Chapter53: The First Wave

*Akin*   The sun sets behind the trees, turning the sky the color of blood. I shudder to think what this battlefield will look like when the sun reemerges. How many of us will still be standing? I’m at the front line, shoulder to shoulder with the generals, watching the tree line just beyond the barrier. The wind rustles the leaves like a sinister whisper, the promise of death. My fingers tighten around the hilt of my sword, ready to strike any target at a moment’s notice. As much as we’ve trained for years, this is the first time many of us will ever face direct conflict with another kingdom. The burden of that knowledge settles on all of us as we wait with anticipation for the coming armies. Behind us is the barrier. We are the last defense to keep the Oceanans and Ambrosians from destroying it. If it falls now, all will be lost. We’ve got all of our strongest men ready to sacrifice their lives to keep the opposing soldiers back. And still, I don’t know if it will be enough. River st