Rodyk and I didn’t hesitate, grabbing my bow I headed for the south tower. From there, I’ll be able to get a clear view of what’s going on. I have a feeling we are being attacked by the rest of the orc pack. However, it doesn’t make sense orcs don’t hunt at night.

“Draia, I know what you’re thinking, but please stay out of this. Let the Rangers take care of this and take cover with the rest of the villagers.” Rodyk begged as he tried to block my path to the tower.

“What? How dare you try to order me around. We are under attack. I will not cower and hide. And you know better than anyone that I’m a better shot than anyone else here.” I didn’t bother to wait for a response as I pushed past him and headed for the tower. People were rushing everywhere. Soldiers and Rangers were running for the south gate, and some were half dressed. Others were struggling to put their armor on and heading for the armory. Villagers were running trying to take cover in their homes and caverns below. For severe circumstances, an evacuation route was created, that runs through the caverns. The course would lead to tunnels that run at the base of the mountain. The caverns went on for about 10 miles and were explicitly designed should the enemy find them and follow they could be lost in the labyrinth.

As I neared the south tower, I saw what was happening. Wild men were climbing up over the walls as well as ramming the gate. I thought the packs were further south? What are they doing so far north? Wild men packs were more common in the south; along with orcs, they are a constant threat to the traveling caravans and smaller villages. I spotted uncle, directing men left and right, already smearing blood off his face. It was too hard to tell whether or not it was his blood or someone else's.

He didn’t see me as I climbed the south tower. I made it to the top and climbed out the window and to the top part of the roof. On calm mornings, it was my favorite spot to watch the sunrise. But for the moment it had the most significant advantage point to take out those climbing the gate. At the moment, there were only two at the top about to come upon an unsuspecting soldier. Who was too distracted by another wild man scaling over the wall. I quickly took them out. I was given more time to pick off those still ramming the gate. It still wasn’t enough; however, the more I picked them off, they were quickly replaced. At this rate, they will be through the gates in no time, and I’m running out of arrows. Soon I’ll have no choice but to risk going down there, why didn’t I bring my father’s sword.

I was down to my last two arrows, and the wild men had almost made it through the gates when the Rangers came riding through the trees to attack the wild men from behind.

The attack was over as quickly as it began. The wild men were no match and eventually retreated. The majority of the rangers followed them while the rest stood guard as a precaution if they faked their retreat. The rangers returned not long after, and the south gates were ordered opened to allow them through. At least ten men remained to guard the exposed entrance.

As I descended the roof, I heard my uncle barking orders for the builders to repair the gate quickly. When I turned around at the window, he was staring up at me. I’m in even bigger trouble now. Once I reached the bottom of the tower, I half hoped that he wouldn’t be standing there still. I wasn’t that lucky. I like to think of myself as someone who can tell what others are thinking, but with my uncle, you’re better off trying to guess what rock was thinking. He stood there stone-faced, watching me as I walked toward him.

“Uncle, if you’re going to yell at me then let me tell you first how I helped prevent the wild men from breaking through the gates. Let me tell you how without me up in that tower continuously taking out not only those scaling the walls but those ramming the gates. Let me tell you how without me up there buying time for the rangers to come, that those gates would have been destroyed and the village would have received even more damages. Uncle if I had listened to you and stayed behind where would we be now? I’m not a defenseless child.” I felt relieved once I had finished, yet the expression hadn’t changed on his face, but I was able to read him somehow. His stone face wasn’t hard with anger. No, he seemed worried; concerned even. “You’re right, Draia.” he paused, “you are not a child anymore. I am not angry with you — just the opposite in fact. I’m proud of you. And grateful that you weren’t hurt. You have opened my eyes today.” he took a step towards the gate and said, “now come, I am convening a meeting in the great hall to decide our next move, and I want you there. Let's see how much more you can show me what you are capable of.”

I was in shock at his words. It took me a moment to realize that he had started for the great hall. He paused and turned toward me, “well, are you coming?” he said with a smirk.

“Yes, I’m coming.” I stumbled a bit as I trailed after him.