Chapter One: The Citadel
Gaelen and Nelwyn stood, as ever, side by side.
The east wind lifted their hair, stirred the deep sand about their feet, and brought with it the first scent of the enemy army that moved steadily toward them. Gaelen closed her eyes and shuddered; this was the scent of a thousand unwashed bodies, of sweat and blood, and rotting carrion. There was a sharp undercurrent there as well, and Gaelen knew it for what it was; men gave off this scent whenever their darker passions were high, fear or pain or savage lust for battle. She had experienced it many times in recent months, and it did not bode well.
They had been set to watch for the arrival of this dread host, and their task was grim, for they would have to deal with the advance scouts of the enemy on their own, allowing the mainhost to approach near enough to be seen and appraised. Then they would need to rely on the swiftness of their mounts in a reckless flight back to the Great City, allowing their forces as much time as possible to make ready. Orogond and Galador had been made captains of the defending forces, and they were even now directing preparations. The Citadel was well constructed and formidable, but the people that dwelt there had never before faced such a large and savage host, and though their warriors were skilled, they were but few.
Gaelen's mount, Finan, stood silently at her side as though he knew his place. He, too, turned his sharp senses toward the norheast as the wind blew his long, dark forelock back from his bright eyes, in which the brilliant desert stars were reflected. He snorted softly once and Gaelen turned to him, stroking his neck and shoulder. 'What have you heard', she asked softly, training her own sharp ears toward the advancing army, but she could hear naught but the wind hissing over the starlit sand.
She scented the air again, then turned to Nelwyn, who was looking questioningly at her. Closing her eyes, she took in one more draught of the chilly, dry air, then opened them again, those green/brown eyes that had seen more of the Wide World than any Sylvan Elf yet living. She looked into the earnest face of her cousin Nelwyn, her dearest friend, and gave her appraisal.
'By first light, they will be here.'