Bab 185: • A Battle Of Fire And Shadow (1)

The sun began to ascend — crimson, stretching its clawed rays across the clouds, illuminating the expanse with its bright reddish light.

On top of one of the hill slopes, two silhouette figures stood some feet away from each other. They were in what is commonly called a "Face Off."

The wind blew, and the ponytail and scarf of one of the figures danced along with it. On the other side, the coat of the other figure joined the dance. This created a spectacle, a tense atmosphere, a sense of foreboding that made it clear to onlooking Cranebirds in the sky; a battle was about to be fought.

Thorin stood with resolution, flickering flames wreathed around his arms. The Core was on the ground beside him, and his form, his eyes exuded an aura of seething fury.