Awaken abruptly.

A long, bellowing horn reverberates across the entirety of Castle Phoenix--through the village streets, over the castle rooftop, and therefore also straight through your window.

Your eyes slowly open to Queen Catherine II's soft, plump breasts against your face. As your senses come gradually back, you see that the light of the sun is barely piercing into the room. Not only is the sky clouded over, but it's far earlier than when you usually wake up. With a groan, you pull yourself up from your pillow, and then drag yourself out of bed. It's chilly--not at all warm enough to be standing by the window in the nude. However, as you regain your bearings, you realize the gravity of the situation. That horn is only blown when there's danger. It's never happened before, hence why you weren't more quickly pulled from your slumber. You slam your palms up against the sides of the window and stare out towards the main gate.

Catherine seems to have awoken at the same time as yourself, opting to be silent for a moment as you did your thing. After, she sits up and pulls the blanket tight against her chest. "What is it, Kyle? Did your people catch a scout approaching?"

"I think it's worse." Swiftly, you begin to dress yourself in preparation for what's to come. "Wait inside the castle."

"I'll take up a sword and remain in the Throne Room, in case any attempt to sneak inside. You stay safe out there."

"Damn that Lord Vraelion. Damn that Elok." With one final tug, you fasten your scabbard tight to your belt. You're once again armed and armoured--the shortsword Awakened Lauo, the magic ring Tol'vuus, the Arcane Eye, the winged Boots of Herbes, and of course, your very own Suit of the Demon King. Your body is still stiff, though there's no more time to wait. You look back once more to Catherine as she reaches for her robe by the bed and give her an affirming nod. "They'll both regret crossing us."

Her fingers caress up a slender figure lit dimly by grey light through the window and across the room--body clad in nothing, yet a silken red housecoat delicately hangs down the middle of her body as she holds it tight against her chest. It accentuates her curvy hips and pillowy thighs while it covers little at all. "Go. Lead your people," she whispers before slowly bringing the clothing around to slip it on proper.

You spring into action. With incredible speed, you bolt down the hallway shouting, "Everybody gather at the gates! Everyone to the gates!" The movement in which you display down the flight of stairs would impress even the most skillful ninja, and you continue that momentum as you make it quickly to the front doors. As soon as you push them open, you squint at the sliver of orange sunlight rising from over the horizon. The horn sounds again, and you continue your sprint. Thankfully you've walked Castle Phoenix so often that you could make it to the gates with your eyes closed.

After making it to the walls by the gate, you climb the ladder and reach where a few of your people stand watch, though the first who turns is Bek--the one actually wielding the battle horn. It's made dark and wooden, and trimmed with silver.

"There you are!" shouts the dwarf. He beckons you closer by swinging the horn towards himself.

"What's happening?" you ask.

"I'm gonna give it to you straight. It's not good. But don't look glum. I've been itching for a proper fight for a long time now!"