Page 49 of An Archer’s Reckoning (Of Crowns & Quills #4)

Chapter 49

Velius

I stumbled, bleary-eyed, into the tower’s chamber, bracing myself against the doorframe with one hand.

“I do not know how you’re still standing. The moment I closed my eyes, the damn stones started falling again.” The words were strained through heavy breaths.

“I can’t hold much longer. Will the tower’s Enchantments stand?” Declan asked.

I nodded. “They should, at least for . . .”

An amber glow flared through the window, freezing me midsentence. I raced to the window and stared in shock, as the city’s wall was now bathed in a putrid aura.

Seconds later, a dozen perfectly coordinated boulders slammed into the western gate, obliterating its logs.

The city shook.

The roar was deafening.

“Shift to the gate!” I screamed too late as the gate’s two watch towers took direct hits.

The towers teetered, then fell onto the soldiers below.

Another avalanche far to the south drew my eye. I watched in horror as the torchlights of the southern watchtowers winked out and their structures vanished from view. I couldn’t see the wall from this distance but knew it was probably gone, too.

“Arch Mage, they’ve breached the southern wall. órla says both towers have fallen,” Declan shouted as stones slammed into the Mages’ tower again. “Where do I defend?”

“Protect our tower. No matter what happens outside. The tower must not fall!” I darted from the window to the door. “I will send Mages to strengthen you.”

Declan stood alone at the center of magic’s circle, power blazing from his palms, as I raced down the stairs.