Chapter 31: Shadows of the West
The moon hung low over the city of Stonewatch, its pale light barely piercing the thick clouds that rolled in from the western mountain range. Thunder crackled in the distance as a wounded and battered General Darion Bragg descended upon the castle grounds on his bloodied storm eagle, Ironbeak. The once-majestic beast limped through the air, feathers scorched, blood dripping from gashes carved by Zephyra’s legendary claws.
The guards at the gate immediately recognized the general and rushed to his side, catching him before he collapsed onto the marble steps of the keep. His armor was cracked, his halberd lost in the battle against Lucas Carter.
"Get the physicians! Now!" one of the captains barked.
Darion, breathing heavily, muttered through clenched teeth, "Take me to Lord Agram. Immediately."
The throne room of Stonewatch Keep was an opulent display of gold-threaded banners and obsidian pillars, a testament to the city’s arrogance and misplaced grandeur. Seated atop a carved throne of darksteel was Lord Malrich Agram, a man past his prime yet adorned in silken robes embroidered with sigils of conquest.
His eyes narrowed as Darion was brought before him, half-carried by the guards.
"What is this mess?" Agram growled, rising from his seat. "You went to secure the mine, not return as a beaten dog!"
Darion, despite the blood seeping through his armor, straightened. "Greystone is stronger than we believed. Their lord, Lucas Carter, has power... strange power. Legendary beasts, elite warriors. I barely escaped with my life."
The hall went silent.