silver lining
The refugees continue their grim march through the wasted land, seeking haven from the evil pursuing them. Monstrous beasts attack again and again, but the protectors beat them back with magic and swordplay, winning their people brief respite if not a refuge.
In a veiled valley lies a broken city, its graceful arches, and fountains now toppled ruins amid endless screams. The spires echo past slaughter and the failed mercy of absent gods. No solace or justice lives here where the abyss alone answers cries no soul can withstand unscarred.
Salim, once enslaved, rallies the desperate band. His visions guide them against the tyrant now revealed as but another pawn of the insatiable demons that have bled the land dry. One spark of courage kindles the oppressed to turn against their tormentor. Like lighting over parched plains, rebellion flashes through hearts starved too long of hope. New shoots emerge from blood-soaked soil as the people regain their stolen power.