Summer 1095 SR
A loud c***k echoed up from the ground, and then a section of the curtain wall crumbled into the courtyard. Standing atop the tower, Ludwig knew it wouldn’t be long before the troops surged forward. Feeling a presence come up behind him, he turned to see Rosalyn a few paces back, but the distant cheering of the enemy drew her closer. Ludwig returned his attention to the courtyard below.
“They’re coming,” he said. “It won’t be long now.”
“How much time have we?”
In answer, his eyes looked skyward, examining the sun"s position. “I fear they will be here before nightfall.”
“That soon?”
“Look at the wall,” he replied. “The cracks are widening. It won"t be long before that entire wall collapses.”
“What will my father do?”
He beckoned her. “Look and see for yourself.”
She
