Chapter 96: The Demon Gate
The swirling red hues of the fiery demon gate darkened as they spiraled closer to the pulsing ruby in the center. Although we were still several hundred yards away, the entire structure blazed with magical intensity nearing the Shards of Omniscience-overpowering my ability to inspect it with the eyes of fate.
"It’s quite something," Riven muttered. Agreement coursed through the ranks of the other mages, but I found my gaze resting on the ground, where the bottom quarter of the gate sunk beneath the marsh.
A small army camped at the foot of the gate, their tent’s banners flying the colors of Viriden. Soldiers surrounded the breach, vigilantly watching for changes or scanning the swamp all around. The sentries allowed us access without a word, and we marched onward until we were greeted by a man in golden armor. He was flanked by several guards dressed more like adventurers, bearing an assortment of personal gear and weapons.
The man, who could only be the city lord, had neatly trimmed white hair and wore burnished gold plate mail. Stern wrinkles etched his face, signs of the pressing stress of his station. Unlike Lord Byron, this man held himself with a noble assurance, lacking any signs of arrogance or cruelty.
"Greetings, heroes," he said, dipping his head respectfully. "I count myself truly fortunate you were close enough to assist us. Thank you for your urgency and haste in arriving. I apologize I wasn’t there to welcome you in the city, but perhaps you’d like to join me for a celebration when all is said and done?"
"We’d be honored," Soltair replied, his voice neither humble nor proud. "But let’s save that for after we conquer the Gate."
"Of course," he said, "And I must thank Prince Alric for sending the Crimson Guard. It gives me much comfort to know a man of your ability is at my back, Commander."
Riven smiled, stepping forward and taking the Lord’s outstretched hand. "Always a pleasure, Griffon. Does that invitation for afterward extend to us as well? We just returned from a cycle, and my men could use a chance to rest."
Griffon chuckled, peering over to look the ordered ranks of the Crimson Guard up and down. "They don’t seem worse for the wear, but it’s been too long since we had a chance to catch up. I’m sure we can find room in the hall for everyone. How’s Martha, by the way?"
As the two elderly men fell into a personal conversation, I joined Soltair and Trithe. "What do you make of it?" I asked.
"I don’t know. Let’s look around the exterior and see if we can find anything," Soltair replied after a moment’s thought.