The first horn sounded before sunrise.
Hector was already on the northern wall when the watchman called out from the eastern tower.
"Movement beyond the ridge!"
Hector turned.
For several breaths, the eastern approach remained hidden in the grey light. Then figures appeared along the ridge, followed by more men emerging behind them. They carried shields and long wooden ladders. No siege platform accompanied them. No great engine creaked across the ground.
They had come light and fast.
"Sound the eastern alarm," Hector ordered. "Send word to the eastern commander. Hold the wall until reinforcements arrive."
The horn answered from the eastern tower.
Below, the city began to wake to the sound of alarm calls. Soldiers hurried toward their posts, while officers shouted for men to collect their shields and weapons. The news spread faster than the orders could contain it.
The Greeks were attacking from the east.
