Chapter 1

           Thetownwasinflames.

           Thenarrowstreetsleadingtothemoatandthefirstterracebelchedsmokeandembers,flamesdevouringthedenselyclusteredthatchedhousesandlickingatthecastlewalls.Fromthewest,fromtheharbourgate,thescreamsandclamourofviciousbattleandthedullblowsofabatteringramsmashingagainstthewallsgreweverlouder.

           Theirattackershadsurroundedthemunexpectedly,shatteringthebarricadeswhichhadbeenheldbynomorethanafewsoldiers,ahandfuloftownsmencarryinghalberdsandsomecrossbowmenfromtheguild.Theirhorses,deckedoutinflowingblackcaparisons,flewoverthebarricadeslikespectres,theirriders’bright,glisteningbladessowingdeathamongstthefleeingdefenders.

           Cirifelttheknightwhocarriedherbeforehimonhissaddleabruptlyspurhishorse.Sheheardhiscry."Holdon,"heshouted."Holdon!"

           OtherknightswearingthecoloursofCintraovertookthem,sparring,eveninfullflight,withtheNilfgaardians.Ciricaughtaglimpseoftheskirmishfromthecornerofhereye–thecrazedswirlofblue-goldandblackcloaksamidsttheclashofsteel,theclatterofbladesagainstshields,theneighingofhorses—

           Shouts.No,notshouts.Screams.

           "Holdon!"

           Fear.Witheveryjolt,everyjerk,everyleapofthehorsepainshotthroughherhandsassheclutchedatthereins.Herlegscontractedpainfully,unabletofindsupport,hereyeswateredfromthesmoke.Thearmaroundhersuffocatedher,chokingher,theforcecompressingherribs.