The Last Fortress - Chapter 2

Dawn emerged muted through veils of gray mist shrouding Valden. Edward stood ready at the top of the central watchtower, ceremonial sword at his side, as final preparations were made in the courtyard below for the Warden induction. Today he would join their storied ranks officially.

Peering outward, Edward discerned no shapes stirring in the gloom beyond the walls. But the Blight rarely attacked in daylight. Still, he remained alert for any creeping shadows signifying their presence.

Hearing footsteps on the tower stairs, Edward turned to see Alyssa ascending. An orphan taken in by the Wardens, she would also be inducted today. Edward gave her a nod which she returned shyly. Alyssa's innate gift for manipulating incorporeal magic awed her peers, but she shunned the attention it brought.

Reaching his side, Alyssa gazed out beyond the mist-veiled walls. "Do you really think some great darkness is behind the Blight?" she asked quietly.

Edward had confessed his growing suspicion to her alone, unsure who else might believe forces more sinister than mindless monsters were marshaling the Blight against humanity's final redoubts.

"I know in my heart the Blight is more than just aimless beasts," Edward replied. "No natural spread could be so thorough. So malicious." He left unspoken who might be orchestrating such calculated annihilation.

Alyssa bit her lip but did not argue. Since early youth, she had sensed patterns within the Blight attacks beyond mere animal cunning. Omens she hoped were just fearful fancy.

Further discourse was interrupted by the tolling of sonorous bells below. "Come," Edward told Alyssa. "It's time."

The two descended the circular steps to join the procession forming in the courtyard. Master Bran led the way, his limping gait unhurried. The Wardens followed, faces stony beneath polished helms, vivid cloaks denoting their uniforms.

Behind marched the recruits - Garrett strutting proudly, Edward and Alyssa bearing themselves with calm poise. Lines of refugees and other citizens fanned out in the procession's wake as it winded upward through mist-laden alleys toward the Central Keep carved into the mountain's stony heights.

Thousands gathered along the route or leaned from windows in the fortress homes wedged along its steep path. Watching history in the making as new defenders joined the Wardens' hallowed order in Valden's time of need.

Bells tolled from the keep above, sonorous and slow. Their ritual sound stilled other noises in the misty morning. Even Garrett's swagger ebbed somewhat as the procession's import impressed itself upon him. This was a day when destinies would be embraced.

Reaching the gates of the Central Keep, Master Bran led the Wardens and recruits inside. Sconces flickered along the entry tunnel, carved with scenes of titanic battles against primordial forces. The wardens' long legacy stood sentinel.

Emerging into the vaulted throne room, morning light filtered down through lofty stained glass. Banners hung from rafters shrouded in shadow. At the room's far end upon the plinth stood the carved Obsidian Throne itself.

There waited Lord Regent Theron, ruler of Valden until a proper king could be instated. The gray-bearded regent watched the procession approach, hands folded over an ornate staff denoting his authority. Behind the throne stood his councilors and personal guard.

Bran stepped forth and bowed. "My lord, we come to induct three initiates into the honored service of Valden as full Wardens."

Theron nodded. "Step forward, recruits, and kneel."

The ancient oaths were spoken, binding Edward, Alyssa, and Garrett to protect Valden and all living things within its shelter. When the last echo of their uttered vows faded, Theron bid them rise.

"I name you Wardens of the Realm, bulwark against shadow, blade upon darkness." He tapped each of their shoulders with his staff. "Rise now as defenders."

The three rose in reverent silence. Some greater spirit seemed to fill Edward then, becoming part of him. He saw the same in Alyssa's eyes. Even Garrett stood taller.

Trumpets blared, signaling the rite's completion. As cheers rose in the throne room, Bran embraced each newly elevated Warden. "Now the true fight begins," he told them gruffly. "But now you begin it as one of us."

Any reply was lost as alarms suddenly resounded from the keep walls. Cries of panic filtered down from above. Theron rose in concern, guards drawing blades around him. Bran's face paled.

Rushing to the throne room's high balconies with the other Wardens, Edward looked out and felt his stomach drop. Blight swarmed the city streets, attacking buildings and people indiscriminately while black streams still poured over the outer walls.

An invasion force greater than any before, its numbers blotting the shrouded alleys. The celebrations had left Valden unready for a coordinated assault. Bells rang out urgently across the mountain city.

Edward turned to find Alyssa beside him once more. Her face reflected the grave fear in his heart. Unknown to both, a shared thought arose - had some hidden hand behind the Blight awaited this day to unleash doom upon Valden?

Bran appeared behind them, eyes smoldering with rage. "To your positions, Wardens!" he shouted. The Master's limp seemed forgotten, authority cracking in his voice. "We must hold till civilians reach the inner keep. Now fight! For your city and your souls!"

Without hesitating, Edward and Alyssa drew their swords. Garrett joined them, swagger gone, face callow and afraid. As one, the city's defenders rushed from the keep to battle the Blight streaming through Valden's streets on the day destiny came calling for them all.