Chaos reigned in the main courtyard of the Eastern Garrison.
Axton walked through the shattered remains of the main gate, his footsteps echoing in the sudden, terrified silence.
The initial wave of soldiers, the ones who had been guarding the battlements, were broken. Their will to fight was gone. They scrambled back, creating a wide, empty circle around him.
They were afraid.
But the Heptarchy did not build its empire on soldiers who felt fear.
It built its empire on discipline and overwhelming numbers.
"Forward!"
A new voice, a new commander, roared from the steps of the main keep.
"All units, forward! He is one man! Do not let him advance another step! For the Commander! For the Heptarchy!"
The fear in the soldiers' eyes was replaced by a grim, fanatical resolve.
They were sol
