As the monstrous wave descended, the first instinct in the Valantar ranks was confusion—then dread—then panic.
Screams erupted across the desert as the realization hit: there was no time to form a proper defense.
"Hold the line!" one commander bellowed, his voice cracking. "Form the barrier formation—casters, stabilize the—"
But the roar of water drowned him out.
"It's coming too fast!" a younger soldier screamed, already backing away. "We can't hold this—what is that?!"
"Get the mages up front! Now!" another voice barked, desperately trying to rally a defensive unit. "Raise the water wards! Raise them—"
The first edge of the wave slammed down, silencing him mid-command.
"They're everywhere!" someone cried as the tide split around a barricade and swept into the inner camp.
"Protect the healers! Pull the backline!"
"Retreat! RETREAT!"
But there was no retreat.
