The trio moved a short distance away from the main group, and the four soldiers trailing Kisha seized the opportunity to devour as much food as they could, as if escaping from a harsh punishment. They downed their bottles of cold tea in swift gulps to wash the food down before hastily catching up with Kisha and the others to resume their role as escorts.
"Help!"
"Help us!"
But they hadn't traveled far when Kisha heard distant screams. Instantly alert, she scanned the perimeter and noticed a loud, rhythmic marching sound coming from the east. It was unlike any ordinary group—there were hundreds, and the vibrations through the ground confirmed their massive presence.
Kisha glanced back at Duke, and their faces mirrored each other's expressions of horror and anxiety. Without hesitation, she turned and shouted toward the group behind her, "Get everyone back inside the wall now!"