Chapter 17: The Iron Order Strikes Back
The Iron Order's command center was a stark contrast to the chaos erupting across the Bastion. Sleek consoles lined the walls, manned by soldiers in pristine uniforms, their movements efficient and cold. At the heart of the room, General Vael Ryn stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his crimson cape draped over his polished black armor. His eyes, sharp and calculating, were locked on the holographic display projecting the Bastion's layout.
One by one, red markers appeared on the map, signaling breaches in critical areas.
"Status report," Vael commanded, his voice calm but carrying an edge that brooked no hesitation.
A young officer snapped to attention. "Sir, we've lost surveillance in sectors seven through nine. The fuel depot has been compromised, and we're detecting intrusions near the armory and the north watchtower."
Vael's lip curled in disdain. "Who dares to strike at the Bastion?"
The officer hesitated. "We believe it's Kael the Unbroken, sir. He's been spotted near the watchtower. Reports suggest his mercenaries are responsible for the other attacks."
Vael's jaw tightened at the name. "Kael. Of course."
He turned to his second-in-command, Commander Erynn Korath, a tall, silver-haired woman with a scar running down her left cheek. "Mobilize the Phalanx. Deploy squads to the critical sectors immediately. And send word to the guard near the Shard. I want double patrols."
Erynn saluted. "Understood, General."
A Calculated Response
As alarms blared throughout the Bastion, Vael stepped closer to the holographic display, his mind racing. He had underestimated Kael once before, years ago on the fields of Kharos, when the Unbroken had shattered the Order's lines and escaped with a handful of survivors. Vael would not make the same mistake twice.
"They think they can destabilize us with sabotage," Vael muttered to himself. "But they forget—chaos is a tool we wield better than anyone."
He gestured to one of the officers. "Activate the automated defenses in the watchtower and reroute artillery to cover the depot and armory. Force them into bottlenecks. If they want to fight, we'll make it on our terms."
"Yes, General."
Vael straightened, his voice rising to address the room. "The Bastion is not merely a fortress. It is a symbol of the Order's power. Let these fools throw themselves against our walls. They will break."
The Shard's Guardian
Deep in the Bastion's core, far below the chaos above, the Shard pulsed faintly, its violet light casting eerie shadows across the cavernous chamber. Two squads of elite Iron Order sentries stood at attention, their crimson armor glinting in the unnatural glow.
Standing before the Shard was Lord Harathyn, the Order's enigmatic enforcer. Harathyn was a towering figure clad in jet-black armor etched with crimson runes. A dark helm concealed his face, save for his glowing amber eyes, which flickered with barely restrained power.
One of the sentries stepped forward. "Lord Harathyn, General Vael has ordered double patrols in the lower levels. He believes Kael's forces may attempt to breach this chamber."
Harathyn's voice rumbled, low and menacing. "Kael will not reach this place. The Shard's power will ensure that."
The sentry hesitated. "The Shard… it's unstable. Some of the men have reported—"
"Silence," Harathyn snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Fear is a weakness unworthy of the Order. The Shard's power is beyond your comprehension. It does not falter. It feeds."
The sentry bowed his head, retreating back into the formation.
Harathyn turned to the Shard, his voice softening as he addressed it. "The time is near. Soon, your full strength will be unleashed. Let them come. They will only hasten their own destruction."
Kael's Challenge
From his vantage point in the watchtower, Kael saw the Bastion's response begin to take shape. Iron Order troops swarmed the fortress like a tide, converging on the critical points his teams had targeted. The air filled with the distant echoes of shouted orders and the hum of machinery.
He activated his comm device, his voice calm but urgent. "Thorn, Lira—what's your status?"
Thorn's voice crackled through the device. "Fuel depot's almost rigged, but they've got reinforcements closing in. Lira's working on the last set of charges."
Kael's grip tightened on his blade. "Hold them off. Garrick, Mira—report."
Mira responded, her voice edged with tension. "The armory's a mess. Traps everywhere. We've disarmed most, but the Order knows we're here. Garrick's holding them back, but we're running out of time."
Kael nodded grimly. The Iron Order was faster to respond than he had anticipated. "Stick to the plan. No one fights alone."
As Kael turned back to the console, a warning light flashed. Automated defenses reactivated, targeting his position. The Order was adapting, and the fight was about to get much harder.
Vael's Gamble
Back in the command center, Vael watched as his forces closed in on the intruders. He allowed himself a small, cold smile.
"Kael thinks he can strike and retreat like a phantom," Vael said, his tone almost conversational. "But he doesn't realize he's walking into a trap."
Erynn frowned slightly. "With all due respect, General, Kael is unpredictable. If we corner him—"
Vael interrupted her with a dismissive wave. "Kael thrives on chaos. We will give him order. Discipline. Overwhelming force. And when he realizes he cannot win, he will fall."
He turned back to the map, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Ready the Obsidian Guard. If Kael survives this farce, I will deal with him personally."