The thirty minutes before the Coalition's arrival felt like hours stretched thin.
Raze stood at his elevated observation position, watching his thirty defenders make final preparations. The kingdom that had seemed so chaotic during the first day of the trial now moved with practiced efficiency. People checked weapons, reviewed positions, rotated through brief rest periods to maximize energy for what was coming.
Helena was organizing defensive formations with the precision of someone who'd internalized every tactical principle Darius and the month of training had provided. Primary defensive line at the outer fortifications. Secondary fallback positions mid-territory. Final stand configuration around the flags themselves if everything else collapsed.
