The sound of the horn\u2019s call penetrated Thordin\u2019s very bones. He shuddered, eyes widening as he spun toward the sound, heart suddenly a-thunder.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you hear that?\u201d he asked breathlessly of his companions, of Thom and Marin and J.T.\u2014and Sif.<\/p>\n
Sif.<\/em><\/p>\n The Hunt exploded into action. Those that were afoot hauled themselves back into their saddles; those already mounted took off in a thundering cavalcade toward the horn\u2019s echo, pounding along pathways and skirting rubble and the walls, howling battle-cries and drawing weapons.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell was that?\u201d J.T. shouted over the din.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Huntmaster called,\u201d Sif yelled back. \u201cThey ride to battle. Where did the sound come from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis way.\u201d Marin spun and dashed back toward the gates. \u201cIt came from near the ravine\u2014probably the bridge.\u201d<\/p>\n Odds are that\u2019s where Phelan took Seamus to talk, too. <\/em>Christos.<\/em> \u201cSomething\u2019s not right,\u201d Thordin said as he jogged after her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think?\u201d she snapped. \u201cHurry! Rory, once we\u2019re in, seal the gate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n Thordin paused, waving Thom and J.T. past him toward the gates. \u201cSif, hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n She swore softly and darted after them, eyes blazing. \u201cThey went the other<\/em> way!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a shortcut.\u201d He grasped her arm and dragged her toward the gate and back into camp. Of course she\u2019d barely explored, didn\u2019t know. \u201cIf you had let me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet you what?\u201d she snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cChristos<\/em>! It doesn\u2019t matter. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n Rory slammed the gate shut behind them and Thorin dragged Sif along, much to her apparent distaste.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go<\/em>,\u201d she snarled.<\/p>\n It was easier not to argue. He did as she asked and focused on Marin, still moving at a run toward the bridge. \u201cMarin! Should we wake the others?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot that,\u201d Rory yelled from behind them as he wrestled the bar into place across the gates. \u201cGo figure out what the hell\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n Thordin cursed and started to run, praying that Sif would follow.<\/p>\n Something told him they were going to need her.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The sound of the horn\u2019s call penetrated Thordin\u2019s very bones. He shuddered, eyes widening as he spun toward the sound, heart suddenly a-thunder. \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d he asked breathlessly of his companions, of Thom and Marin and J.T.\u2014and Sif. … Continue reading