The monsters moved like a black tide across the white snow.
Aldrich stood at the edge of the northern wall. His hands gripped the ice railing. His heart pounded in his chest.
Behind him, two hundred archers lined the wall. Their bows were drawn. Arrows nocked. Waiting for the order.
Twenty ice mages stood in a group near the center. Their hands shined with blue light. Essence gathered around them. Freya stood beside Aldrich. Her face was hard. Water floated around her hands in spinning ribbons. Ready to strike.
General Bjorn walked along the giant wall. His voice carried over the sound of wind and shouting. "HOLD YOUR POSITIONS! DO NOT FIRE UNTIL I GIVE THE COMMAND!"
The monsters were closer now. Five hundred yards. Four hundred.Aldrich could see them clearly.
The Ice Wolves ran at the front. Their bodies were massive. Each one the size of a horse. Blue eyes shining like frozen flames. Breath coming out in freezing clouds. Claws tearing through snow as they ran.
