At first, when Astrid heard the noise, he had dismissed it as the celebration noise getting louder until he heard more screams, not laughter, not shouting, but a distinct sound of steel on steel.
Astrid moved to the small window and looked out. The view of the courtyard below was partially obscured, but it was enough.
He saw fire. He saw people running. He saw armored figures killing anyone in their way. He saw unfamiliar creatures cutting down people he had known for his entire life. Then he saw a cloaked man on a horse shouting orders.
"Take the young ones alive! Kill anyone who resists!"
