章節 42: Chapter Fourty-Two: The Fortress at Dawn
As dawn approached, the storm began to wane, its fury gradually subsiding into a gentle drizzle. The first rays of sunlight pierced the dark clouds, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The sight of the fortress in the distance, bathed in the morning light, filled Elyra with a renewed sense of purpose.
The journey had been grueling, and every step felt heavier than the last, but the sight of their destination spurred the group onward. The fortress stood like a sentinel on the horizon, its ancient stone walls a symbol of the kingdom's resilience. Elyra's thoughts were focused on reaching those walls, knowing that within them lay their only hope of survival.
"We're almost there," Garret said, his voice tinged with relief. He glanced back at Elyra, concern flickering in his eyes. "How are you holding up?"
Elyra nodded, her expression resolute. "I'm fine. We need to keep moving. The enemy won't be far behind."
Thorne, who had taken up the rear to ensure they weren't being followed, spoke up. "They're regrouping, but they won't catch us before we reach the fortress. Still, we need to be prepared for another attack once we're inside."
Lyra, her face pale from exhaustion, but her resolve unbroken, added, "We should signal the garrison as soon as we're within range. They'll need to fortify the defenses immediately."
The group quickened their pace, the fortress growing larger with each step. Elyra's heart pounded in her chest, not from exertion, but from the weight of what lay ahead. The artifact in her hand pulsed with a steady rhythm, its power a constant reminder of the burden she carried.
As they drew closer, the massive gates of the fortress loomed before them. Two guards stationed at the entrance recognized them and quickly moved to open the gates. They called out to the sentries on the walls, alerting them to the approaching group.
The gates creaked open just enough to allow them to slip inside, and as soon as they were through, the guards slammed them shut, securing the heavy iron bars in place. Inside, the fortress was a hive of activity. Soldiers were rushing to and fro, preparing for the imminent battle. Blacksmiths hammered away at weapons and armor, while healers tended to the wounded from previous skirmishes.
Elyra wasted no time. She sought out the fortress commander, a seasoned warrior named Captain Varian, who was barking orders to his troops near the central keep.
"Captain Varian," Elyra called out as she approached, her voice commanding attention despite her weariness.
The captain turned to face her, his stern expression softening slightly as he recognized Elyra and her companions. "Commander Elyra," he greeted her with a nod. "I see you've returned with the artifact. But I assume from your haste that the enemy is not far behind?"
Elyra nodded grimly. "They'll be here soon, and they're coming in force. We need to prepare the fortress for a full-scale assault. The artifact is safe for now, but we can't let them breach the walls."
Varian's eyes narrowed as he considered the situation. "We've been reinforcing the defenses since we received word of your mission, but we'll need every able-bodied soldier to hold them off. Do you have any idea of their numbers?"
"Too many to count," Garret interjected. "They've been chasing us since we retrieved the artifact. We've managed to thin their ranks a bit, but they're still formidable. And they're not just after us—they want the artifact, and they'll stop at nothing to get it."
Varian's jaw tightened. "Then we have no time to lose. I'll rally the troops and ensure the defenses are ready. You should rest and prepare yourselves for the battle to come. It's going to be a long day."
Elyra nodded in agreement, though she knew rest would be fleeting. Every second was crucial, and they would need to be at their best when the enemy arrived. "We'll do what we can. But, Captain, be aware—the artifact's power is unpredictable. We can't rely on it alone to win this battle."
Varian's gaze flicked to the artifact in Elyra's hand, his expression unreadable. "Understood. We'll fight with everything we have, artifact or no."
With that, Varian turned to organize the final preparations, leaving Elyra and her companions to catch their breath. They found a small, quiet corner of the keep where they could regroup and plan their next steps.
Lyra sank to the ground, leaning against the cool stone wall as she closed her eyes. "I never thought we'd actually make it back here," she admitted, her voice laced with exhaustion.
Thorne remained standing, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon visible through a narrow window. "We're not out of the woods yet. This fortress has seen countless battles, but something tells me this one will be different."
Garret, who had been pacing back and forth, finally stopped and turned to face Elyra. "What's our plan? The artifact may have saved us back there, but we can't rely on it for the entire battle. We need to think strategically."
Elyra met his gaze, her mind racing with possibilities. "We'll use the artifact as a last resort. Its power is too unpredictable, and I don't want to risk it unless we have no other choice. Our priority is to hold the fortress. If we can withstand the initial assault, we might be able to turn the tide in our favor."
Garret nodded thoughtfully. "We need to identify the enemy's weakest point. If we can exploit it, we might be able to break their momentum and force them into retreat."
Lyra opened her eyes, her expression serious. "There's also the possibility that the enemy has their own tricks up their sleeve. We need to be prepared for anything—magic, siege weapons, you name it."
Thorne turned to face the group, his voice resolute. "No matter what they throw at us, we stand our ground. This fortress is the last line of defense for the kingdom. We can't let it fall."
Elyra couldn't help but feel a surge of pride as she looked at her companions. Despite everything they had been through, they were still ready to fight, still willing to risk their lives for the greater good. And she would fight alongside them, no matter the cost.
As they finalized their plans, the fortress began to stir with the sounds of preparation. The soldiers on the walls tightened their grips on their weapons, the archers readied their bows, and the mages began weaving protective spells.
Elyra stood and moved to the window, gazing out at the horizon where the first hints of the enemy's approach could be seen—dark shapes moving in the distance, growing closer with each passing moment.
The storm had passed, but the true battle was just beginning. Elyra took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. This was it—the final stand.
As the enemy forces drew nearer, Elyra's hand tightened around the artifact, its power humming with a promise of what might be. But as she looked at her companions, at the soldiers preparing to defend their home, she knew that their true strength lay not in the artifact, but in their unity, their resolve, and their unbreakable spirit.
The enemy would come, and they would fight. And together, they would hold the line.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票