We're not in the barracks anymore. This is the real deal. The new frontline, fresh and freezing! Time to put on a tough face, or else my new mate Connor will pick on me.

Everyone around me is a proper soldier, braving the cold for the motherland. How exciting!!
Right now, I'm only chopping wood and shooing away rats, but that's gonna change, believe me! I overheard the others talk about some gigantic winged beast while sitting near the ballistae...

They won't tell me what it is, but I'll soon see for myself. And when I do, I'll pierce its eye with a single shot! That's sure to impress Connor!
— George

I was carrying ammunition to the ballista with Connor when Howling Peak suddenly roared. Squinting towards the rising smoke, I saw something hiding inside, causing the vapor to swirl... When it broke from the veil of gray, I froze. Screams erupted.

Amidst the chaos, a familiar voice called out. "George, get it together! I'll light the balefire, and you shoot!" Connor grabbed a torch and sped towards the bridge. The sky was darkened by wings. His silhouette was tinged in shadow as he vanished into black.

With shaking hands, I fired a bolt. Then two. Three — all missed. Unbothered, the winged beast spewed a hot, foul cloud from its mouth that melted our walls. It caught Connor on his way up. That's the last thing I saw before I fainted.

I want to go home, but they won't let me. We ain't in the barracks anymore. This is the real deal.

— George