The Fallen Ascending 01 -- Rebirth
Invasion

The dust cloud was thick and heavy behind the train of wagons heading up the East road towards West Gondor, and the city was in a panic. For days, hunters, farmers, and locals had been fleeing from the horde of armored soldiers and knights as it crept incessantly forward. Wild life was hunted to the point of almost extinction, empty farms had been sacked and pillaged. An army, thousands strong and equipped in the finest armors and weapons, was descending on West Gondor.

Tensions were high, with all guards standing prepared at the wall, as the day slowly passed. As evening descended, and the sun was beginning to set in the west, a bright new sun was beginning to shine in the east, illuminating the road clearly and the army that crept incessantly down it. A young rider; a girl who looked to be no more than thirteen years’ old and dressed in fine white leathers, detached from the main body and rode forward to the walls, holding a banner waving high upon a spear above her.

Upon the white banner was a single symbol; a heart which seemed to be made out of stone.

“Greetings and salutations, Residents and Lords of West Gondor.” The young girl’s voice was loud and clear, and she made an imposing sight with the blazing sun shining at her back, with her long golden hair waving freely in the light wind. All eyes and ears were drawn to her; the city held its breath in a collective silence to listen to her words.

“My High Lady has requested that you open the gates and allow us access this eve. We did not realize that it was the custom of such a large and prosperous city to shut its walls, and we apologize for any inconvenience,” the young lady boldly declared, showing not the least bit of intimidation at the sight of dozens of guards and wizards lined upon the walls.

“Begone!” The old mayor proudly shook his fist and refused to show any sign of weakness or intimidation either. “West Gondor is closed! Our gates will not open for any! We shall fight to the end if need be, and victory will shine upon the righteous!” Word had already been sent by magic to the royal capital, and the king had been notified that the city was in danger of imminent attack. He knew that the walls would stand strong and sturdy, and he was certain that aid was already being gathered. West Gondor had survived sieges by goblins, orcs, and creatures of the mountains and forests before. It would stand strong now, even if the opponents facing it were all dressed in full plate and riding massive war steeds.

It was almost as if a horde of bandit knights had descended upon them!

Seeing that the mayor had nothing more to add, the young lady nodded and slowly dipped the spear and banner to show that she’d heard and understood the message, and then she turned and rode back to the main body of the advancing army. As she rode back, another young woman rode forward holding a blazing sun captured at the end of an alabaster blue stone staff. The light that blazed forth cascaded around her, causing all her looked to squint and shade their eyes as she stopped and discussed with the young messenger girl for a few moments.

Finally, waving her hands and motioning to the knights, guards, and waggoneers, the wielder of the blazing sun rode off to the side of the road and slowly dismounted. The light flared brighter, making it impossible to look directly in her direction, and the wagons parted left and right and began to park on either side of the road. Men and women bustled, setting up tents, starting fires, and preparing a massive encampment in front of the walls.

The Siege of West Gondor had begun!