Dawn broke over Sorne with a pale light. It was too quiet that morning. This could only mean one thing, the day ahead would bring nothing good.
The eastern watchtower stood perhaps sixty feet tall, its stone construction dating back centuries to when the city's founders had first claimed this territory.
Guards rotated through its heights in four-hour shifts, their eyes scanning the horizon for threats that usually never materialized.
Today was different from normal.
"Movement," one guard said, his voice tight as he leaned over the parapet. "Eastern approach, maybe three miles out."
His companion moved to join him, both men straining to see details through the morning haze that clung to the valley floor like smoke.
"Could be merchants," the second guard offered, though his tone said he didn't believe a word of that. "Early caravan trying to beat the heat."
