Ep 14: Ashes of Frosthold

Smoke and Silence:

The episode begins with an eerie stillness over the battlefield. The sun rises weakly over the ruins of Frosthold, its pale light cutting through the lingering smoke. Broken banners flap in the wind, and the ground is littered with the bodies of the fallen.

In the distance, Kael stands among the rubble, his sword hanging limply at his side. Blood drips from a wound on his forehead, mixing with the soot on his face. He stares at the shattered remains of the fortress gates, his expression a mixture of grief and guilt.

Beside him, Selyne kneels over the body of a fallen comrade, whispering a quiet prayer. Seraphine, bruised and battered, leans against the remnants of a wall, her staff clutched tightly in her hand.

“We held the line,” Kael murmurs, his voice hollow.

Selyne rises slowly, her eyes hard. “At what cost?”

...****************...

Assessing the Damage:

The surviving defenders regroup in the courtyard of Frosthold. Of the once-mighty garrison, fewer than half remain. Their armor is dented, their weapons dull, but their spirits are unbroken.

Commander Edric, Frosthold’s leader, approaches Kael, his face etched with exhaustion. “We stopped Zerath’s forces, but the fortress is barely standing. If he attacks again…”

Kael interrupts, his tone firm. “He won’t. Not yet. Zerath’s power is immense, but even he needs time to recover after wielding the shard like that.”

Seraphine steps forward, her gaze sharp. “And what about the shard? He’ll come back for it—and for you.”

Kael glances down at his chest, where the faint glow of his own shard pulses beneath his armor. “I know. That’s why we need to act before he does.”

...****************...

The People’s Pain:

As Kael and the others discuss their next move, the scene shifts to the people of Frosthold. Civilians huddle together in makeshift shelters, their faces pale with fear and exhaustion.

A mother cradles her injured child, whispering soothing words. An elderly man sits silently, clutching the broken hilt of a sword.

Selyne walks among them, offering what comfort she can. She tends to wounds, shares rations, and listens to their stories.

One woman grabs her hand, her voice trembling. “Thank you… for standing against him. My husband… he didn’t make it, but at least my son is safe.”

Selyne forces a smile, but her eyes betray her sorrow. “We’ll keep fighting. For all of you.”

...****************...

Zerath’s Aftermath:

Meanwhile, the scene shifts to Zerath’s camp. His forces have retreated to regroup, their morale shaken after the unexpected resistance at Frosthold.

Inside his tent, Zerath seethes with rage. The shard embedded in his chest flickers erratically, its energy unstable. His sorcerers stand nearby, their expressions fearful.

“Fools,” Zerath growls, his voice like thunder. “You promised me victory. Instead, I am forced to lick my wounds like a dog.”

Commander Varyn steps forward cautiously. “The fortress is weakened, my lord. With time, it will fall.”

Zerath rounds on him, his eyes blazing. “Time? Time is a luxury I do not have!” He slams his fist into the table, splintering the wood. “Kael is out there, and every moment he lives is a threat to my plans.”

The shard pulses violently, and the tent is filled with a suffocating darkness. Zerath takes a deep breath, regaining control. “No. This isn’t over. I will crush him, and when I do, I’ll make an example of anyone who dares defy me.”

...****************...

A New Plan:

Back in Frosthold, Kael gathers the remaining leaders in the war room. The mood is grim, but Kael’s resolve is clear.

“We can’t wait for Zerath to attack again,” he says, pointing to the map. “We need to strike first.”

Seraphine raises an eyebrow. “You want to take the fight to Zerath? With what army?”

Kael nods toward the map. “Not just an army. An alliance. There are still kingdoms that resist Zerath’s rule—small factions, scattered forces. If we unite them…”

Selyne crosses her arms, her expression doubtful. “*That’s a big if. Most of them won’t trust us, and even if they did, it would take time to gather them.” *

Kael meets her gaze. “It’s a risk we have to take. Zerath’s power grows with every moment we hesitate. If we wait, he’ll destroy us all.”

After a long silence, Selyne nods. “Alright. But if we’re doing this, we’re doing it together.”

Seraphine smirks. “Looks like we’re saving the world. Again.”

...****************...

The Light of Hope:

The episode ends with Kael standing on the battlements of Frosthold, overlooking the smoldering battlefield. The first rays of dawn break through the clouds, casting a golden light over the ruins.

Selyne approaches, her voice soft. “Do you think we can win this?”

Kael doesn’t answer immediately. He gazes at the distant horizon, where Zerath’s forces are regrouping. Finally, he says, “We have to. Because if we don’t, no one will.”

The camera pans out, showing the fractured walls of Frosthold, the weary but determined defenders, and the vast expanse of the battlefield.

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