The assault began at noon.
Theron's forces hit the south gates with everything they had. Battering rams, siege towers, magical bombardment. The noise was deafening even from where Kael and I waited on the north side.
"That's our signal," Kael said. "Daemon's forces are moving to counter the assault. The north approach should be clear."
We moved toward the castle walls, staying low and quiet. My shade was manifested slightly, ready to react to any threats. It felt strange having it there. Like wearing a second skin I wasn't quite used to yet.
"The wards," I whispered as we approached. I could see them now with my curse-enhanced vision. Layers of magical protection covering the castle approaches. Deadly to anyone without the right signature.
I stepped forward, letting my shade touch the wards. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the magic shifted, recognizing Daemon's stolen signature as friendly.
The wards parted. We were through.
"That was too easy," Kael muttered.
