The sound came like a thunderclap.
CRACK.
The timbers of Blackhollow’s gate split down the middle. Iron nails screamed loose, splinters flying like arrows. Men scrambled back as The Breaker drew away, only to slam forward once more.
BOOM.
The gate burst apart in a shower of wood and iron.
The way into Blackhollow lay open.
---
The Flood
Malrik’s vanguard roared, surging forward. Black-armored knights pressed through the breach, shields up, blades drawn. Behind them thundered lines of spearmen, their ranks deep as rivers.
From atop the wall, Mira’s heart clenched. “Cael! They’re through!”
“I see it.” His voice was calm, but inside, his blood surged hot.
He lifted his spear, shouting so all could hear: “To the streets! Fight for every stone! Fight for every breath!”
The defenders
