Surrounded

"A HORDE IS INCOMING!"

The caravan exploded into action.

Guards scrambled forward, drivers halted the steeds, and Ali Baba was already barking orders:

"Form a line! Establish ranks! We meet them away from the caravan!"

Malik didn't hesitate.

He unsheathed his curved sword and joined them.

Whatever was coming, it was coming fast, and they needed to be prepared to face it.

Thankfully, the caravan was ready, following Ali Baba's command to a tee.

Only a few hesitated, but those didn't seem all that useful anyway.

Ali Baba stood at the front, gripping a pretty sizeable staff.

Behind him, everyone stood firm—blades unsheathed, spears planted, crossbows drawn, nerves steel-tight. This was it.

First rank: Magi and melee fighters—swords, spears, axes, whatever could tear through flesh.

Second rank: archers—crossbows nocked, fingers twitching over the trigger.