The sun began to set in the distance. The bustling city of Marlia, capital of Almarck, had always been a place of vibrant life. Its cobbled streets thrummed with the daily rhythm of commerce and gossip, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread and spices. Yet, beneath the surface, a wave of unease flowed. Nervous whispers flowed through the crowds, very different from the usual boisterous greetings. The citizens spoke of a darkness rising, a demonic threat that threatened their very way of life.
Everywhere, evidence of this unease could be seen. Fortifications along the city walls were being reinforced with urgency. Teams of grizzled soldiers, their faces etched with grim expressions, patrolled the cobbled streets. Women clutched their children closer, their eyes looking nervously towards the horizon, as if searching for the first signs of the approaching doom.
