Dawn

Captain Caleb could see something lighting up the sky far off. His troops were marching through the night hoping to get some rest and relief when they reached the garrison. Aurora had sent him personally to secure the fort, and he took that charge very seriously. But now the pillar of light and smoke—for he could see now that is what it was—caused him to quicken the pace.

"I hope the troops from further south have already made it," he said to no one in particular.

The officer on the horse next to him grunted. Caleb had expected to run into the other division at some point, but so far they had not made contact.

Over two dozen loud bursts of energy shook the air, causing the Captain to nearly fall from his steed. He had never heard anything sound so violent. Caleb was glad his horse had nerves of steel, or he would have been thrown clear. As they entered the twilight of the morning, the soldiers could feel their bodies tense. Something was very wrong.<