STEEL AND FLESH

THE GATHERING STORM

Now Inside a spacious study chamber within the palace walls, the atmosphere was heavy with anticipation and concern.

Tall bookshelves lined the walls, laden with tomes of history, strategy, and tactics.

The room was adorned with intricate tapestries that depicted scenes of valor and triumph from the city's storied past.

A large, ornate wooden table dominated the center of the chamber, its polished surface reflecting the warm glow of candles that illuminated the room.

Seated across from each other at this table were Lord Mordian and Lord Barthine Loust.

They were flanked by maps of the city, intricate drawings of the landscape, and strategic sketches that depicted possible scenarios.

The sunlight cast intricate shadows across the room, and the occasional flicker of the candle flames lent an almost ethereal quality to the scene.

The room was cocooned in an air of gravity, each detail a reminder of the imminent challenge they now faced.

As the heavy silence lingered between them, Lo