Chapter 195 - Looming horizons
Amidst the assemblage of confused and, in some instances, fearful cries echoing through the camp, Scarlett’s gaze remained fixed on the ominous silhouette of Anguish’s citadel dominating the horizon. While not overwhelming for her, the sheer dread that seemed to emanate from it, like a miasma of despair, felt truly otherworldly.
Finally, she pulled her attention away from the citadel and swung open the carriage door, stepping out next to Fynn. The young man shot her a quizzical look as she signaled for him to follow, and together, they navigated the now-chaotic encampment. The faces of those they passed by were etched with a spectrum of emotions, ranging from bewilderment to outright alarm as the crimson aura radiating from the citadel lent a morbid pallor to their countenances. Even Shin and Allyssa, standing alongside a cluster of wounded guardsmen, seemed caught up in the sudden phenomenon.
Spotting Sir Home amid a small assembly of knights, Scarlett guided her walk towards the knight captain, with Fynn shadowing her footsteps.
“Captain Home,” she addressed the man, her voice cutting through the silence surrounding the knight captain.
Sir Home, his furrowed brow betraying his dark thoughts, turned towards her. “…Baroness,” he began, “do you know what’s—”
“I do not,” she interrupted him, “but the demonic miasma enveloping that structure is unmistakable. It is undoubtedly connected to the demonic presence we came here to investigate.”
The man’s expression hardened, his eyes flickering towards the citadel. For a moment, he seemed uncertain how to respond, but eventually, he gave a curt nod. “You’re right. It’s as though merely looking at it for too long threatens to make my skin crawl off. Such a monstrosity has no place in our realm. It’s an affront to His Majesty and Ittar himself.”
“That it is.” Scarlett followed his gaze, her attention lingering on the obsidian spires, which did seem to mock the heavens.
Despite the overwhelming dread the citadel was exuding, however, what she found annoyed her most was the fact that it was attempting to manipulate her emotions.
…She had issues.
But if she had any say in it, Anguish would be the one paying for at least some of them.
She swept her eyes across Sir Home’s assembled men. Five of them were knights who had accompanied them in their battle with the Vilewyrm, while the rest appeared to be officers in charge of the guardsmen and mages who had joined from Bridgespell. Though these people were probably seasoned soldiers, even they seemed to struggle against the citadel’s oppressive aura. Sir Home would need to exert his authority soon if he wanted to maintain morale around the camp.