Chapter 15: The Siege of Elanor

Night fell, and amply within its fold came the full force of the Shadow King's army. Dark clouds massed overhead, casting an ominous gloom over the city. Aelric stood atop the walls of Elanor, watching as the enemy forces stretched across the horizon, a sea of twisted beasts, soldiers in dark armor, and shadowy figures that flickered between existence.

The people of Elanor manned the walls, setting faces against their fears, stone set against stone. Seraphina stood beside Aelric, her dragon Emberclaw circling above, ready to unleash its fiery wrath on the oncoming horde. Lyra was on the other side of the wall, leading a group of mages that readied spells of protection and attack.

The war drums rumbled across the night, with Aelric taking a deep breath as the weight of his role weighed onto him. This was it the battle that would determine whether Eldoria lived or died. Throwing up his sword, the magic within him flared to life as he cried out to his people.

"Today, we fight not just for Elanor, but for all of Eldoria!" His voice boomed across the walls and filled the defenders with determination. "We stand together, and together we will drive back the darkness!"

A cheer rose from the walls, and as the first wave of the Shadow King's army charged, the defenders knuckled down. Aelric raised his sword, called up a shield of light that stretched across the gates, and sent the opening wave of dark magic roaring aside. The clash of iron and magic was like nothing any had known, the defenders slung spells, arrows, and sheets of flame down upon the enemy.

Emberclaw roared, swooping down to cast a wave of fire upon the attackers and sending them scattering left and right. Aelric fought with the soldiers, his magic surging on each blow as he cut down the creatures that would break through the walls. The night was filled with the sounds of battle, and well into the hours, the defenders stood strong and would yield not an inch.

But the Shadow King's forces did not let up, and for every creature defeated, it was as if another two took its place.