The Strings of Fate - Part 3

There was still that feeling in Jok's chest to contend with, though. That fear of what was coming. The dreadful premonition. It hadn't left him. In fact, as victory neared, it only grew stronger. Indeed, the villagers joining the battle was a surprise – but it wasn't what he feared. Their resistance had been noted from the start.

He gave the order for his men to retreat early, to minimize casualties in that first charge – the only real time that the thrown-together force of empty-hearted villagers would be effective.

Those at the edge of the fort, who hadn't quite made the engagement yet, they noted the approaching tide of angry villagers, roaring their dismay as they charged at their backs. The giants began to shift, but there was no urgency in their movements. They couldn't bring themselves to fear such a rabble, not truly. Each of those men had plenty of experience in battle, after all.