After the speech, the roar of the soldiers still echoed across the battlements while the monstrous tide continued to surge closer over the plains.
Dust rose behind the horde in vast clouds. Trees broke beneath their charging bodies. Countless eyes glimmered in the distance like scattered embers rushing toward the walls.
Yet the mood upon Leonora's defenses had changed completely.
Only moments earlier, many knights had gripped their weapons with hidden fear. Many mages had forced steady breaths through dry throats. Now those same men and women stood firm.
Their king remained beside them on the wall instead of hidden behind palace stone. That simple truth hardened their hearts more than their armor ever could.
Shield lines locked tighter in front of the outer walls. Spears lowered in perfect ranks. Battle circles spun brighter around the staffs of the mages.
Even the youngest soldiers lifted their heads and stared forward with renewed resolve.
