Captain Christian stood at the center of the defensive line at Point Bow, his shield soaked with blood and his sword trembling slightly from overuse. He breathed heavily, his armor dented and bloodied, but his stance unbroken. The men beside him were exhausted, their eyes sunken, their shoulders slumped—but none turned to run.
A new wave of Blazzarene warriors screamed across the battlefield, hurling themselves like savage beasts into the Royal Army's weakening defense. Steel clashed. Screams pierced the air. Christian barked orders as he slashed down an incoming warrior. "Hold the line! HOLD!"
Another trumpet blast sounded from the Blazzarene side. Christian turned his gaze and froze for a heartbeat. From beyond the smoke and mist of the battlefield, another vast wave of enemies was surging forward—fresh, fast, relentless.
Time seemed to slow.
