The Astoria Conquest (3)

After visiting the first town and buying a few months' worth of provisions for their journey to Thalassar City, the four women traveled across the Oakenheart Kingdom, dodging most of the population centers.

They found themselves on a trading road that led them through the dwarf realm, where refugees fled in the thousands. The group passed by a mountain city called Highbuldohr, which was already locked down due to the impending invasion.

Amethyst looked at Estelle and questioned, ''Won't the Southmen break the gates and get in? It seems stupid to stay put inside the mountain.''

The blonde knight shook her head before answering while watching the Oakenheart Soldiers ushering citizens inside, ''They are cities built deep under the earth and mountains. Once the dwarf mages lock the gate, it won't open until the king gives the order.''

"How do they get their food?" Artemis asked in a curious tone. "What if they have been in there for years?"