When the Gates Learn the Truth
He mounted his horse again.
"Open no gates until I confirm."
"Yes, sir!"
Faster than silence, Commander Black turned his horse and pushed ahead, racing for the closest gate. Wind tore at his cloak, making it snap like drumfire above galloping hooves that pounded the dirt path without pause. From behind came war horns, rough and jagged, drifting between buildings - uneven cries swelling then vanishing like something hurt trying to rise.
Footsteps echoed behind, hanging thick in the stillness.
The checkpoint was already awake with tension.
