Still, it was a victory. The rogue army was gone, and the immediate threat had been reduced to ash.
They turned toward home, feeling proud of their win. But deep down, they all knew that the dark magic in the Vale of Thorns would return.
As they ran out of the vale, they stopped. Right in front of them stood a massive wall of black smoke.
"What is this?" Dain asked softly.
"I think someone wants to keep us here," Ruvan replied.
"Cowards' tricks. Show yourself, whoever you are!" Dain shouted.
The smoke thickened as if answering him.
Ruvan glanced sideways at him. "Don't provoke what you can't see."
They all stood at the edge of the smoke wall.
Trapped.
....
While Thornak and his men were trapped looking for a way out, the queen was planning something back in Vargorath.
Chamberlain Ysara entered the Queen's chambers, bowing her head.
"Is it done?" Maravelle asked, without turning from the window.
"It is done, Your Highness."
