The fires burned well into the night, their glow casting long shadows over the valley. By dawn, only embers remained, and with them, the weight of what had been lost. But there was no time to linger in grief.
Elena stood at the fortress gates, watching as the survivors prepared for the journey ahead. Some had chosen to stay and help rebuild, while others packed their meager belongings, ready to return to their villages or seek a new life elsewhere.
Kael adjusted the straps on his armor, glancing at her. “We should move out soon. The longer we stay here, the more time Gragg’s remaining forces have to regroup.”
Elena nodded. “We’ll take what supplies we can and leave at midday.”
Serin approached, wiping her hands on her cloak. “The villagers found an old armory beneath the fortress. Most
