“Only if Tynan talked about me.”
“Sage?” I squinted my eyes.
“So, he did.” The man laughed quietly.
“Why are you . . . here?” I hesitated.
“Celebrating the end. As you probably know already.”
“You know. You saw it.”
“Of course. I’m a seer, as much as I would love to not have this gift.” He smirked.
“Then you probably know that this time, we’re going to be prepared.”
“Are you familiar with the concept of destiny?” He lifted himself up on one elbow.
“Are you talking about what is meant to be will come true no matter what?”
“How would I know? I’m only a city drunk, not worth listening to.” He chuckled.
A sudden buzzing filled my mind. I wanted – no, I needed – Tynan here right now. I craved his touch, that sense of safety. In that moment, everything we had accomplished felt pointless and naive.
What if he was right? What if we were not prepared enough to save the people?
“I need to go.” I turned, hurrying back to the mountain castle.
“Wait!” the old man shouted, but I did not stop.
"What’s wrong?" I asked Frid later when we met in the dining hall.
"I don’t know... I guess, I’m just worried about everything."
"We’re ready," I said, watching the castle inhabitants goingabout their usual routine, none of them looking distressed or anguished.
At least one thing we had managed to achieve was ensuring people knew what to do in case of an emergency – to save their children and themselves. That way, the men could focus on defending the city without constant worry for their loved ones.
“It’s been almost three days. Where is he?” Frid suddenly said.
“I’m sure they’re going to come back soon.”
In truth, I was not sure about anything. I was worried sick about them.
“Attention, please!” Hanoch shouted and the whole room went quiet. “Today we are attempting to create a possible scenario of an attack on the city. Remember what needs to be done, anddo notpanic. The event will start after the first sound of the bell. I am not going to tell you when it will take place, to make it more realistic.”
“Great! Realistic is exactly what we need,” Frid muttered.
I smiled and shook my head, but suddenly a loud metallic clang sounded in the room, and despite everything we practiced, people rushed in the opposite direction, unsure of what to do.
“Let’s go!” Frid sprung up on her feet.
“It doesn’t look promising so far.” I stood up, following the tall figure of Frid through the crowd.
“What’s happening?” someone shouted.
“We’re under attack!”
“Are you sure?”
