The first wave hit the western approach exactly where Thran's fortification insight had predicted, funneling into the soft, uneven ground near the old well.
A barrage of arrows flew like pellets of raindrops as archers aimed at the incoming enemies. Meanwhile, spears braced against the initial charge, and for a handful of minutes, the defense held with the same fragile success it had before.
Then Lucien himself reached the wall.
He didn't charge with his soldiers. He simply walked toward the palisade, unhurried, and when the timber failed to stop him, he tore through it with his bare hands as though the reinforced wood were nothing more than kindling.
"FALL BACK!" Lira's voice rang out, sharp and clear, cutting through the chaos as defenders scrambled from the breach Lucien had carved. "Regroup at the second line—now!"
