Chapter 14 - Shadow over the Eastern Border
The Eastern Wastes were a barren expanse of volcanic rock, toxic sulfur vents, and ancient ruins from forgotten empires. For centuries, no king had dared claim these lands, leaving them to banished outlaws, dark cultists, and the fanatic mercenaries of the Iron Sun.
After a grueling five-day ride through desolate canyons, Leo and his small strike force reached the edge of the Sunken Valley. Hidden within the black granite cliffs stood the Obsidian Citadel—a massive, jagged fortress built into the side of an active volcano.
plumes of black smoke rose into the ash-filled sky, and the sound of hammering iron echoed for miles.
"Look down there," Captain Kael whispered from their high vantage point behind a basalt ridge.
In the valley floor below the citadel, thousands of dark-armored soldiers were marching in perfect, terrifying unison. Siege engines, giant iron towers, and cages containing monstrous beasts—larger than the one Leo killed in the arena—lined the fortress yards.
"This isn't a mercenary guild," Lyra said, her voice barely a breath. "This is an invasion army. They have at least twenty thousand men."
"They intend to march on Solas before winter ends," Leo observed, his knuckles whitening on Sunfall’s hilt. "If this army reaches the capital while our walls are still being repaired, the kingdom will fall in days."
"We must fall back and fortify the river crossing," Kael pressed. "We cannot attack a fortress of twenty thousand with forty scouts!"
"We aren't going to attack the army," Leo said, pointing toward a series of massive wooden structures built over the base of the volcano. "Look at their forge systems. They are using the natural volcanic magma channels to melt shadow-iron for their armor and weapons."
"If those channels overflow..." Lyra realized, her eyes lighting up.
"The entire valley floor becomes a sea of fire," Leo finished. "We infiltrate the lower furnace levels, destroy the pressure gates, and wipe out their army before they ever step foot outside the canyon."
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Suddenly, a cold, harsh voice boomed from the shadows behind them.
"A clever plan, young Prince... but unfortunately, you've walked directly into my snare."
