I heard the noise coming from the bushes. It caused my heart to leap into my throat. It sounded like footsteps but I could not be sure. Had I not been pulled from my slumber it would have been easy to identify the noise.

Looking around I notice the absence of Zash. Everyone else was accounted for, but the young messenger was missing. He was to be on lookout but he was no where to be found. The noise could of been him but I needed to be sure.

I grabbed my sword from the ground next to me. The steel blade felt good in my hand and brought me comfort. Carefully I made my way towards the noise I heard. My footing was light and swift; I needed to have the advantage. Once I had reached the bushes I gently pulled back a branch and there in the clearing stood Zash staring off into the distance.

“Zash,” I questioned coming closer to him. “What is it.”

It was then that I saw it the glow of torches in dark night. They lit up the skyline a brilliant red. It sent a shiver down my spine. They were coming for us and they had brought an army.

“Zash,” I whispered, “go wake the others; we need to get out here.”

With a nod Zash disappeared back behind the bushes. Leaving me to stare out at our coming doom.