The massive winch gears shrieked as the gate's locking mechanism disengaged. The noise was deafening, but it was drowned out almost immediately by the sound of the North Gate groaning open.
Jake didn't wait. The opening gate was the only signal he needed. He raised his hand and summoned the War Mastiffs.
The air in front of the gate shimmered and tore. Thousands of massive shapes materialized.
"Swarm the place and kill any church member you find," Jake ordered.
The Mastiffs launched themselves into the breach.
They hit the confused ranks of the guard like a battering ram. The first line of defenders, still looking up at the gatehouse in horror, was trampled before they could even raise their shields.
The Mastiffs went through the gates and went into the city streets. Screams erupted, and torches flared to life.
"Let's go," Lena said. "We have no time to lose."
