The first scream ripped across the temporary military encampment with such raw terror that conversations stopped instinctively. Hundreds of heads turned toward the sound just as another cry echoed from the opposite side of the avenue, followed almost immediately by a third somewhere beyond the rows of supply wagons. Within only a handful of breaths, alarms erupted throughout the sprawling camp, shattering the peaceful atmosphere that had filled the military grounds only moments earlier.
Death Riders abandoned their meals without hesitation and rushed toward the fallen. Wooden bowls slipped from startled hands, scattering colorful fried rice across the packed earth as untouched cups of lemonade rolled beneath hurried boots. The laughter that had echoed between the tents moments ago disappeared beneath a rising tide of confused voices.
"What happened?"
"Move!"
"Someone call the physicians!"
