I force myself forward, taking small unsure steps, until we cross through the stonewall gate. A prickling sensation pulses under my skin in steady throbs.
Hundreds of them crowd the fields. Hard, black, deep-set holes for eyes, the masked men, all of them at once, still and begin murmuring in hushed voices.
The beings look ruffled; their alloy faces ashen and pale. “Sir,” the creature closest to us stutters. My head snaps to Rune, a hollow feeling in my stomach.
Rune takes a step forward, pulling me behind, and they allkneelbefore him. Every one of them.
“General, sir, we thought…Pious said that…”
“Oh yes, soldier, I am going to enjoy hearing what Pious has said,” Rune says.
“General, we were told you expired,” the soldier lifts his head.
“Do I look expired? I’m not sure why, but you seem to be taking prisoners. Lead me to them.”
