"Reinforcements, ma'am?" the first queried. "It'll be a while before we see any out here on the fringes."

"The more reason to stand firm. Now let's get those wounds seen to. And stay alert!"

They ripped up bedding for dressings and set to binding their injuries. Their captain got them checking their weapons, and scouring the barracks for more. She had them further reinforce the door. Anything to keep them occupied.

" Hey," one of the troopers said, halting the activity. "It's gone really quiet out there."

They listened to the silence.

"Could be they've gone," a comrade offered, instinctively whispering.

"Maybe the backup's arrived," somebody added hopefully.

"So why can't we hear them?"

"Just the sight of reinforcements coming might've scared the creatures off."

"Care for a wager on that?"

"Stow it!" the captain snapped. "Chances are the raiders have pulled out. All we have to do "

A series of heavy thumps shook the door. They scrambled to it and threw their weight against the barricade. The pounding grew stronger, making the pile of furniture blocking it shudder. Fine clouds of dust began falling from the beamed ceiling.

Something hit the door with a tremendous crash, the shock wave jolting the defenders and sending part of the barricade tumbling. They hardly had time to brace themselves again before there was a second hefty impact. A cabinet toppled. Something made of pottery shattered.

The blows took on a regular, almost rhythmic pattern, each more jarring than the last. The door started to warp and splinter. The remains of their makeshift fortifications were weakening under the assault.

" We… can't hold… this! " a straining trooper warned.

A battering ram smashed through the door, demolishing what was left of the barricade. Swinging again, the ram destroyed the vestiges of the door and sent debris flying.