The ground trembled as Kael Grimshade's army marched, their steps echoing across the valley. After months of war, today marked the final assault. The last enemy stronghold loomed on the horizon, its walls high but defenders weary. Banners that once defied now hung limp in the cold wind, dulled by smoke and dust.
From a ridge, Kael watched, his eyes narrowed against the ash-choked sky. Amid the defenders, a figure fought with fierce determination, standing out in the chaos—a warrior or perhaps a leader in a final stand. Kael could not tell but was intrigued. He raised his hand, and a horn sounded. Arrows darkened the sky, and stones from the siege engines crashed into the walls. The ground shook as the walls crumbled.
The gates were breached, and Kael's forces surged in. The enemy banner fell, trampled in the mud. The figure fought to the end but was eventually surrounded and forced to surrender.
Kael rode up, his cold eyes meeting theirs. There was still defiance in their gaze. Dismounting, he approached. "You fought well. Tell me your name, or I'll break your jaw." Kael gave a signal, and his guards removed the warrior's helmet to reveal their identity.