Chapter 8 - THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
The southern border of the Northern Wastes was marked by the Iron-Spire Mountains—a jagged range of black rock that separated the snow-bound realms from the sun-drenched plains of the Sun-Gilded Empire.
At the foot of the highest pass stood the fortress of Sun-Watch.
Lily stood atop the high battlements of Sun-Watch, wrapped in a heavy white fur cloak. The wind up here was fierce, carrying the bitter cold of the northern peaks, but Lily barely felt it. The Sovereign flame inside her chest burned warm and steady, keeping the chill at bay.
Beside her, Cassian adjusted his cloak, his dark eyes focused intently on the valley below.
In the valley, two miles away, an endless sea of gold and crimson banners fluttered in the wind. Fifty thousand imperial soldiers—clad in polished bronze armor that reflected the harsh sun—had set up a massive war camp. Siege towers, golden war chariots, and giant armored battle-elephants lined the horizon.
Emperor Malakor had not just sent a warning; he had brought an army capable of flattening entire nations.
"Fifty thousand men," Cassian muttered softly, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Sable's entire force was barely ten thousand. Malakor is taking no chances."
"He fears me," Lily said quietly, watching the golden banners sway. "A tyrant only mobilizes an army of that size when he is terrified of a single person."
A heavy horn echoed across the valley—a deep, brassy sound that shook the snow from the pine trees.
From the front lines of the imperial camp, a single golden war chariot pulled by four massive white horses emerged, speeding toward the gates of Sun-Watch under a white flag of parley.
Riding in the chariot was a tall, imposing man clad in radiant golden plate armor. A crown shaped like a bursting sun rested upon his dark, shaved head.
Emperor Malakor.
"He wants to speak," Cassian said, his grip tightening on his sword hilt. "Be careful, Lily. Malakor is known for his treachery. He once poisoned an entire peace summit."
"Let him speak," Lily said.
She glided down the battlements, stepping out of the fortress gates accompanied only by Cassian and High Priestess Yvaine. They walked out onto the snowy plain, stopping twenty paces from the golden chariot.
Malakor stepped down from his chariot, his golden boots sinking into the white snow. He looked at Lily with a mixture of intense curiosity and deep-seated disdain.
"So," Malakor spoke, his voice deep, gravelly, and dripping with arrogance. "This is the little girl who scared the Northern wolves into submission. A pale, skinny stray."
"I am Lily Aurelius, High Sovereign of the North," Lily replied, her silver eyes glowing softly in the shadow of her hood. "And you are trespassing on my land, Malakor."
Malakor burst into a loud, booming laugh that echoed off the rock walls.
"Your land?" Malakor sneered, taking two steps closer. "The Aurelian Empire died two hundred years ago, girl! Your ancestors were weak! They allowed their power to be divided, and we took what was ours! You may have intimidated a few backwards wolf-lords with your flashy light tricks, but my army is forged in imperial fire!"
"Your army is made of men who fight for gold," Cassian cut in smoothly, his voice dangerous and low. "Her army is made of men who fight for their homes."
Malakor glanced at Cassian, a cruel smirk touching his lips. "Ah, the loyal guard dog. Still barking for scraps." He turned back to Lily. "I will offer you one chance, girl. Surrender your bloodline power to my high priests. Marry my second son, and you will live a comfortable life in the palace garden. Refuse... and I will burn Iron Reach to the ground and sow its fields with salt."
Lily looked at the golden Emperor. She didn't raise her voice. She didn't unleash her silver wings.
May you like
She simply took off her gloves, exposing her pale hands. The intricate silver runes beneath her skin began to glow with a blinding, celestial light.
"You speak of imperial fire, Malakor," Lily said softly, her voice carrying an ancient, terrifying resonance. "Would you like to see the fire that birthed the sun?"
