Gryn's List 3

"Ready—"

The soldiers leaned back slightly, their bowstrings drawn to the full. The entire field fell silent, as though time itself had stopped.

A gentle breeze stirred the blue hems of the soldiers' uniforms and the tall white plumes atop their pointed helmets.

"Loose!"

In an instant, three thousand bowstrings snapped free at once, unleashing a soul-stirring twang like a black storm cloud sweeping forth in a flash.

The arrows tore through the air with shrill whistles, as if countless dragons were roaring in unison.

The sky was blanketed by a dense mass of arrows, and even the sunlight dimmed in that instant. The spectators were struck dumb by the sudden, shocking sight, forgetting to close their gaping mouths.

Then the arrows fell swiftly like meteors, racing toward the distant targets. Rows of enormous straw-man targets were instantly pierced by countless shafts, shredded straw scattering through the air.

Before the spectators had fully recovered from their shock, a roar rose from below the stands: "Loose!"

As another scalp-prickling twang rang out, a black cloud once more filled the sky above the field.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

After seven volleys, the demonstration by the three thousand Crabb Longbowmen came to an end. What remained on the field was a dense forest of arrows, bearing witness to the breathtaking sight of ten thousand arrows launched at once.

A beat later, deafening cheers erupted and filled the entire grounds.

A warm smile rested on Gryn's face as he conversed with the smiling crowd. At the same time, he nodded with slight satisfaction. From their smiles, he could see that their support for the Swamp Marigold Banner had grown even firmer.

Dick Crabb stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back, following the moving Gryn with an arrogant expression. He intended to play the