Ashes and Oaths

Chapter 57: Barricade

Luz’s grip on the hilt of his sword tightened until the black steel groaned under the pressure. “She was there? His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “Estela personally supervised your torture for decades while claiming to be a beacon of righteousness?” he took another step forward, his towering, armoured form casting a menacing shadow over the old man. Cassandra approached, standing beside Luz. “Commander,” she whispered hurriedly. “If the wards are down, should we not go to the western entrance and let our army in?” Luz’s amber gaze flickered toward Cassandra, the tactical logic of her suggestion cutting through his rage like a blade. The western entrance– of course. That was the entire point of this operation: create an opening for the Corrompido army to secure the city and eliminate any resistance.

“Right,” Luz said sharply, forcing his mind back to the mission. “Leo, you and Sol take point with Cassandra. Darm, stay with me and keep an eye on out new friend here. Lua take the rear; make sure we are not flanked.” His tone was back to its commanding authority, though the amber flicker in his eye betrayed the emotional storm raging beneath his armour. He turned back to Supervivente, his expression hardening. “You come with us. Your fire magic could be useful against any remaining guards.” Without waiting for a response, Luz started moving toward the western gate, his armoured boots echoing across the cobblestone with renewed purpose as he strode toward the west, his movements purposeful despite the emotional storm raging beneath his black plate.

The old man– Supervivente– hobbled along besides them, the blue robe catching on debris from the collapsing cathedral. Amelia fell into step beside Luz without hesitation, her presence a grounding force in the chaos surrounding them. As they ran down the road, they passed fairly large estates and beautiful gardens. Then they entered a section of the city that s more crowded and the buildings were more worn down. The area appears almost maze-like, filled with tightly clustered buildings, narrow streets and winding pathways. Most buildings they passes were constructed from pale stone, timber framing and plaster walls. Many buildings feature exposed dark wooden beams crisscrossing white or cream-coloured walls.

The rooftops vary in shades of warm terracotta, reddish-brown, weathered orange, ad dark grey slate. Scattered throughout the section of the city there are patched of greenery– trees with bright green leaves rise between houses and along streets, softening the stone-heavy environment.

When the group turned at a corner, they found themselves in a wide street paved with uneven grey cobblestone polished smooth by years of foot traffic. small puddles reflect the sunlight in places, giving the road a slightly damp appearance, as though it had recently rained. Towering on both sides of the street are tightly packed buildings made of rough stone and timber framing. On the left side of the street hands a large wooden tavern sign reading ‘The Rusty Tankard’ in elegant golden lettering. Beneath the word is an illustration of a tankard and pointing to the dark and rustic tavern with vines growing across the walls and wooden supports extending outward above the street.

Right in front of them there are several looters, the closes two stand several feet away. Both are dressed in dark, ragged clothing layered with worn cloaks, belts and leather gear. Their outfits appear dirty and they are each carrying a heavy sack slung in one hand, likely filled with stolen goods scavenged from the city. The looter on the left stands partially turned away but twists his upper body to look directly at Luz and his team. His hood shadows much of his face, though his expression appears wary and suspicious. His posture is tense, as he noticed their approach. The looter on the right is more clearly visible and is also tuned to face them, his face partially illuminated beneath a damp hood. His expression is hardened and alert. The folds of his dark cloak ad leather straps are rendered in detailed texture.

The distant looters continue walking down the street, carrying sacks of their own, reinforcing the idea that groups of scavengers are moving through the city. The sight of common thugs looting abandoned buildings and stalls brough a sharp, frustrated curse from Luz’s lips. His amber eyes narrowed at the pathetic spectacle. “Darm,” he commanded without slowing his pace. “A quick demonstration. Show these fools what happens when they get in our way.” Darm did not hesitate. A single bold of purple lighting shot from his fingertips, striking the lead thug’s shoulder and sending him sprawling into a pile of broken pottery. The other looters scattered like rats.

“Get back to your homes,” Cassandra called after them sharply. “The real fight is not over yet.” Most of the straddlers they passed did not attempt to interfere with their movement. As they neared the western gate, a blockage manned by city guards stood in their way. The barricade looks sturdy and defensive in appearance, constructed from thick tough-hewn wooden planks reinforced with crossbeams and sharpened stakes. The timber looks weathered and heavy, designed to withstand attacks. Mounted along the barricade a dark blue banners and cloth panels embroider with golden heraldic emblem resembling a royal crest. These banners ripple slightly in the breeze.

Standing behind and alongside the barricade are a dozen armoured guards dressing in silver armour and blue cloaks. The soldiers wear steel helmets and layered protective gear, including breast plates and leather belts. Their deep blue cloaks drape heavily over their shoulders and contrast against the muted browns and greys of the town. Each guard stands alert and disciplined, facing outward as through monitoring the street for threats. The guards’ posture conveys authority and caution. Some rest their hands near weapons or lean slightly against the barricade while scanning the surroundings.

The sight of the Cidade dos escravos city guards barricading the street just ahead of the western gate sent a fresh wave of fury through Luz. His amber eyes locked onto the dozen armed men behind the barricade. “Cowards,” he muttered under his breath, his armoured hand moving to rest on the hilt of his sword. “They think a few wooden barriers can stop us?” Leo and Sol fanned out instinctively to either side, daggers drawn and ready for action. Cassandra raised her shield while Darm prepared a spelled bolt behind their defensive line.