From a distance outside the city, a plume of dark brown smoke rose from the direction of the municipal square. Soon after, muffled booms came from the debtor's prison and the parish guild headquarters, followed by clouds of dust and debris.
Although the other guards at the main entrance of the municipal palace were farther away, they too were swept off their feet by the shockwaves and flying fragments of stone and iron.
Before the guards could recover from their confusion and dizziness, enemies wielding swords and daggers in both hands charged up the steps, lunging straight at them.
...
The sudden explosion interrupted the interrogation, shaking loose a layer of dust from the room's ceiling.
Outside, there was a chaotic burst of running footsteps and questioning voices. Soon, the door to the room was opened, and a junior officer stepped into the interrogation chamber, whispering something to Major Thomas.
