A heavy booming as of cannon was heard from the Szekler Stone.

So the attack in that quarter had begun, and Aaron's battery was at work.

Zenobia must be leading the enemy into the town, for surely no means at Aaron's command could repulse the assaulting party.
Manasseh was fast losing all self-control.

"I will find a way out of this!" he cried, in a frenzy.
Running to the door, he seized its iron ring and shook the heavy portal in impotent fury.

Then he turned back and surveyed his place of confinement with searching eyes.