The Gate
As it flew, the flare shed a shower of red sparks, slowly arcing up into the twilight sky. It reached its peak, and as it began to arc down, exploded in a flash of blindingly bright red, sending a cascade of red in every direction.
Even after it had exploded, the light from the flare remained behind, the glowing red particles dissipating very slowly.
"Soon enough, our lads will open the gate." Docara's voice was confident, and he looked back toward the towering wooden gates, thick with runes, that separated the Inner City from the Outer.
The Ursten forces stood in anticipation, waiting for the gates to open, confident that as usual, Grand Marshal Tam's plan would pan out.
But they waited in vain, the gates remained still, with no hint of movement whatsoever.