The drums of war echoed through the vast plains as the rebel wyrms circled high above, their dark silhouettes casting long shadows over the land. Eldoria, the jewel of the realm, stood tall in the distance, its towers gleaming under the dim, sunless sky. The walls that had once protected its people from countless enemies now seemed fragile in the face of the coming storm.
Aric stood on the battlements, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the enemy army was gathering. He could see the banners of Draygor's forces, the rebel wyrms forming an unholy alliance with the disgruntled armies of men who sought to claim Eldoria for themselves. It was an alliance built on betrayal, and its power was undeniable.
"We're running out of time," Kael said, stepping up beside him, his eyes sharp as he watched the enemy's movements. "They'll strike before nightfall."
Aric nodded, though his heart felt heavy. Despite their best efforts, they had been unable to convince the Dragon King to join their cause. The test he had set before them was too dangerous, and there was no time to retrieve the relic. Now, all they could do was defend Eldoria with the forces they had. And it wasn't enough.
"We hold the walls," Aric said, his voice steady despite the fear that gripped him. "We can't let them breach the city."
Borin approached, his warhammer resting on his shoulder. "The men are ready, but morale's low. They know what we're up against."
"Then we'll give them hope," Aric replied, turning to face his companions. "Eldoria has stood for centuries, and it will stand today. We fight not just for ourselves, but for all of Drakenor. If we fall, the world falls with us."
Elara, her face pale from exhaustion, placed a reassuring hand on Aric's shoulder. "We'll hold the line, Aric. We have to."
Aric glanced at her, grateful for her support. They had come so far together, and now they faced their greatest challenge yet. He just hoped it would be enough.
The sun dipped below the horizon, and with it came the sound of horns, a haunting wail that signaled the beginning of the siege. The enemy forces surged forward, a tide of chaos and destruction. From the skies, the rebel wyrms descended, their wings beating with the force of a hurricane as they unleashed torrents of flame upon the city's outer defenses.
"Archers!" Aric shouted, raising his sword. "Fire at will!"
The sky was filled with the twang of bowstrings as arrows rained down upon the advancing army. Many found their marks, striking down the foot soldiers and even some of the lesser wyrms. But the larger wyrms, the ones that Draygor himself had corrupted, were nearly impervious to the assault.
A loud crash shook the walls as one of the wyrms slammed into the battlements, its massive claws tearing through stone and mortar. Soldiers scrambled to defend the breach, but the wyrm's sheer size made it nearly unstoppable.
"We need to take it down!" Kael shouted, his bow at the ready.
"I'll handle it," Borin growled, gripping his warhammer tightly.
Before Aric could protest, the dwarf charged forward, his weapon raised high. With a mighty leap, Borin swung his warhammer with all his strength, smashing it into the wyrm's head. The creature roared in pain, staggering backward as its grip on the wall faltered.
"Now!" Aric shouted, signaling the archers to focus their fire on the wounded beast.
Arrow after arrow struck the wyrm, and with a final, ear-splitting screech, it plummeted from the walls, crashing into the enemy ranks below. But even as the soldiers cheered, Aric knew this was only the beginning.
From the east, a new wave of enemies emerged—Draygor's elite forces, clad in dark armor and wielding weapons infused with dark magic. They were led by none other than Draygor himself, his towering figure mounted atop a corrupted wyrm.
"There he is," Kael muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Draygor."
Aric's grip tightened on his sword. The sight of the traitor filled him with rage, but also fear. Draygor was no ordinary man. His powers had grown since their last encounter, and now he commanded an army of darkness.
"We can't let him reach the city," Aric said, determination in his voice. "If he breaches the inner walls, it's over."
Elara stepped forward, her staff glowing with arcane light. "I'll slow him down. You just need to keep the rest of the forces at bay."
"No," Aric said, shaking his head. "We face him together. If we split up now, we'll be picked off one by one."
Borin grunted in agreement. "The lad's right. We take him down as a team."
Kael nodded. "Then let's end this."
The final assault came swiftly. Draygor's forces crashed against the walls like a tidal wave, battering the defenders with relentless force. Aric, Kael, Borin, and Elara fought side by side, cutting down enemy soldiers and wyrms alike. But even as they fought, Draygor's power grew stronger.
With a deafening roar, Draygor's wyrm smashed into the walls, its dark flames scorching everything in its path. Aric and his companions were thrown back by the force of the impact, landing hard on the stone battlements.
Draygor dismounted his wyrm, his dark armor gleaming in the firelight. He raised his hand, and a wave of dark magic surged toward them.
"Scatter!" Aric shouted, barely managing to avoid the blast.
Borin was not so lucky. The magic hit him full force, sending him crashing into the wall. He lay still, his warhammer clattering to the ground beside him.
"Borin!" Kael shouted, rushing to his side.
Aric stood, his sword raised, and faced Draygor. "This ends here, traitor."
Draygor laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Foolish boy. You think you can stop me? I am power incarnate. I will raze this city to the ground, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."
With a roar of fury, Aric charged, his sword clashing against Draygor's dark blade. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the air, but Aric stood firm.
"You won't win," Aric growled, his eyes blazing with determination.
Draygor smirked. "We'll see about that."
As their blades clashed again, the fate of Eldoria—and all of Drakenor—hung in the balance.