The thunder of hooves grew louder, until riders emerged from the crimson mist. Their armor gleamed like the night itself, their black helms concealing their faces. Each one wielded a blade wreathed in dark flames.
The Silent Sorceress whispered under her breath:
"These are the Shadow Wardens… warriors who have bound themselves to their very souls. They cannot die, unless the will of their Emperor is broken."
One Warden rode forward, his voice echoing harshly across the valley:
"Outsiders! This land belongs to the Shadow Empire. How dare you set foot upon the Black Border?"
Arin stepped ahead, gripping his sword tighter, and declared:
"We seek the path that leads to the world's future. Even if darkness stands in our way, we will not turn back."
For a moment, silence filled the air. Then the Warden raised his sword high, and the mist around them swirled, as if the darkness itself had awakened.
"Then you shall be the next sacrifices."
With those words, dozens of Shadow Wardens drew their blades in unison, and the valley ignited in waves of black fire.