As I took in the sight of the other masters, their attention fixed on the entrance as the drumming sound grew louder still.
Each of the masters seemed to wear an expression of guarded expectation, their eyes locked on the entrance as they awaited the arrival of whatever – or whoever – was causing the strange commotion.
As the drumming grew louder, its rhythm beating a tattoo in the air, the other mages remained oblivious to its presence, their training continuing without pause as they focused on the tasks at hand.
But as the sound drew nearer, its rhythm echoing through the air like a pulse, the first signs of awareness began to flicker across their faces, their eyes widening and their movements slowing as they began to sense the strange disturbance that had so captivated the masters.
With a sudden, thunderous sound, a horse burst into the training ground, its hooves striking the earth with a force that shook the ground beneath them.
