Caitlyn moved to the window, straining to see through the gloom. "I'm not sure, ma'am," she murmured. "It sounded like it was coming from very close by, maybe ten or fifteen cottages away."The grandmother's heart raced. "Pandemonium in the cottages? This is a peaceful city, why wailings in the night? Do you think... do you think they've come for the babies?"Caitlyn's face was etched with concern. "I don't know, ma'am. I think you're just overthinking and squeamish this morning."It got louder and louder,the screams. The louder it became, the closer it was. She was certain the dream was a premonition but she was unhappy she wasn't able to act in time, it pained her so much.The grandmother's gaze darted to the crib, where the twins slept on, oblivious to the growing tension in the cottage. She moved to the window, peering out into the darkness. In the distance, she could see figures moving, shadows darting between the cottages."Caitlyn, what's happening out there?" the grandmother whi
‘Children crying, children crying and someone trying to stop them,’ the deputy general answered.Suddenly, a new voice cut through the questioning, commanding and authoritative. "Enough. We're wasting time. Fan out and search the house. They have to be here somewhere." It was Henry's.She knew it was over, standing where she was she heard it clearly, why wouldn't they also? She couldn't blame it on anyone, the twins betrayed them. They just had to be quiet for about a minute more and it would have been all over.‘Woman, are you deaf? I said do you leave alone?’ Henry thundered.‘I stay with my mother-‘And?’ Henry asked cutting her short‘No one else,’ she swore.Grandmother's breath caught in her throat as she heard the sound of footsteps approaching the closet. She pressed herself and the twins further into the corner, praying that they would not be discovered.The door handle rattled, and Grandmother's heart pounded in her ears. This was it – they were going to be found. She squee
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the bustling camp, Williams gathered his warriors for one final briefing."My friends," he said, his voice carrying a weight of authority and resolve, "the time has come to march on Khal Duraho's stronghold. We go to reclaim our children, our most precious treasures, and to deliver justice upon those who have wronged us."The warriors listened intently, their eyes burning with a fierce determination."We know the risks that lie ahead," Williams continued, "but we also know the strength of our convictions. We fight not for glory or conquest, but for the love of our families, our freedom, and our way of life."He paused, scanning the faces of his people, his own expression etched with a deep sense of purpose."I will not lie to you – the battle will be fierce, and the odds may seem daunting. But I have faith in each and every one of you. I have seen your courage, your skill, and your unwavering loyalty. Together, we will overcome the cha
Cassandra rushed through the front door, it was shimmered down. Her heart was pounding with dread. The house was eerily quiet - too quiet. "Grandmother? Caitlyn?" she called out, her voice trembling. A sinking feeling gripped her as she realized her mother and the caretaker were nowhere to be seen.Panic set in as she frantically searched everyroom, it was outstandingly scattered. Growing more frantic with each passing minute. Where could they be? Her mind raced with the worst possible scenarios. Tears streamed down her face as she collapsed on the couch, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and despair.She wished was around, maybe she could have done something. Definitely something had happened but she wasn't sure whether they escaped before they met them or they met them before they escaped. She looked around and saw giant footmarks on the wooden floorboard, it was certain the giants were here.But then, a steely determination took over. Cassandra couldn't just sit idly by - sh
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the bustling camp, Zamorah gathered his warriors over a bonfire and admonished them."My friends," he said, his voice carrying a weight of authority and resolve, "the time has come to march on Khal Duraho's stronghold. We go to reclaim our children, our most precious treasures, and to deliver justice upon those who have wronged us."The warriors listened intently, their eyes burning with a fierce determination."We know the risks that lie ahead," Zamorah continued, "but we also know the strength of our convictions. We fight not for glory or conquest, but for the love of our families, our freedom, and our way of life."He paused, scanning the faces of his people, his own expression etched with a deep sense of purpose."I will not lie to you – the battle will be fierce, and the odds may seem daunting. But I have faith in each and every one of you. I have seen your courage, your skill, and your unwavering loyalty. Together, we will overco
CHAPTER 92Khalodi didn't want Duraho to find him, he wanted to offer himself to him. Not clear what the difference would have been but he thought the latter would have lesser consequences. Did it? We're about to find out what Khalodi deems as lesser consequences when Duraho's sword was out of his sheath.“My king, I am told you sought my presence,” Khalodi said, trying not to show fear in his countenance.“General Khalodi, yes I did.” Khal Duraho said, forcing a smile and putting his sword back in it's sheath hung beside his waist It was clear it was not a genuine smile. His hands started shaking, he clasped his fingers against each other quickly and hoped he didn't see him physically trembling. He was still on the stairs while Duraho was already down, close to the dining area.Climbing up, he grinned “ come, let's go to my chambers, I have something important I want to discuss with you.” Khal Duraho said, putting his left hand around his shoulder.He knew immediately, it was going
Suddenly, a movement in the distance caught her eye, and she froze, her heart pounding in her ears. Squinting into the darkness, she could make out the silhouette of a figure, slowly approaching them. Caitlyn gripped her arm tighter, her own fear palpable."Who's there?" Cassandra called out, her voice trembling slightly. "Show yourself!"The figure stepped forward, and Cassandra's breath caught in her throat. It was a servant, his expression neutral, his hands clasped in front of him."What are you doing here, human women?" he said, his voice a bit shaky as well.The servant's words sent a chill down Cassandra's spine. She thought of hitting him quickly on his third leg and running as fast as she could, she dissuaded her mind from such. Maybe it wasn't such a noble idea after all. She couldn't help but wonder if this was a trap, a ploy to lure them deeper into the castle's ominous embrace.Caitlyn's grip on Cassandra's arm tightened, her eyes wide with apprehension. "Caitlyn, I don'
CHAPTER 94Khalodi woke up before Duraho and it was still dark, his hands and legs still tied and he presumed it was the right time to make a move. He moved with his shoulder, his bruised shoulder asn he winced in pain. But he had , he dragged the shoulder roughly on the ground till he got to the sharp glasswares. He picked the small ones his halfway fingers could hold onto and started cutting through. Like a baby with trying to masticate biscuit bone, he struggled for over fifteen minutes and sweating profusely like a christmas goat, he was finally free hand wise and went for his leg. It was quite easier to get his legs free although ample time was spent and it was already getting bright.The position of his tied legs made him have a sharp pain immediately he released them. He groaned sharply but without sound then straightened them. He cleared the ground quietly and went into a diamond push up position, he went at least twenty times. With his bones crackling and straightening to fu