Shadow Slave novel Chapter 2075

From afar, the great fortress of Song looked like a disturbed anthill. Countless tiny figures were swarming its walls — some climbing them, some falling down. The approach to the fortress was covered by a dark mass of moving bodies, with arrows falling down like rain.

Of course, these dark figures were not ants. They were humans, and human lives were being lost every moment.

Anvil of Valor was once again observing the battle from the platform on the head of a towering Echo, accompanied by the Saints of the Sword Domain. Only, this time, Nephis of the Immortal Flame was not here to defy him… so, everyone remained still, observing the distant battle in grim silence.

The Greater Crossing Stronghold was refusing to fall.

The terrain was too disadvantageous, and the fortress was too impregnable. The valor of its defenders was beyond reproach. Of course, this first attack on the fearsome fortifications of the Song Army was merely meant to probe their defenses… but still. It was a troubling sight.

By then, it was already apparent that the costly assault would not succeed.

Anvil studied the distant fortress for a few more moments, then turned his head and looked at Cassie. The blind seer was standing closer than any other Saint to him, almost as if she was the sole recipient of the King's favor.

He spoke:

"Lady Cassia… how are things advancing in the west?"

She lowered her head a little.

"It is worse than here, Your Majesty. The Lesser Stronghold still stands… they managed to bring down the bridge, as well. Our casualties are severe, and no one managed to even reach the walls."

Her voice was respectful and neutral… not at all brimming with anger, hatred, and resentment.

He studied her for a few moments, then looked away with a somber expression.

Anvil remained silent for a while longer, then let out a sigh.

"...Sound the retreat."

Soon, the deafening sound of a war horn thundered above the dark chasm. The distant anthill exploded with activity as the battered soldiers of the Sword Army abandoned the walls of the fortress and slowly fell back. Of course, the retreat was just as bloody as the initial assault… not the least of all because those killed on the bridge had already risen, attacking their former comrades from the rear.

Nevertheless, in the end, the warriors of the Sword Domain managed to cross back. The bridge was destroyed just a few moments later and plummeted into the chasm.

The battlefield grew silent.

…The Song Army had lost many soldiers, as well, but its numbers were now greater than before. That was because those who had died trying to scale the walls of the fortress were now standing at the edge of the chasm, staring across its dark breadth with empty eyes.

Anvil frowned. _{freewebnoveℓ.com}

A few moments later, he said evenly:

"We will establish three bridges next time and attack the wings of the fortress, as well. Summon the leader of the engineering corps… the design worked, but we must study how the bridge at the Lesser Crossing was brought down to further improve it…"

Bowing silently, Cassie turned around and left the platform.

***

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify