Gong… Gong… Gong…
The bell rang again and again. Aeron and Nyella rushed out of their chambers and saw soldiers already running across the courtyard, dressed and armed for war. The noise of armor clanking and orders being shouted filled the place.
They hurried to the wall and climbed up to the top. The generals were already there, standing with King Rollo, while soldiers checked the traps and siege weapons that had been set earlier.
"What is going on? It is not even dark yet," Nyella asked quickly.
The king's face was hard. "The scouts saw them. They are only a few miles away, and in less than an hour darkness will fall. That is when the hydra strikes the walls."
"So this war will come after all," Aeron said under his breath.
"You thought it would not?" Nyella turned to him.
"Not like this," Aeron replied. "I still cannot believe it. That creatures which are not even living would rise and fight us here on our own land. What do they even want?"
