The Arcana: Shadow Wars, Codex I

XXXIX

Aftermath

In which gains are tallied and losses are mourned

The Gates remained. Ziri sent Halie to the Karnassus Gate, where she prevailed against the horde there. People spoke for days after of the mysterious sea dragon that emerged suddenly from the Gate. The draconic savior aided the army, flying to and fro wherever the giants clustered in the city, using her breath to freeze solid every giant in her path.

Between the Hunters, the catapults and the dragon’s tail swipes, the giants shattered on impact. The Salamandra, army and civilian alike, saw to it the giants stayed down for good.

Red Pointe did not fall this time; thanks to the innovations the Roswalds put in place. Nevertheless, victory was not unalloyed. In his final moments Ritter Roswald smiled to think he had taught the giants to fear his name.

Two Rivers remained. Most survived, but Feargus Pendry was counted among the casualties, suffering burns from the lightning bolt that grazed him. All along the coastlands, witnesses reported men walking out of the sea and engaging the giants in battle. Senovara believed the men to be sea dragons in human form, and credited them with helping her and Makris turn back the tide against the giants.

Abyssals and giants converged on the Rhabdomachaeum; the abyssals having infiltrated it from within. Before they were pushed back, a third of the students and teachers were dead.

Pippa fought her way to Lenora, and both girls enjoyed the fruits of friendship: the amulet Pippa made for her ensured Lenora’s survival when she was struck with lightning. The catoblepas aegis Min’da Nuriel once made for Nikandros Philomelos came through for them; allowing Pippa to slow the giants long enough for her and the other students to take Lenora to safety.

Cities along the coasts barely held on, but the fleets defending them were annihilated.

The eldritch lights retreated before the sun.

Emperor Tarkhana surveyed his lands through the great pool in his oraculum. The reports washed over him, as he took stock of the dead in his household and his city and his empire.

But he searched only for one fate, one name.

Nensela.