The silence that followed Rhelas's revelation was heavy, but it was broken in an unexpected way. Before anyone could digest the horror of the "Chronicles of Hunger," a shout rang out from the guard post.
"Riders! From the north!"
All eyes turned to the pass. Two riders, covered in road dust and flying the Count's colors, were staggering through the illusions, gasping. Their mounts were lathered, muzzles foaming.
Maggie rushed to meet them, Tonar at her heels. The moment of metaphysical terror was swept away by the tangible urgency of the present.
"Report!" Maggie ordered, grabbing the bridle of the first horse.
The messenger, breathless, slid from the saddle. "Pilaf's scouts… they've forced the Karanor Pass. The enemy vanguard is deploying in the Halen plain. They'll be in sight within two days."
The news landed like a hammer blow. The war was no longer a distant threat; it was at their gates.
