Free Web NovelCHAPTER 37 — WHEN THE WAR DRUMS THUNDERED
The messenger did not stop riding until the black fortress of the Blood King appeared on the horizon.
His mount collapsed from exhaustion as he stumbled into the war hall.
Rhazakar sat upon a throne carved from the skull of an ancient beast. freeweɓnovel.cøm
He didn't ask what had happened.
He saw the answer written across the messenger's terrified face.
"Well?"
The messenger swallowed.
"...She refused."
Rhazakar leaned forward.
"No."
"She challenged me."
The messenger nodded.
"Yes, my Lord."
A grin slowly spread across the Blood King's scarred face.
"Good."
"I was getting tired of cowards."
He stood, lifting his massive greatsword onto one shoulder.
"Beat the war drums."
"It's time these self-righteous fools remembered what the Abyss really is."
Miles away, the Abyssal Domain was anything but calm.
Ashwing Harpies circled high above the western frontier.
Stonehide engineers reinforced walls with enchanted granite.
Goblin alchemists hurried through the streets carrying crates of firebombs and healing potions.
Every race had abandoned its daily routine.
War had arrived.
Vespera walked through the bustling streets in her human form.
She deliberately wore no crown.
No elaborate robes.
Only dark leather armor beneath a black cloak.
People bowed as she passed.
She stopped beside a young goblin blacksmith struggling to lift a crate.
"I've got it."
The boy looked up.
"My Queen... I can manage."
She smiled and lifted it with ease.
"Save your strength."
"We'll need every hammer working today."
The boy grinned proudly.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Nearby, an elderly minotaur watched the exchange.
"That's why they'll fight for you," he muttered.
Inside the council chamber, tension filled the room.
Darius pointed toward the western tunnels.
"Our scouts estimate nearly twelve thousand warriors."
Kragga whistled.
"Damn..."
"They're serious."
"They're more than serious," Darius replied.
"They're expecting to erase us."
Lirael looked toward Vespera.
"We're outnumbered."
"We are."
"But numbers don't win every battle."
Sylvana stepped forward.
"I've spread my roots beneath the western pass."
"If they charge..."
"The earth itself will answer."
Gorvak slammed a massive fist onto the table.
"My Stonehide will hold the center."
Kragga grinned.
"My orcs will take the left."
"The Blood King's bastards are going to regret crossing our border."
Several warriors laughed.
The fear in the room eased.
The Sanctuary Core suddenly pulsed.
The System appeared.
────────────────────────
Main Quest Updated
The Battle for the Abyss
Primary Objective:
Repel the Blood King's invasion.
Victory Conditions:
• Defend the Abyssal Domain.
• Minimize civilian casualties.
• Protect the Sanctuary Core.
Failure is not recommended.
────────────────────────
By sunset...
The western gates opened.
Not to retreat.
To meet the enemy.
Thousands of allied warriors marched into the valley.
Orcs beat heavy drums.
Minotaurs carried tower shields.
Ashwing Harpies darkened the sky overhead.
Vespera walked at the front.
Still in her human form.
Captain Rowan, who had recently returned as Valenor's observer, stared in disbelief.
"You always lead from the front?"
She looked at him.
"How could I ask others to risk their lives if I won't risk mine?"
Rowan had no answer.
Across the valley...
The Blood King's army emerged.
The ground trembled beneath thousands of marching feet.
War banners made from crimson hides fluttered in the cold wind.
Then Rhazakar himself stepped forward.
He planted his colossal sword into the earth.
"So..."
His booming voice rolled across the battlefield.
"You're the Queen who's been teaching monsters to play house."
Kragga growled.
"I really want to shut that asshole up."
Vespera raised one hand.
"Not yet."
She walked forward alone until only a few dozen paces separated her from the Blood King.
Still in human form.
Rhazakar laughed.
"You're smaller than I expected."
"And you're louder."
Several warriors on both sides chuckled.
The Blood King's grin faded.
"You think this is a joke?"
"No."
Vespera answered calmly.
"I think this war is unnecessary."
He barked a harsh laugh.
"Peace?"
"You think monsters need peace?"
"We need strength."
"We need conquest."
"We need fear."
Vespera shook her head.
"No."
"We need a future."
For the first time...
Rhazakar's expression hardened completely.
"You really believe that."
"I do."
"Then let me show you reality."
He drew his sword.
Dark crimson energy erupted around him.
The sky itself seemed to darken.
Vespera closed her eyes for a brief moment.
Then black mist coiled around her.
Her human body transformed.
Towering coils of obsidian scales unfurled across the valley.
Golden eyes blazed with Abyssal power.
Gasps echoed from both armies.
Even many of Rhazakar's soldiers hesitated.
The Abyss Empress had arrived.
Rhazakar smiled wider than ever.
"Now that's a monster."
He pointed his sword toward her.
"Kill every last one of them!"
The valley exploded into chaos.
War drums thundered.
Arrows filled the sky.
The first battle for the Abyss had begun.
End of Chapter 37
