Shadow Slave

The preparations did not take long. As the caravan was getting ready for one last push, the three Masters briefly discussed the plan of the battle.

There was not a lot they had to do. If things went well, most of the Nightmare Creatures would be pulled away by the city defenders, and the mountain road would be cleared by the Irregulars. However, it was always a good idea to prepare a few contingencies, just in case.

At some point, Roan gave Sunny a studying look and said:

"...You've look different, Sunless."

Sunny tilted his head a little, confused.

"Why wouldn't I? The last time we saw each other, I was still an Awakened. Oh... or do you mean my skin?"

Roan shook his head with a smile.

"No, I don't mean your appearance. You just seem... older."

Sunny blinked a couple of times.

"I am older, though? By about two years?"

The handsome Master chuckled.

"That you are. Anyway, I think we are as ready as we can be. Should I send the signal?"

Sunny nodded, prompting Roan to summon a Memory that resembled a waxed clay tablet. He simply drew a jagged line on it, then waved at them and walked over to his griffin.

Not long after that, the sortie that was supposed to lead most of Nightmare Creatures away from the valley commenced. It started with a heavy missile barrage, which was then followed by a full company of MWPs appearing on the far side, accompanied by many cohorts of Awakened.

Sunny and Naeve silently watched as the sea of abominations rushed forward, then glanced at each other and dashed toward their vehicles. Abomination and Blackie rose from the ground and shook their gaunt bodies, preparing for a battle.

They did not have to wait long.

As soon as the horde of Nightmare Creatures shifted to the far side of the valley and spilled out of it, pursuing the retreating diversion force, the Rhino growled and lunged forward. The battered APC was functioning perfectly, as if it had gathered all its remaining strength for one last glorious charge.

The long column of vehicles followed the mighty machine.

into the valley. Before any of the remaining Nightmare Creatures could react, an onslaught of bullets, arrows, and magical projectiles fell upon them, tearing the

horde sensed that something was wrong. Scores of abominations turned around and saw the descending column

reorient itself, however, a rain of strange metal roads fell from the sky, piercing the ground in front of them in a loose

barrier were instantly turned to ash. Roan was holding them back, for now, but his reserves of essence were probably not

and slip through the lightning wall. Others could simply leap over it... one was already trying, for that

javelin fell from the sky, piercing the creature

was already heading for the distant entrance to

had somehow survived the ranged attacks. Even Crow was

spot on the bodies of the Nightmare Creatures, killing them instantly. His

would have

Sunny sighed. What was his friend doing right now? Probably staring at the anchored battleships and waiting for his

away all distractions, Sunny concentrated on the task at

time Roan's lightning barrier failed, the caravan was already climbing the steep slope, well on its way to leave the valley. Naeve had arranged for an improvised

to everyone's surprise,

Sunny was standing on the roof of the Rhino and staring at the familiar Gate up ahead. That was the place where he had slain the Gate Guardian,

A man in heavy plate armor suddenly appeared from behind a large boulder

the visor of a closed helmet, but Sunny recognized Ascended Dale - Winter's former partner and

glanced at him and nodded

Sunny grinned.

Dale. You really are a sight for sore eyes. Say, have you

ironclad warrior stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. A calm voice resounded from behind

not too bad yourself,

shield and

best we could, but it will still be

...And it was, indeed.

still made it safely

the siege capital and approached a colossal, seemingly impregnable alloy wall,

the city possessed robust defenses... but

from decommissioned battleships. Thousands of turrets were placed along the wall's length, some aiming

the abominations utterly torn apart. Teams of engineers moved among them, gathering

been converted into a fortress on such a

Scott looked... like it was

massive gates of the siege capital, though, which the caravan

the shadows of the city wall fell on him, he let out a quiet