The sun set over the makeshift graveyard, its golden light falling on the freshly turned earth. A single grave marked with a rough stone bore the name "Vivienne Corvalis." Morrath stood silently at the forefront, his Shadow Blade driven into the ground beside him, his crimson eyes fixed on the marker.
Kaela's voice trembled as she addressed the gathered group. "We didn't know her for long, but she gave everything. Her bravery saved lives, and her loss will be felt in every step we take."
Morrath stepped forward, his voice carrying over the graveyard. "Vivienne didn't join us willingly. She was bound by a contract to fight for a cause she didn't believe in. But over time, she chose to stand with us—and that choice is what we honor today."
The crowd stood in solemn silence. Klara muttered, "She fought harder than most of us ever could. We'll make sure they pay." A young soldier stepped forward, leaving a piece of Vivienne's banner on the marker. "She taught us to stand strong," he said quietly. "We won't forget."
As the soldiers dispersed, Kaela approached Morrath. Her voice was soft but firm. "Frank, you can't carry this alone." Morrath met her gaze, his tone resolute. "I won't lose anyone else, Kaela. Not if I can help it."
Over the next few days the castle bustled with activity as Morrath's forces worked to strengthen their defenses. Soldiers hauled timber and stone to reinforce the walls, while traps and fire pits were laid around the perimeter. Morrath's presence on the walls was constant, his focus unshaken.
Durak gestured to the newly fortified gates. "The walls are stronger now," he said. "If the Dominion comes, they'll pay for every inch." Klara added, "The lower fields are rigged with explosive traps, anyone who gets through will regret it."
Kaela worked tirelessly,using her healing magic mending both wounds and spirits. Later, she approached Morrath as he stood at the parapet. "They're ready to fight," she said. "But they'll need you now more than ever." Morrath's eyes narrowed as he stared into the dark. "This time, we'll be ready."
…On the morning of the fourth day, the castle's war room was alive with activity as messengers rushed in and out. Morrath stood at the center, leaning over a map of Ridgeway Pass. His sharp eyes traced the familiar terrain.
One of the scouts knelt before him, his face pale. "My lord," he said, his voice hurried, "the forces left to guard Ridgeway Pass are under siege. They're outnumbered, and the Dominion is pressing hard."
Klara slammed her fist against the table, her frustration evident. "I knew they wouldn't leave it alone," she growled. "We have to act now before it's too late." Morrath straightened. "We're going," he said. "I'll lead the charge myself."
Kaela stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Frank, please don't go. If we lose you too, everything we've built will collapse." Before he could respond, the air grew heavy. A radiant figure appeared, her voice echoing with authority. "You will not go."
The war room was silent as Morrath and Lysandra faced each other, her radiant glow filling the space. Kaela's grip on her staff tightened as she looked between them, her voice trembling. "Who... are you?"
"I am Lysandra," the figure replied, her tone calm but commanding. "I have watched this world for centuries and intervene only when the balance is at risk. Morrath is my chosen champion."
Morrath's crimson eyes flickered with unease before he steadied himself. "You've stayed silent until now," he said sharply. "Why show yourself now?"
Lysandra stepped toward the map, her glowing hand tracing its edges. "Because the Dominion plans to trap you at Ridgeway Pass," she said. "If you fall, all you've built will crumble. Now is the time to act with strategy, not pride."
Kaela stepped closer, her voice filled with concern. "Why Morrath?" she asked quietly. "Why help him lead this fight?"
Lysandra's gaze remained steady as she answered. "Because he has the strength to do what others cannot. This castle once belonged to an Arcane Sorcerer who foresaw the Dominion's rise. He created hidden paths—one leading west to the Tyrras Confederacy and one east to the Arcanite Consortium."
Morrath's jaw tightened as he studied the map. "I've scoured this castle and found no sign of these routes," he said. "Why hide them so well?"
"Because they were meant for dire times," Lysandra said simply. "The sorcerer understood the cost of power and the need for secrecy. These paths offer survival and opportunity."
Morrath's thoughts churned as he processed her words. Ten years playing this game, and there was no mention of hidden paths. Is this world rewriting itself? He masked his confusion and asked, "If they're so critical, why reveal them now?"
"Because you need them," Lysandra replied firmly. "The west offers trade and alliances with the Tyrras Confederacy. The east holds magic and ancient knowledge in the Arcanite Consortium. Both could be allies—or foes."
Kaela's brow furrowed as she studied the map. "Why tell us now?" she asked. "What are you expecting us to do?"
"Because time is short," Lysandra said. "Every decision you make will shape this world's future. Choose wisely, for every ally and sacrifice matters."
Morrath gripped the table, his mind racing. If this world is growing beyond the game, I have to adapt. He nodded finally, his voice steady. "Then I won't fall into their trap. But Ridgeway Pass is still vital."
Lysandra's glow brightened as her tone turned stern. "You must learn to pick your battles, Morrath. The Dominion seeks to break you through pride and guilt. Be prepared for what lies ahead."
Her form began to fade, her parting words echoing in the stillness. "This is only the beginning. The real war is coming."
As the light faded, Morrath stared at the map. The lines Lysandra traced seemed like lifelines in a world that was shifting under his feet. His crimson eyes hardened with resolve. The game has changed, and so must I.
Durak broke the silence, his voice firm. "My lord, if we act now, we might still have a chance to break the siege at Ridgeway Pass. With you leading the charge, their forces wouldn't stand a chance."
Kaela glanced at Morrath, her expression conflicted. "Frank... you heard what she said," she began softly. "It's a trap meant to draw you out. If you fall, everything we've built could collapse."
Morrath's jaw tightened, his mind racing. He wanted to fight, to strike back at the Dominion for every loss they'd inflicted, but Lysandra's warning rang clear in his thoughts. This isn't just about one battle. They want me to take the bait.
His fingers curled into fists as he turned to the table, his voice sharp. "We're not taking the pass," he said decisively. "Let it fall."
Durak's eyes widened, his shock evident. "My lord, if the Ridge is lost, they'll control the main route to Greythorn! How can we hold the castle if they cut us off?"
Morrath's gaze hardened as he looked directly at Durak. "We'll adapt," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The Dominion expects us to act out of desperation. We'll use the time they waste holding the Ridge to fortify our position and uncover these hidden routes."
Kaela stepped closer, her hand brushing his arm. "You're choosing the long game," she said, her voice filled with quiet understanding. "It's not easy, but it's the right choice."
Morrath exhaled, his grip on the table loosening. "Send word to the remaining forces at Ridgeway Pass," he said firmly. "Tell them to retreat. Their lives are worth more than a stretch of land."
Durak bowed his head, though his reluctance was clear. "As you command, my lord," he said, turning to relay the orders.
Morrath's gaze returned to the map, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty and frustration. He had never imagined letting the Ridge fall, but Lysandra's warning echoed in his mind. This is only the beginning. The real war is yet to come.
Kaela lingered at his side, her voice steady. "Frank, we'll be ready for whatever comes next," she said softly. "Together."
Morrath nodded, his resolve hardening. "Together," he said, though his thoughts remained on the hidden routes and the battles yet to be fought.