The map in Kael's war room, once a stark division of red and green, was now almost entirely shaded in the vibrant hue of Zuna. Only one significant red stain remained: Shadowfang Keep. Nestled deep in the desolate western mountains, it was the last bastion of Eldorian control within Zunian borders, a cruel fortress built into the very rock, its defenses formidable, its garrison believed to be fanatically loyal.
"Shadowfang is a stubborn beast, My King," General Theronis observed during their final planning session. "Their commander, a man named Vorlag, is known for his tenacity. He will not yield easily."
"Then we will break him," Kael replied, his voice firm. "We have the momentum, the people's will, and the strength of our combined forces. This is the final military push for Zuna."
Kael's army, now significantly larger due to the constant influx of dedicated Zunian recruits, moved with a seasoned confidence. The drills led by Solaran and Valenor veterans had transformed many of the eager commoners into capable soldiers, their passion now tempered with discipline. The journey to Shadowfang was arduous, winding through treacherous mountain passes, but the army's morale remained high, fueled by the string of recent victories.
Upon reaching Shadowfang, the scale of the challenge became clear. The keep's walls seemed to merge with the jagged mountain peaks, its gates reinforced with thick, enchanted steel. Archers lined its battlements, and siege engines stood ready to unleash hell.
"They mean to make a stand," Prince Arion noted, surveying the defenses. "A final, desperate act."
"And it will be their last," Kael affirmed. He deployed his forces, the Valenor engineers setting up their siege equipment with grim efficiency, their disciplined formations ready for the assault. The Solaran cavalry secured the flanks, ready to cut off any attempted escape. The Zunian loyalists, their hearts burning with righteous fury, formed the vanguard.
The siege began with a relentless barrage. Catapults hurled massive stones, ballistas launched their deadly bolts, and Kael's Earth magic shook the very foundations of the keep, sending tremors through the rock and dislodging loose masonry. He conjured blinding fogs with Water magic to obscure the defenders' vision, allowing his forces to advance closer.
Commander Vorlag, true to his reputation, fought with brutal resolve. Eldorian counter-fire rained down, taking a toll on Kael's advancing lines. But the Zunian army pushed on, fueled by the dream of total liberation.
As the sun began to set, Kael knew a prolonged siege would be costly. He turned to Seraphina, who had been tirelessly tending to the wounded behind the lines. "Prepare to move with the breach, Sera. We will need your light."
With a nod, she began to channel her healing energies, a soft glow emanating from her hands.
Kael then focused his immense elemental power. He ascended, carried aloft by Air magic, above the keep's main gate. Below, General Theronis gave the signal. Kael channeled all his might into a single, devastating strike. Bolts of pure Thunder magic hammered the gate, accompanied by a crushing wave of Earth energy that vibrated through the stone. The reinforced steel groaned, then buckled, finally exploding inward with a deafening roar.
Before the Eldorians could react, Kael descended into the breach, Blade of Aethel alight with Fire. His loyalists poured in behind him, fighting through the initial chaos. The battle within the keep was fierce, a desperate melee in the fading light. Commander Vorlag, seeing his last defense shattered, charged Kael with a scream of defiance. Kael met him, and after a brief, brutal exchange, the Eldorian commander fell, his last resistance broken.
With Vorlag's death, the remaining Eldorian forces, cut off and surrounded, laid down their arms. The last bastion had fallen. The sound of Eldorian standards being torn down, replaced by the proud, green banner of Zuna, echoed through the mountain stronghold. The cheers of the liberated Zunian prisoners, freed from the keep's dungeons, joined the triumphant roars of Kael's army.
The last red stain on the map was gone. Zuna was, militarily, free.