The citizens, led by Sebastian and Mayor Reed, entered the castle gates in a state of dread and despair.
Wounded and bloodied, they stumbled through the entrance in a daze, many crying and moaning in anguish.
Those who still had their wits with them helped the injured, applying what little first aid knowledge they had.
As the citizens poured into the castle and sat around to rest, the true magnitude of their losses became apparent.
Nearly half of the crowd was wounded in some way, and many lay lifeless on the ground where they fell. All in all, half of the group of citizens reached the castle.
Mayor Reed collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she stared at her people' broken bodies.
Grief threatened to consume her, yet she knew she had to be strong for those who survived. It was weird to see her in that state, but after what the group endured, it was no wonder she felt that way.
