The Battle of Red Hollow
The drums of war echoed through the air as our army approached Red Hollow, the last bastion of Edric's power. The towering walls loomed in the distance, dark and imposing. I had seen many fortresses in my time, but Red Hollow was different—it was a symbol of defiance, of survival against all odds. And yet, I knew that symbol would fall before me.
We were not just soldiers. We were the storm.
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The Siege Begins
By dawn, our army had surrounded the fortress, a massive sea of men and war machines. Catapults lined our flanks, their massive stones ready to fly toward the walls. Archers filled the skies with arrows, testing the fort's defenses.
I stood on the rise overlooking Red Hollow, my eyes fixed on the gates. This would not be a simple siege. Edric knew we were coming. And he had prepared.
"They're not just defending a fortress," Hadrian said from beside me, his gaze locked on the battlements. "They're defending their king."
"Then we'll take the king," I replied, my voice cold.
I could feel the flames of the spirit inside me, urging me forward, but I resisted the temptation to let the magic consume me. I needed strategy, not sorcery.
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The First Assault
With a signal, the catapults launched their stones, the sound of their release deafening. They struck the walls with a thunderous crash, sending stone and dust flying. The defenders atop the walls scrambled, shouting orders as the first wave of soldiers charged forward.
I watched as my men rushed the gates, their swords raised high. The walls trembled under the weight of our assault. For a moment, I thought I could see the fear in the eyes of Edric's soldiers—but fear was a luxury no one could afford in battle.
A horn sounded, and Edric's forces emerged from behind the walls, their own war machines now launching counterattacks. Ballistae and heavy crossbows rained down upon us, their bolts striking down our first wave of assault. The air was thick with the clash of steel, the cries of soldiers, and the stench of blood.
But I had planned for this.
"General Caius, it's time," I called out.
At my signal, Caius and his elite troops moved forward, carrying the flame barrels we had prepared for this moment. These barrels were filled with magical fire, enchanted by the Priest-Lord Varian himself. Once deployed, they would create a barrier of flame too intense for any force to breach.
The barrels rolled toward the gates of Red Hollow, and with a loud crack, they exploded. Fire erupted across the battlefield, engulfing Edric's soldiers and war machines alike. The fortress walls trembled under the heat, and soon, the once-defiant stronghold began to falter.
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Edric's Last Stand
As the fire spread, I knew Edric would not remain passive for long. He had always been a warrior, a king who fought for his land. I had prepared for his retaliation. He would come for me, and I would face him.
I dismounted and made my way toward the heart of the battlefield. My personal guard followed closely, their eyes alert to any danger.
At the center of the battlefield, I saw him—King Edric, clad in black armor, wielding a massive sword. His face was fierce, and I could see the rage in his eyes.
"You dare attack my kingdom, conquer my people?" Edric shouted, his voice carrying over the smoke.
"I dare," I said, my voice calm but firm. "Because I will bring peace. And you are the last obstacle to it."
With that, we charged. Edric's sword met mine with a crash. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, and the sound of clashing steel filled the air.
He was strong, skilled in battle, but he lacked the strength of a ruler who understood the weight of empire.
I pushed him back with a series of brutal strikes, each blow aimed at breaking his defenses. The fire of the gods surged through my veins, but I kept control. This battle would not be won with magic. It would be won with steel.
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The Final Strike
Edric was growing weaker. His armor was dented, and his movements slowed. But he refused to yield.
"You will not break me!" Edric roared, swinging his sword in a wild arc.
I blocked it easily, then countered with a swift strike to his side. He staggered, but still, he stood.
I could see his resolve fading. This was not just a fight for victory. This was a fight for his legacy.
With a final, decisive strike, I drove my sword through his armor, piercing his heart. His eyes widened in shock, and then, as the life drained from him, he collapsed to the ground.
King Edric was dead.
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Victory and the Aftermath
As the dust settled and the last of Edric's forces surrendered, I stood over his fallen body. Red Hollow had fallen. And with it, the last resistance to my rule.
But the victory felt hollow. I had won the battle, but the war for the empire was far from over.
The gods had granted me their flame, but it was now my responsibility to wield it wisely. If I did not, I would become a tyrant, not a ruler.