Cedric laughed—a wheezing, bloodied laugh. "You're too late, Aldric."
From the hills beyond, another army emerged.
Thousands of soldiers, a second force lying in wait this entire time.
Valerian's voice rang from the walls. "They have reinforcements!"
Aldric's grip tightened. His mind raced.
They were already outnumbered. But now? Now they were trapped.
Cedric's men cheered as they saw the second wave arriving. The tide of battle had turned against the rebellion.
Aldric had seconds to decide.
Kill Cedric now? Risk dying in the process?
Or retreat?
He made his choice.
He ran.
The Fall of Highridge
Aldric sprinted back toward the gates. Arrows rained down—some from his own archers, covering his retreat, some from Cedric's forces trying to finish him off.
The moment he crossed the threshold, Valerian slammed the gates shut.
"That was close," Valerian breathed.
Aldric ignored him. "Get everyone to position! We stick to the plan!"
