The road to Smithfist was rough, worn down by carts, boots, and heavy hooves. The closer Rhys got, the thicker the air became, carrying the smell of smoke, hot metal, and the heat of unseen forges.
Smithfist was well known as the City of Anvils, and it was easy to see why.
From the ridge, Rhys saw the city ahead. Dozens—maybe hundreds—of forges lit the skyline, their smokestacks pumping black and gray clouds into the air. The steady clang of hammers striking metal was so strong it could be felt through the ground.
The city walls weren't made of polished stone like other capitals. Instead, they were built from black iron plates, reinforced with massive bolts carved with runes. Red banners marked with the Smithfist clan symbol—two crossed hammers—hung over the walls.
