The first wave hit like thunder.
King Aldric's forces crashed against our defenses with battering rams and siege ladders. Arrows filled the sky, so many they blocked out the sun. Magic exploded across the battlefield in waves of fire and shadow.
I fired my crossbow until my arms ached, each bolt finding a target. Beside me, Kael's shade tore through attackers who breached the walls. Below, Lady Bloodmoon commanded our forces with brutal efficiency.
"East wall is failing!" someone shouted. "We need reinforcements!"
"No reinforcements available!" Theron called back. "Everyone holds their position or we lose everything!"
An explosion rocked the north tower. Stone and bodies fell as magical fire consumed the structure. I watched guards I'd eaten breakfast with that morning disappear into the flames.
"They're going to break through," I gasped, reloading my crossbow with shaking hands. "There are too many."
