On the mountain path, ten Blood Titans stood side by side.
Their door-sized shields had been replaced with heavier tower shields, reinforced black steel wrapped with resilient blood vines.
The gentle sunlight of five o'clock fell, failing to cast any shine.
Night was imminent, and once it descended, the vampires' power would receive an epic boost.
Thus the Holy Alliance and Falan coalition must complete their mission before sunset.
Indeed, as the clock struck five, the vampires were already at their most perilous moment, moving unseen in the night.
Led by the Blood Titans, they advanced in unison.
Stones tumbled down the mountain path as a few field mice escaped their burrows in fright, only to be crushed instantly underfoot.
The tower shield's weight slowed their speed, but every step was firm, like an iron wall moving forward.
"Aim, miss this time, and it's on you!" Eilif shouted at the artillery officer beside the three-pound cannon.
