“They were once men,” Chaol called, his voice carrying over the clamor of the battle beyond the keep walls, “they can still die like them.” A few swords stopped quivering. “You are people of Anielle,” Chaol went on, hefting his shield and angling his sword. “Let’s show them what that means.” The siege tower slammed into the side of the keep, and the metal bridge at its uppermost level snapped down, crushing the battlement parapets beneath. Chaol’s focus went cold and calculating. His wife was in the keep behind him. Pregnant with their child. He would not fail her.
