Broken Vows, Burning Walls
Smoke and ash drifted across Borderhold's outer districts as refugees from Iron Ridge Fortress poured back into the city. Chimneys smoldered where fires of betrayal had raged, and torches flickered along the cracked walls. Yet beneath the ruin, a new hope pulsed—citizens and clansfolk rebuilding, side by side.
Vera Lanst rode at the head of a small procession through the shattered streets, Yurian Helios beside her. Behind them marched the Wolf-Guard and Grayrock militia, carrying timber and tools rather than swords. The people bowed as they passed; children trailed behind, gathering fallen banners to be reforged.
At the grand plaza, a provisional council gathered—mountain chieftains, city elders, wolf-shamans, and Magistrate Belwright, now humbled and repentan
