The first war drum struck just after sunrise.
Its thunderous rhythm rolled across the valley, shaking the earth beneath thousands of marching feet. One by one, the allied kingdoms answered. Horns blared from every direction as endless ranks of soldiers advanced beneath a forest of banners. Steel flashed beneath the morning light, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with the promise of bloodshed.
The battle had begun.
Kael stood atop the eastern battlements, his black cloak snapping violently in the wind. From where he stood, he could see the full extent of the enemy formation stretching far beyond the horizon. They had surrounded the sanctuary completely, leaving only towering cliffs at their backs. There would be no retreat.
The commander stepped beside him and handed over a polished
