Ryu, Kaelith, Aris, and Draven left the council chamber as tension filled the fortress. A storm cloud was looming in the form of the deliberation by the Iron Vanguard, and each passing moment felt like the grains falling through an hourglass.
As they stepped into the open courtyard, the clang of weapons and shouts of sparring soldiers filled the air, but even the usual bustle of the fortress could not mask the unease among its inhabitants. Despite their renowned discipline, the whispers of the Abyss had begun to shake even the most steadfast of the Vanguard.
Kaelith glanced at Ryu, her silver hair catching the morning light as it spilled through the towering walls. "The officers will take their time. Deliberation is in their nature."
Ryu clenched his fists, his frustration barely contained. "We don't have time. Every delay means the Abyss spreads further."
