The main force of Degald had arrived at the gates of Perdiom’s castle.

They positioned themselves in front of the southern gate and walls, setting up camp just a short distance from the fortress. Watching them, Zwalter felt his vision blur with dread.

“Can we really hold out?”

Hearing about their arrival had been one thing, but seeing it was entirely different. The sight of the long rows of tents and the massive army left him with a growing weight in his chest.

“No, we must hold them off. We have to—no matter what.”

It wasn’t just for himself, but …