260 The Burden

King Nicholas was panting heavily. Everybody in his tent was on their knees. They were also struggling to breathe. All color had deserted their faces. Sweat trickled down their brows and drenched their undergarments. 

King Nicholas and his company had heard a deafening roar. A few heartbeats later, the tent flapped open and a strong gale brushed past them. King Nicholas felt as though his soul departed his body then. 

"What in the heavens was that?" he asked, out of breath. 

General Ulrich groaned as he got to his feet. He went outside to inspect. The king and Elsa eyed each other in silence. Even the soldiers outside had gone completely mute. He also couldn't hear Stalwart and the Bishop fighting. When Ulrich came back, his eyes were blank. He had this dreamy smile plastered on his face. 

"The Bishop..." he said. He sounded like a drunk. 

"What of it? Spill it out already!" the king ordered.