Chapter 84: The Final Stand

Chapter 84: The Final Stand

Silvia's POV

The tension in the war room was thick enough to cut with a blade. The maps, once neat and organized, were now covered in fresh ink, denoting the rapid changes in enemy movement. Two weeks. That's all they had before Castor Valen's forces descended upon the city like a relentless storm.

Silvia ran her fingers over the battle plans, her mind racing through every possible scenario. They had struck a blow against the Remnants, but it wasn't enough to stop the war. This would be their last stand, their final push to end the Titan resurgence once and for all.

Dragon leaned against the table, arms crossed, watching her closely. "We have the advantage now. We hit them before they hit us."

Garrik let out a grunt. "Even weakened, they outnumber us two to one. A full-frontal attack is suicide."

Tarren, perched on the windowsill, played with the fletching of an arrow. "Then we don't fight them head-on. We set the stage, make them come to us on our terms."

Silvia looked up, determination sharpening her gaze. "We fortify the city. We make it an unbreakable fortress and force them into a siege. If they have to fight for every inch of ground, their numbers won't matter."

Dragon smirked. "Now you're thinking like a warlord."

Preparing for War

The city buzzed with energy as preparations began. Engineers and builders reinforced the walls with additional stone and steel plating. Ballistae were mounted along the battlements, their massive bolts capable of tearing through the enemy's heavy infantry. Trenches were dug outside the walls, filled with sharpened stakes and oil traps. Barricades were set along the main roads leading into the city, creating choke points where defenders could rain down fire upon invading forces.

Silvia walked through the streets, personally overseeing the defenses. Every citizen, whether soldier or not, had a role to play. Blacksmiths worked tirelessly, forging weapons and armor, while healers stockpiled medical supplies in the infirmary. Merchants rationed supplies, ensuring that the city could withstand a prolonged siege if necessary.

She paused at the training grounds, where a group of younger recruits were sparring under the watchful eyes of seasoned veterans. Their movements were stiff, their grips unsteady. They were not warriors, not yet. But they would have to be.

Dragon came up beside her. "They're scared."

Silvia exhaled. "So am I."

He studied her for a moment before placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "That's what makes you different from the warlords before you. You don't pretend you're invincible. But you still fight anyway. That's why they follow you."

She turned to face him, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "Then let's make sure we win."

The Eve of Battle

As night fell, the city stood ready. Fires burned along the watchtowers, illuminating the walls as soldiers patrolled the perimeter. The once-bustling streets were eerily silent, tension hanging in the air like a waiting storm. The only sound was the wind, rustling through the banners that hung from the battlements.

Silvia stood atop the walls, staring at the distant horizon. Beyond the treeline, the enemy gathered. Their fires burned like distant stars, stretching across the land in an endless sea of flickering orange. The sight sent a chill through her bones. It wasn't just their numbers that frightened her—it was the way they moved, the organization, the discipline. This wasn't a haphazard army of rebels. This was a war machine, built to reclaim Titan's lost empire.

Tarren approached, her bow slung across her back. "Scouts report they'll move by dawn."

Silvia clenched her fists. "Then we hold. No matter what."

Garrik arrived, his armor gleaming under the torchlight. "We've set traps along the eastern wall. If they try to scale it, they won't make it far."

Dragon appeared beside her, quiet for once. "This is it."

She turned to him, searching his face. "If something happens—"

"Don't," he cut in, stepping closer. "I'm not leaving you."

She swallowed hard. "You might not have a choice."

His expression softened, and in the dim torchlight, he reached for her hand. "Then we go down fighting. Together."

She gripped his fingers tightly, drawing strength from the unspoken promise between them.

Final Preparations

As the city prepared for dawn, Silvia made her rounds one last time. She checked on the barricades, inspected the armory, and ensured that the healers had enough supplies for the wounded. She stopped by the training grounds, where a group of recruits stood in nervous silence.

One of them, a young woman barely past her teenage years, looked up at her with wide eyes. "Commander Earthstar… do you think we'll win?"

Silvia met her gaze, forcing confidence into her voice. "I don't think, I know. We've fought too hard to lose now. And as long as we stand together, we will not fall."

The young soldier nodded, squaring her shoulders. "Then we'll fight with everything we have."

Silvia placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder before moving on. She could not afford doubt. Not now.

The First Horns of War

The first horns of war echoed in the distance, deep and haunting. The enemy was on the move.

Silvia climbed back to the battlements, the city below her a sea of waiting warriors, torches flickering like fireflies in the dark. The enemy emerged from the tree line, a vast wave of soldiers moving in perfect formation. Siege towers loomed behind them, massive war machines designed to breach their defenses.

Tarren drew an arrow, her jaw clenched. "Here they come."

Dragon's eyes gleamed as he shifted slightly, muscles tensed. "We hold the line. No matter what."

Silvia took a deep breath and raised her sword high. "For the city. For our people. We do not break."

A chorus of war cries rose from behind her as the defenders braced themselves.

And then, the battle began.