I felt the oppressive weight of the night closing in around me. The crackling fire inside the hall created flickering shadows on the stone walls, but the warmth did little to stop the cold feeling that was slowly seeping into my chest. Placing myself at the head of the table, I looked down at the tattered maps that were in front of me. Strategies, borders, and lines all became meaningless in the face of what was approaching.
The note from Zack had served as a sobering reminder of our limited time. Now, war was unavoidable. And yet, I knew that we weren't ready in spite of all the planning and preparations. Not for this purpose.
There was a loud knock on the door. I stood up straight, attempting to gather my ideas once more. I called, my voice rough from hours without speaking. "Come in."
