Chapter 64 — The First Siege
The border city of Vaelthorn's Reach had stood for centuries as a bulwark against the wild northern territories. Its black walls, reinforced with abyssal runes and obsidian plating, had never fallen to mortal armies. Today, they faced something far worse.
The Celestial Host had finally committed to open war.
Dawn broke blood-red as golden ranks marched across the ash plains in perfect formation. Thousands of paladins in gleaming armor, supported by battle-priests chanting hymns of purification, and towering celestial constructs — animated statues of holy light and divine metal — that moved with mechanical precision. Siege engines rolled forward: massive golden trebuchets blessed to hurl purifying flames, and holy ballistae that fired bolts of condensed light capable of punching through reinforced stone.
Cairis and Liora arrived with their relief force just as the first volleys began.
