Just as Fikell was about to strike Visto, he saw "beasts" charging out of the forest.
These were beings that seemed neither fully human nor completely otherworldly; some had skin as decayed as revenants, others were huge and cumbersome, some resembled bats, while others sprinted like dogs towards them.
Fikell screamed "Defensive formation!" clutching his sword tighter.
His thousand riders were on the verge of collapse from tension, with only a few lieutenants still in a coherent state ready for battle.
He thought this might be the end.
But then, he heard Visto speak.
"All soldiers, prepare your crossbows," Visto's voice was steady, unshaken as he turned to Fikell, "Lieutenants and above, ready for close combat."
In that moment, Fikell felt a surge of calm, his hands seemingly filled with renewed strength.
Yet, he hadn't anticipated the one-sided battle that was about to unfold.
