The Darvellian commander gave his command simultaneously.

The high-pitched twang of bowstrings erupted around Gunnar as his archers fired. The crossbows across the river made cracking sounds as they loosed their payloads.

There was a half-second of silence while both volleys were airborne. Gunnar held his breath.

The impact of the projectiles sounded like shuffling cards. Crossbow quarrels stuck the hull of the Gryphon II and studded its deck. Several Holy Army archers ...