While inside the keep Alpheo tried his best to navigate for the best outcome out of a bad situation, outside of it , there were forces ready to see the worst possible outcome coming out of the worst situation.
Rows of armored men stood at the ready, restless hands tightening around spear-shafts and sword hilts, their eyes fixed on the high stone walls where their captain disappeared. It would take only a spark, one cry, one arrow loosed,to set the whole host ablaze.
At the forefront stood Jarza, his broad shoulders hunched with worry. His jaw was set hard, his eyes narrowed to slits as he glared at the keep's gates.
"Damn reckless fool," he muttered, head swinging like that of a caged wolf. Each turn brought him back to the same sight,the closed doors that had swallowed Alpheo. "Walks straight into the lion's den as if he were untouchable. One wrong word in there, and they'll have his head on a pike before he can draw breath."
