Elsem-Elmeroy Border — Riven Path
Cold mist coiled through the canyons. Jagged cliffs rose like teeth toward the sky.
Three Elmerian scouts — in red leather armours and scarves covering their lower faces — advanced through the fog in cautious steps. Torches in hand — flames flapping in the wind — as they approached the forbidden pass.
Something moved.
They froze. One scout leapt back, startled — only to find a rodent darting past his boots. Relief flickered briefly across their faces… but faded when the critter scampered ahead.
The ground rumbled all of a sudden. Grinding groans rose from the earth as boulders twisted and shifted, forming colossal limbs.
A stone fist slammed down — crushing the rodent.
Looming golems emerged in towering size and uncountable numbers.
The scout leader abandoned his torch. "Run! Run! Back to the horses!"
His men were already fleeing before his words finished echoing.
As the scouts retreated, the golems of the Riven Path gradually stilled. Their bodies crumbled back into lifeless rock once again.
Across the ravine, on the Elsem side of the border, an Elsemer scout lowered his spyglass, breath misting in the cold air. He exhaled shakily, mounted his horse, and galloped off into the night.
Elsem-Elmeroy border — Six-tower Outpost
Dawn light blanketed the Six-tower outpost: one of the 8 outposts scattered around the Elsem-Elmeroy borders. Under the crispy morning atmosphere, the place was alive with activity.
A platoon of Elsemer Soul-soldiers jogged laps beyond the walls.
Others worked morning chores around the towers.
Others trained within the yard.
The outpost's captain, Reuben Kaine stood alone on the parapet, arms folded behind him, observing the training soldiers below.
Footsteps approached.
Edmar, the vice Captain, brought report as he took a knee in greeting. "The dawn scouts have returned, Captain Kaine." Said Elmar. His very short hair and balding hairline only acentuated his missing left ear. He continued, "Elmerians tested the Riven Path again last night. The golems woke again as usual."
Reuben grunted. His typical composure aged him at least a decade older than his actual youthful age.
"The Elmerian Empire has been testing the pass everyday now since news of King Leonhart's death. What if they begin exploring other routes into Elsem?" Asked Elmar.
Reuben's voice was calm but edged. "There is no better route to march an entire army into our lands than the Riven Path. That was why the Master of Conjuration enchanted the very terrain. You should know that, Vice captain."
Edmar stood and joined Reuben at the parapet, overlooking the landscape. "The men are calling it a curse now, not a Rune. Don't know much about Runecasting and such, but I know it does not happen for a caster's Rune to remain active after his death."
"Whatever they call it — Rune or curse, what matters is that it yet holds. But for how long? Unfortunately even Runemasters of the Academy cannot discern that."
Edmar hesitated. "Word from the capital is Frederich Kaine has returned. You know… we could manage things here on our own for a while — in case you want to visit home."
Reuben answered without turning, dismissive, "My duty is first and foremost to Elsem, and that duty keeps me here."
A silence passed. Wind carried a faint tremor of distant thunder.
Reuben's added, low and warning. "Nothing lasts forever, and tragedy loves complacency. If the day comes when the stones no longer wake, it will mean a fourth Els war. I must be right here to defend Elsem."