Day 22 After Eralthar | Loryan – Valerian's Encampment
The morning wind gently stirred Loryan's new banner. Valerian closed his eyes. For the first time, his steps left marks behind. This was no longer a village—it was a command post. With Helvar's help, the old mining structures had been repurposed. One became a planning center, another a storage depot, a third a forge. At the center stood a stone table, maps spread across it. Valerian's finger traced a line on one map. The next target: Fareth Pass.
It was a crucial southern supply route for Vornath. If taken, it would reconnect what remained of Eralthar's resistance.
The Oathbound Seven were no longer just a name. They had begun formal training.
Helvar led morning combat drills. Valerian spent afternoons walking them through tactical plans and maps.Each night, a different member stood watch. They were no longer just fighters— they were bearers of a cause.
That day, Valerian was called "commander" for the first time. A child brought him water and said, "Here, commander." Valerian hesitated. He didn't know how to respond. Then he nodded.
Because he hadn't taken that title—he was beginning to earn it.
That night, he gathered the Oathbound Seven for their first major strategy meeting. Around the stone table, silence reigned.
Valerian looked at each of them in turn before speaking.
"If this pass falls, our breath will whisper down Vornath's throat."
"And if it doesn't?"
Valerian laid his sword on the table.
"Then we move to the next plan. Because we no longer live to retreat—we live to destroy."
The plan was clear: They would depart within two days. Explosives were prepped. They'd infiltrate by night, demolish the pass at dawn.
Valerian turned to the youngest of the group—Elren.
"Elren, this will be your first real battle. If you get scared, don't run. Just keep your eyes open."
Elren swallowed. "I've already… started living only through my eyes."
Valerian smiled. "That makes you strong."
That night, Loryan was quiet. But it was the stillness before a storm.
Because the next day... Valerian's name would echo across the continent.
Day 24 After Eralthar | Fareth Pass – Night Operation
Wind echoed through the pass, bouncing off the stone walls. To the guards, it was just a breeze. They didn't know what the whispers really meant.
Not yet.Valerian moved at the front. The Oathbound Seven followed, shadows among shadows. No moon. Only the wind bent the trees—like ghosts moving through branches.
Helvar's handmade explosives were strapped to their backs. The plan was simple: Plant charges on four structural columns and collapse the pass before sunrise—without being seen.
But tonight wasn't just another strike— Tonight was a declaration. The continent would hear the name: Valerian Thaeron.
Upon arrival, they scouted. Twelve sentries patrolled above. A central night patrol was stationed below. Valerian signaled Elren.
The young boy lifted his bow. An arrow flew—silent and precise. One sentry fell.The rest moved in. One by one…No blood spilled loudly. No cries. Just silence.
The silence of death.
Each column was set. Timers synchronized. The withdrawal began.
But something was different.This wasn't the march of an army— It was the birth of a revolution.
Valerian turned back one last time. The pass still stood. But he felt a chill in his chest.
"This is more than stone... it's the road that feeds them."
Then...BOOM.
The tremor roared through the earth. Stones launched skyward. The continent shook. Fareth Pass collapsed.
Vornath's southern supply line was now… nothing.Valerian turned to his Seven.
"This is just the beginning," he said. "Tonight, stones fell. Tomorrow… crowns will."