Soldiers rushed toward the northern wall, their boots pounding against the packed dirt and wooden walkways.
Torches were raised, mana lamps brightened, and the formation-marked pillars built into the defensive line flickered to life one after another, spreading a pale blue glow across the sharpened barricades.
Civilians were hurried toward the inner tents by shouting guards, children crying as their parents dragged them away from the walls, while archers climbed into the watchtowers and mages took their positions behind the stone reinforcements.
Alexander's expression grew stern.
"Peter, get the civilians deeper into the inner shelter and count them twice," he ordered sharply. "Gareth, send a message to the adjacent checkpoints. Darin, find Commander Rallis and bring me the latest scout report. Lukas, with me. Erian, stay near the wounded station and prepare stabilisation magic."
The five retainers moved at once.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
