pulled tight against the cold dawn wind. Her face is calm, but her eyes burn with sleepless fire. "Stand ready. They're coming."
And then—
The monster horde moves.
