Chapter 18 - THE SIEGE OF SUN VALLEY
The Heart of the Sun Valley was a vast natural amphitheater surrounded by ancient marble columns, where thirty pristine war-dragons stood in formation before the High Command pavilion. Gold banners flapped in the morning breeze as Commander Thorne stood at the podium, flanked by the High Council.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over the sunlit valley.
The warning horns blew—a sharp, three-note blast signaling an unauthorized aerial breach.
"Inbound threats!" an officer shouted. "Two large bodies, high altitude!"
Thirty elite riders mounted their beasts in seconds, their spears tipped with dragon-steel, ready to launch.
Through the clouds descended Nyx, his massive black wings spread wide, carrying Marlo. Beside him flew the Silver-Wing, bearing Alistair, followed by three more battered, scarred dragons they had liberated from the Spire.
"Hold fire!" Commander Thorne yelled, lifting his spyglass. "That’s... that’s the Ashdown girl!"
Nyx landed heavily in the center of the marble square, shattering the decorative flags. The surrounding war-dragons growled, their handlers barely keeping them in line.
Kael, who was standing beside Thorne on the grand pavilion, drew his sword immediately. "Treason! She’s brought wild, diseased beasts into the royal enclosure! Kill them where they stand!"
"Stand down, Kael!" Thorne bellowed, stepping forward.
Marlo dismounted slowly, walking straight toward the High Council's platform. She was covered in soot and blood, but her stance was unyielding.
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"Commander Thorne!" Marlo shouted, her voice ringing across the silent amphitheater. "You were told the Iron Spire was a place of healing! Look at what they were doing to your dragons!"
Alistair guided the Silver-Wing forward, displaying the raw scars and heavy iron braces still clinging to its limbs.
