Reaching the Wall

As Derek's figure hurtled closer to the fortress, the walls rumbled and groaned as massive cannons were pushed forward into position. Each cannon was manned by a fire mage, their robes emblazoned with arcane symbols, and their hands wreathed in flickering flames that danced in the cold night air. At the muzzles of the cannons, intricate orange magic arrays began to form, glowing with otherworldly power.

The captain of the guards, his expression unwavering, observed Derek's advance with a calculated calm. His eyes remained fixed on the menacing intruder, and he knew that the decisive moment had come. Soldiers, their torches at the ready, stood poised to light the cannons as soon as they received the order. Behind them, the gun teams worked with methodical efficiency to reload the immense weapons.