Chapter: Arrival at the Northern Wall
The northern wall rose like a jagged crown against the winter sky, its gray stone was darkened by the frost that clung to every crevice.
Snow swirled in lazy patterns as Gabriel's carriage rolled into the outpost courtyard, the crunch of wheels and hooves muffled by the icy ground.
Even in the freezing cold, the soldiers stood at attention, their breath visible in the frigid air, and their captain was waiting.
The commander, a tall man with a grizzled beard, approached as Gabriel dismounted.
His leather armor creaked as he extended a hand in a firm greeting.
"Lord Gabriel," the commander said in a rough blend of discipline and respectful tone.
"It's an honor to have you here. Congratulations on your marriage." His eyes moved briefly to the carriage.
Gabriel shook the man's hand firmly. "Thank you, Commander. I trust the wall holds strong."
"As strong as ever," the commander replied, though there was a tension in his tone. "But we'll discuss the details soon. For now, let's get you settled."
The door of the carriage opened, and Lirian stepped down hesitantly, her shawl drawn tightly around her shoulders.
Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her breath clouding around her as she glanced at the soldiers and the imposing structure before her.
The commander bowed slightly to her. "My lady. Welcome to the northern wall."
Lirian nodded, offering a faint smile, but before she could speak, a group of maids hurried forward, their hands outstretched to guide her.
"Duchess Lirian," one of them said with a curtsy, "we've prepared warm quarters for you. And the doctor is waiting to see you."
Lirian looked back at Gabriel, uncertainty…
"Go with them," Gabriel commanded. "And don't leave your quarters unless I say so."
Her lips tightened, but she nodded, allowing the maids to lead her away.
The last Gabriel saw of her was her silhouette disappearing into the keep, the fur-lined cloak billowing behind her.
The commander waited until she was gone before gesturing toward a stone staircase leading up to the battlements. "If you'll follow me, my lord."
Gabriel fell into step beside him, the wind biting at their faces as they climbed. The walls were alive with activity—archers patrolling, watchfires burning, and scouts preparing to leave.
"As I mentioned, the wall holds," the commander began, his tone measured. "But the neighboring tribes are restless. There's been movement along the forest line—small skirmishes, mostly. Nothing significant yet, but the patterns are concerning."
Gabriel's brow furrowed. "Restless how? Raids?"
The commander shook his head. "No. They're testing us, probing for weaknesses. We've caught scouts from Patron in the woods, and there have been whispers of alliances forming between the tribes and mercenaries."
Gabriel frowned, his hand resting instinctively on the hilt of his sword. Gabriel wasn't happy to hear this.
He thought he could just check and go back with Lirian, but this wasn't the case…
"And the eastern border? Has this movement affected it?"
"Not directly," the commander replied. "But the tension is spreading. It's as if they're waiting for something—or someone—to make the first move."
Gabriel glanced out over the snowy expanse beyond the wall, his jaw tightened.
"Keep your men sharp," he said finally. "And double the patrols at night. I want reports of any unusual activity immediately."
"Understood, my lord," the commander replied, nodding.
As they descended the staircase, Gabriel's thoughts turned briefly to Lirian.
She would be safe here, he reassured himself.
The northern wall was a fortress, unbreakable and secure. And yet, the image of her pale, uncertain face haunted his mind like a shadow he couldn't get rid of.
Gabriel went to his study, the warmth from the fireplace barely made it comfortable…
He removed his gloves, tossing them onto the desk, and sank into the high-backed chair.
The study was sparse, its shelves lined with maps, ledgers, and a few old tomes.
On the desk, a single candle flickered, "still the same…"
Moments later, his servant entered, carrying a cage.
"Pedro is here, my lord," the man said quietly, setting the cage down on the desk.
Gabriel looked at the parrot inside.
Pedro moved his head.
Then the bird blinked, silent, as if taunting Gabriel with its stillness.
"Well?" Gabriel said, leaning closer. "Aren't you going to say something?"
Pedro remained quiet, clawing at the perch with one foot.
Gabriel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Useless bird," he muttered under his breath.
A sharp knock at the door interrupted the moment. Gabriel straightened as the commander stepped inside, his face grim.
"My lord," the commander began, "we've confirmed the reports. The enemy is releasing monsters—creatures we've never seen before. They're attacking the walls in the dead of night, testing for weak spots."
"Monsters," Gabriel repeated lower.
The commander nodded. "We've killed two so far—massive things with claws sharp enough to cut through steel. But we don't know how many more are out there or where they're coming from."
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, he clenched his jaw. "And the west? Have we heard anything from the western borders?"
The commander hesitated. "The west is under attack as well. The scouts say it's chaos—Patron's forces are hitting hard. We've sent word to the crown prince, but there's no telling how bad it is."
Gabriel thought of Lirian's brothers. The twins were stationed in the west, their posts far from her but dangerously close to the conflict.
"Let's hope they hold the line," Gabriel said quietly, more to himself than the commander.
"And if they don't?"
Gabriel didn't answer.
He bit his lip, staring into the flame of the candle.
The thought of breaking such news to Lirian made his chest tighten. He only hoped it wouldn't come to that.