Hiraeth

Chapter Twenty Six

Sage stood at her post, her heart racing with anticipation. The preparations had been frantic, the castle alive with the energy of soldiers moving into place, their faces set with determination. Every sound in the quiet night felt magnified, each rustle of leaves and distant clank of armor reverberating in her ears.

Kade had assigned her to one of the main entrances leading into the courtyard, a strategic spot that offered a clear view of anyone approaching. She tightened her grip on her sword, the familiar weight of the hilt grounding her.

"Stay alert," Kade had said earlier, his eyes fierce with resolve. "We need to be ready for anything."

Now, as the time ticked closer to the expected hour of attack, she felt her heart pounding like a war drum. Lily stood beside her, equally tense, her hands gripping her own weapon. They shared a glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

"I hope Beckett is safe," Lily murmured, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped them.

Sage nodded, the worry gnawing at her insides. "He will be. He has to be." The thought of Beckett, unconscious and vulnerable, propelled her forward. They had fought too hard, sacrificed too much for him to fall into the hands of the Brotherhood.

As the minutes stretched on, the tension in the air became almost palpable. The castle felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap. Guards whispered among themselves, eyes darting to the shadows as they waited for the inevitable clash. Sage's mind raced, running through all the possibilities of what lay ahead.

Finally, the stillness was shattered by the sound of distant shouting. Sage's heart jumped into her throat, and she turned to Lily. "Did you hear that?"

Lily nodded, her eyes wide. "They're coming."

"Positions!" Sage shouted, her voice carrying through the courtyard. The guards shifted into place, forming a line in front of the entrance, ready to face whatever threat approached.

As the sounds of chaos grew closer, the shadows began to coalesce, figures emerging from the darkness like specters of doom. The Brotherhood was here. Sage's grip tightened on her sword, the blade glinting under the moonlight as she prepared for battle.

Suddenly, the attackers broke into view, their faces obscured by dark hoods and their bodies clad in armor that glimmered menacingly. A wave of fear washed over Sage, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Steady!" Kade called out from behind her, his voice firm. "Wait for my signal!"

The first line of attackers surged forward, and with a roar, Kade raised his sword. "Now!"

The guards rushed forward to meet them, steel clashing against steel as the first wave of the Brotherhood collided with their defenses. Sage sprang into action, her heart racing as she engaged with the nearest attacker, a tall figure whose eyes gleamed with malice beneath his hood.

"Come on!" she shouted, swinging her sword with precision. The blade connected with his, sending a jolt up her arm. The attacker stumbled back, momentarily dazed, and Sage seized the opportunity, striking again.

"Fight!" she yelled, rallying the guards around her as they engaged in the fray. "Don't let them break through!"

Lily was at her side, fighting fiercely as they moved together like a well-practiced team. "We can't let them take the castle!" she shouted, ducking beneath a swing and retaliating with a swift blow to the attacker's side.

The courtyard erupted into chaos, the sounds of clashing metal and shouts echoing around them. Sage's heart pounded as she fought, every instinct on high alert. She maneuvered through the throng, searching for openings to defend against the advancing Brotherhood, but they were relentless, pouring into the courtyard like a dark tide.