Morning came harshly in Senkeht. The desert sun rose like a burning eye over the horizon, painting the dunes in gold and crimson. Heat returned quickly, swallowing the coolness of the night as if it had never existed. Yet despite the familiar heat, the town no longer carried the same atmosphere it had two days ago.
Fear lingered everywhere. The streets were quieter, Windows remained shut, Children no longer ran around freely, and above all, the walls were occupied. Completely.
Brown-robed warriors stood atop the sandstone fortifications with disciplined stillness, their bodies covered from head to toe in thick desert robes designed to protect against heat and sandstorms. Only their eyes remained visible beneath the wrappings.
