Karrakas was on his feet before the second toll of the bell could even ring.
The others followed without needing to be told, pushing back their chairs and moving through the tavern towards the entrance.
Around them, other Adepts were doing the same, conversations dropping off as people turned towards the door.
They stepped out into the street.
The first thing they noticed was that the air had changed. There was a tension in it that hadn't been there during breakfast, a pressure that sat seemed to move gently against them.
The sky to the southwest had taken on a different quality, with a faint brownish tinge at the horizon that hadn't been there an hour ago.
Other Adepts lined the street in both directions, standing in small groups, some talking quietly, and some just looking towards the outer wall.
"Sandstorm," Karrakas said, his eyes on the horizon. "That's what the bells mean. One is heading towards the city."
