Cambyses entered the backyard with Takfiz to find the entire place had been transformed, with the most immediate change being how large braziers were lit all around, turning the just recently dark and pitch-black back garden into a place bright enough to host a ball.
And matching the luminescence of that bright place was the energy all around, with the whole place buzzing with activity, the soft grounds being stomped with hurried steps and the air filled with the sounds of sharp barks, as every man, woman, and child moved with haste and urgency as if their lives depended on it.
Because their lives really did depend on it.
"Quick! Move quick! Men! Get in formation!"
"Sheilds! We need more shields"
"Crossbows here! Come here!"
"Arrows! This unit has not gotten their arrows!"
"Who is commanding this unit? Who is the commander here! Get back here!"