[Sah'Rumeh Village — Outside the Barrier]
The mountain winds roared, dust swirled across the battlefield, and beyond the shattered barrier, Ashkareth waited patiently like a predator watching trapped prey.
Every warrior upon the walls tightened their grip around their weapons; nobody spoke, and nobody even breathed properly because beyond that barrier stood the nightmare that had haunted Qashmar for years.
Then—
THUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMM.
Ashkareth took another step; the earth shook, and several villagers lost their footing. Kael stepped forward, his sword pointed toward the monster.
"ARCHERS!"
Immediately hundreds of bows rose.
"ON MY COMMAND!"
The wolf warriors obeyed, hands trembling, hearts pounding, and then suddenly Levin stepped beside Kael, his blue eyes never leaving the beast.
Asha stood beside him, her eyes narrowed, ready and waiting. Then quietly Levin spoke. "Do not aim for its body."
Several warriors blinked. Kael looked toward him. "...What?"
