The sky burned red the morning the empire marched.
Mist rolled across the plains below the Holy Citadel, but it could not hide the vast black tide
advancing through it. Thousands of soldiers moved as one body with shields locked, banners
raised, steel glinting beneath the rising sun.
At their head rode Emperor Kael Dravenmore.
His dark armor reflected the crimson dawn, and the wind caught the heavy cloak draped
across his shoulders. His expression was unreadable, his gaze fixed on the white towers
piercing the horizon.
A general rode up beside him, lowering his voice.
''The outer villages have been secured, Your Majesty. The Citadel stands alone.''
Kael did not look at him.
''Good. Fewer innocents caught between pride and prayer.''
The general hesitated. ''Shall we prepare the siege engines?''
Silence lingered. The distant bells of the Citadel began to toll slow, solemn, defiant.
Kael's jaw tightened slightly.
''Advance.''
War horns erupted across the plain, deep and thunderous. The earth trembled beneath iron
boots.
Inside the Holy Citadel, the bells rang without fear.
Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, scattering gold across marble floors. Incense
curled upward in quiet spirals as Saintess Seraphina knelt before the towering statue of the
Solar God.
Her moon-white hair pooled around her like liquid light. The tremor of distant war drums did
not disturb her stillness.
''Aethyrian,'' she whispered softly, ''grant me strength for what comes.''
The great doors of the sanctum burst open.
A knight stumbled in, armor dented from hurried preparation.
''Saintess! The Emperor's army has reached the outer walls.''
Murmurs rippled through the gathered clergy.
Seraphina rose slowly, her golden eyes calm.
''And the people?''
''Sheltered within the inner wards. But they are afraid.''
She stepped forward, the light seeming to follow her.
''Then we shall not show them fear.''
Another knight stepped forward urgently. ''The High Priest insists you be escorted to safety.''
Her gaze shifted toward the stained glass windows, beyond which the distant black banners
could now be seen.
''If I flee,'' she said gently, ''what becomes of the faith I am meant to protect?''
The knights fell silent.
Outside, the first strike of a battering ram echoed against the outer gates.
The hall trembled.
Seraphina closed her eyes briefly.
''He believes he fights for freedom,'' she murmured. ''Yet he chains himself to anger.''
''Majesty '' the knight corrected nervously. ''The Emperor is ruthless.''
She turned, her expression neither fearful nor angry.
''No man is born ruthless.''
Another thunderous impact shook the walls.
''Prepare the sanctuary,'' she said calmly. ''Open the inner doors. Tend to the wounded as they
arrive.''
''And you, Saintess?''
Her gaze lifted toward the massive temple entrance.
''If Emperor Kael Dravenmore wishes to defy the heavens…''
The doors shuddered under another strike.
''…then he shall find me waiting.''
Outside, iron clashed against sacred stone.
Kael watched as the first section of the outer gate splintered.
Smoke curled upward. Arrows flew. Shouts rose in chaotic harmony.
Yet above it all, the Citadel still gleamed radiant, untouched at its heart.
His general approached once more.
''Your Majesty, we can force entry within the hour.''
Kael's eyes remained fixed on the central tower.
''The Saintess remains inside?''
''Yes.''
A brief pause.
''Ensure she is not harmed.''
The general blinked. ''Sire?''
Kael's voice was steady.
''This war is against corruption, not her.''
The gate finally gave way with a deafening crash.
Imperial soldiers surged forward.
Kael drew his sword slowly, the blade catching the red dawn.
''Forward,'' he commanded.
And beneath the burning sky, crown and altar moved one step closer to collision.