Tarian clambered to the wall's edge and stared into the barren field. When he discovered a solitary figure, his fingers turned white around the gray stones. "That's a massive creature. What is it? When did it arrive?"

"I'm not sure what's out there, but it's been there since the sun came up," Keldon said, closing his eyes.

"Keldon, who's our best surviving sharpshooter?" Tarian's gaze turned ice cold as his lips curled into a snarl. "Bring that individual here and destroy that monster!"

Keldon lifted his telescope and studied the distant creature. When the scope lowered, he tapped it against the wall. "Given the recent attack, there's a significant chance it's a shapeshifter."

"Does it matter what it is?" Sherry stepped in front of Keldon, her hands on hips. "Tarian's right. One of our marksmen could end the threat."

"I'm more concerned with whatever's beyond our field of view." Keldon laid a hand on Tarian's shoulder, pulling him close. "That thing's the tip of the oncoming storm."

Sherry threaded her fingers through her hair as she stared at the creature. "Why are you trying to distract us from the simple solution?"

Keldon's fist slammed the wall as he glared at Sherry. "We're not in a position to defend ourselves from another assault."

Sherry blanched as she gripped her chest. "We're prepared for this kind of situation, right?"

"Unfortunately, Lloyd's dead." Tarian stepped up to the wall and examined the towering monster. With a hiss, Tarian spun around and leaned against the wall, collapsing to the floor. "Besides, a pair of shapeshifters tried to steal a significant amount of our ordnance...