The wind howled along the castle walls as soldiers rushed to their positions.
Torches blazed along the battlements, casting wild shadows across the stone as the defenders of Eldoria prepared for battle.
From my position atop the wall, I stared into the darkness beyond the kingdom.
At first, there was nothing.
Just the forest.
Then the trees began to move.
Shapes poured from the shadows like a living tide.
Goblins.
Hundreds of them.
Their twisted bodies crawled from the forest, their skin an unnatural mix of green and sickly blue. Four jagged horns rose from each of their heads, and their glowing eyes burned with cruel hunger.
Their shrieks shattered the night.
The sound made my blood run cold.
"Archers, ready!" General Lysender roared.
Rows of soldiers lifted their bows.
"Fire!"
Flaming arrows shot into the darkness, streaking across the sky like falling stars.
The first wave of goblins screeched as the arrows struck them. Flames spread through their ranks, sending several creatures tumbling to the ground.
But they didn't stop.
More of them surged forward.
Too many.
"They're climbing!" a soldier shouted.
Clawed hands gripped the stone walls as goblins began scaling the fortress with terrifying speed.
I drew my sword.
Steel flashed in the firelight.
Beside me, Lyra lifted her staff.
A burst of flame erupted from its crystal tip, streaking across the wall and slamming into a cluster of goblins.
The explosion sent several creatures flying backward.
"Kaelen!" she shouted. "Focus on the ones climbing!"
"I see them!"
The first goblin leapt onto the battlement.
I swung my sword.
The blade cut cleanly through its shoulder, sending the creature crashing to the stone floor below.
Another one followed.
Then another.
The battle exploded into chaos.
Steel clashed against claws. Arrows rained through the air. Soldiers shouted as goblins poured over the walls like a swarm of insects.
My arm burned with effort as I fought.
Every second felt like a lifetime.
Then suddenly—
A deafening roar shook the wall.
A massive goblin vaulted onto the battlement near the gate.
It was twice the size of the others.
Its horns twisted like broken branches, and its yellow eyes gleamed with savage intelligence.
The creature slammed its clawed fist into a soldier, sending him crashing into the stone.
"Hold the line!" General Lysender thundered.
The massive goblin roared again.
I tightened my grip on my sword.
Then I charged.