***
Alric sat bolt upright in bed when his heart constricted in his chest. He stood slowly and looked around the room. He felt as if there was evil there, hiding in the shadows and waiting to attack. Even awake, the feeling was strong, and he immediately left his room and ran down the stairs. There was an unnatural stirring among the castle’s inhabitants and everyone suddenly felt on edge and nervous.
Finn burst through the front doors with the knights behind him, all battle ready. They spread out through the castle, looking for signs of an attack.
“My Lord, what’s happening?” Finn asked, running up to Alric.
“I don’t know,” Alric said, looking around.
Once the castle was cleared, the knights met in the foyer and faced Alric.
“Check the city. I can’t shake the feeling that something is happening,” Alric said.
Finn nodded and called out orders to his troops. “Have you checked on Kyrin?”
“No, let her sleep. I don’t want her in on this.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Finn said, and then ran out of the castle.