*thump* *thump* *thump*

'A few citizens looked up at the noise, interrupted from their daily life. It sounded like a large earthquake was approaching from the north. The pounding grew closer and closer, people in the northernmost part of the city saw a cloud of dust rising along the northern road.

*thump*

One particularly intelligent citizen ran to find the mayor. The plump, friendly old man was walking around the city, greeting citizens and making a general nuisance of himself. The boy, Geofry, clutched the mayor's sleeve.

"The Marauders are coming!!! Lock the gates! Save the city! They'll kill us all!!"

The aging man looked down at the boy's terrified face and mopped the sweat that began to bead on his forehead.

*THUMP*

The mayor wished the city had not been left in his hands. He tried to compose himself and think of a plan. Geofry clung to his arm and was eventually pried off by a few guards.

In his office, the mayor reviewed the status of the army, the city, and its citizens. They had fallen on hard times after King Havoc and Queen Cait had left them without a ruler. There was no hope of standing against Highlord Oge. The massacre would only be less than that of Shalonesti because there would be less military men to die. The mayor's hand fell on a scrap of paper that had been delivered to him by that brisk reporter. He reread it with interest. Her report indicated that Highlord Oge was not too harsh on the citizens of Shalonesti, and that those of the Marauders who had killed innocents had been punished.

"Bless you, Marti. You may have saved our people."

*Knock* *Knock*

A strong voice rang out from the northern gates. The words boomed across the city for all to hear.

"I give you the same terms that were offered to King Terri of Shalonesti. You may fight me, and be destroyed, or you may open your gates and allow me to enter."

Silence ensued. The citizens didn't know what to do. There had been no call for war. There was no one to lead them into battle. The mayor stayed in his office, afraid his presence would be a sign of resistance.
(CONTINUED IN NEXT HISTORY NOTE)