Gabriel stood at the edge of Stonehaven's limits, casting protection spells. Light swirled from his wounded body as he granted what little power he had left to protect their last untainted front.
Limping from the impact of being hit by Madras's lightning. Blood soaked bandages showed through his cloak as he cast his last spell, sealing the city from threats
"It's done" he murmured to himself as he made his way back to the castle.
Guards bowed their heads in respect as he walked by, even in his weakened state.
Inside the castle. War banners were hung up embroidering yellow rays of light in front of a stronghold. A true final stand for them.
Soldiers trained against each other, others gathering food, water and other siege materials. They weren't told of who they were being invaded by; only that an invasion was coming.
Gabriel moved past groups of men.
His mind raced over the events of the last two days. From fighting with Madras and suffering from an intense blow, to the unknown gods targeting Madras in Draznkal'.
He ran his hands over the wound which pulsed in response to it. Gabriel was in no condition to fight and with a threat of divine war, things could get dangerous for him quickly.
There was so little he knew about the incoming force and he needed to be ready.
Gabriel walked over to Madras who was talking with a commander.
"We have no eyes here," the commander said, jabbing his finger at the map.
Madras sighed. He needed to be strong for those who depended on him. His brothers- humans who depended on him for protection relied on him more than ever.
It's time to start acting like a god instead of pretending, he thought, as he looked down at the map.
"Post troops here, here and here. But no further, we need every man" Madras ordered, pointing towards the map, then looking at Gabriel.
"You should be resting, let me handle the fronts."
Madras then looked to the groups of men
"Good work men, reinforce the protection spells Gabriel cast and I want eyes on the west and north at all times. Keep an eye out for any unnatural movement."
Madras commanded as he looked back towards Gabriel who was clearly exhausted.
It was clear he still needed to heal from the wound I gave him, Madras thought.
As he and Gabriel walked into the castle. It was no different inside, guards running along with supplies and there was urgency in the air.
Gabriel walked into the command room along with Madras who closed the door behind them. Inside standing, putting on his armor was Sekro, it was clear he was in pain. But he could still stand.
He was bruised and hurt, beside him passed out was Asriel who was covered in burns that were slowly healing.
"What happened to you two?" Madras asked, looking over them with concern. How did Asriel get burned? Madras thought.
"Alright listen up everyone." Gabriel said as he looked over everyone. He pointed towards a map and went to say something but he was quickly interrupted.
"First we all need to get our stories straight, what happened to who and who the enemy is." Madras said quickly, catching an annoying glance from Gabriel.
"Me and Asriel were attacked in Riverdale by Mavon. But…" he paused. "It wasn't Mavon.".
"You accuse my brother of this!?" Madras clenched his jaw "Mavon is a lot of things but not that."
"I'm not accusing anyone of anything, I'm simply stating facts. It was Mavon." Sekro explained looking directly at Madras.
"Something has happened to your brother and me and Asriel paid the price." He looked down and started sharpening his blade.
Madras sat down in disbelief. His own little brother attacking people. It doesn't make sense.
"If I'm done being interrupted I'd like to begin" Gabriel announced as he turned back towards the map.
Pointing at the map. "Here is where Madras was ambushed by someone named Dagon. His goal is unclear but from what Madras has told me, he isn't working alone."
"He isn't, he's working with old enemies of mine….and a few unknown gods. Eldon and Davon are names I've never heard of. But they were stronger, I could feel it. Dagon has never been able to beat me in combat but this time he almost won and would have if not for Gabriel."
Sekro registered what Madras had just said.
"So we are once again faced with impossible odds, Mavon by himself is a unit but the others make this unwinnable." His voice losing confidence by the second.
"We need to figure out exactly what we are going against." Madras explained, holding his head in his hands. "Me and Gabriel will investigate Draznkal tomorrow to see what we can learn."
Meanwhile deep within the ruins of Draznkal'
(Not done)