At noon, the scorching sun drove away the last trace of the morning chill.
From the highest tower of Black Stone Castle, three long, resounding chimes echoed across the sky, announcing the official start of the wedding ceremony.
A low, thunderous blast from a horn sounded from both sides of the square in front of the castle.
The guests turned toward the sound to see fourteen Hill Giants lined up on both sides. Their burly bodies were like small hills, and in their hands, they held horns crafted from the skulls and horns of Giant Beasts.
Kado, their leader, took a deep breath, his chest swelling like a bellows, and blew the main horn in his hands.
WHOOOOM!
The sound was majestic and desolate, filled with a raw, immense power that instantly drowned out all other noise and commotion.
Immediately after, the other Giants began to beat the massive war drums before them, each one taller than a man.
DUM! DUM! DUM!
The beat of the drums was heavy and rhythmic.
