Malachai continued to hold the Domineer guard at the point of his sword as he forced him to lead him and Zak through the complex. After some quick and convincing interrogation, they had learned from the guard that the Domineers rigged an impressive system formed by a series of rope tracks running throughout the structure. Along the way, the guard told them that the system was primarily used in the prison area to help keep the cells doors tightly secured so that their prisoners could not break out on their own. He proceeded to mention that the method of controlling the doors was by use of a lever planted beside each cell, but that they had also constructed a central hub where all the wire systems in the structure met and could be controlled from one place. That was where Malachai and Zak were forcing him to take them to.Though the two Ravennites were at a total loss for understanding of this seemingly adva

About two and a half dozen Ravennites charged into battle, but still the Domineers outnumbered them almost two to one. If it were not for the fighting skills of the Ravennites, then they would have stood no chance against their enemies. As Alex reached the chaos, he observed the others fighting with intense ferocity, and every minute that passed, the Domineers seemed to grow even more demoralized. He managed to spot Malachai in the center of the skirmish fighting off foes by the waves with both of his swords. He fought so mercilessly, shouting with fierce hate and slaying all in his path. The Domineers were dropping like flies and they knew it. From what Alex could see, only a handful of them were truly fighting back. These few appeared to be bigger and much more proficient fighters than the rest of them, so much so in fact that he watched them start killing Ravennites almost as fast as Malachai was

Alex’s mind was flashing back to his meeting with Robert only hours before. He recalled the sadistic and perverse manner that Robert intended to get the information he wanted from Alex. He could still hear that chilling threat replaying in his head.“Tick tock, Alex,” the voice of Robert Morenno echoed in his head. He could see him holding Rowan’s pendant in front of him. “Tell me where the Ravennites are hiding, or you can watch her die.”Alex was trembling as Robert’s ultimatum gnawed at his mind. He felt as though he was all alone now, with Malachai and Zak having been taken to a cell only moments before. Now, more than ever, he did not know what to do. He was torn between his loyalty to Rowan’s people and her own life. He despised this man for holding him by the throat with such brazen cruelty.

The day had turned into night, and the night back into day without any signs of a Domineer presence approaching the Citadel. The Ravennites were able to breathe a sigh of relief for the moment, but after getting a brief, but needed respite in order to rest and regain their strength, Alex and the others spent almost all their time preparing the Ravennites for an impending battle. At Alex’s request, scouts had indeed been sent out to keep an eye on the perimeters around the front of the plateau, switching in and out consistently. He also took time to teach Malachai and his chosen team of warriors how to roughly execute a phalanx formation. It did not take long for the Ravennite craftsmen to make sufficient shields and spears as Alex had requested. They were not exactly iron forged, but they would work, and they practiced the powerful defensive line out on the land bridge several times. It took some getting used to, but Malachai’s men proved

The battle had begun below. Wilson knelt by the cliffside of the mountain that stood to the side of the bridge leading to the Citadel. It was here, amidst the cover of the trees, that Wilson was looking out on the battle. For a while, it seemed as though they had the upper hand, but it hardly surprised him when the Ravennites defending the bridge suddenly turned the fight around, sending many of their adversaries over the edge. From the Citadel’s walls, Wilson watched volley after volley of arrows raining down on the Domineers. He gritted his teeth as more and more of his allies continued to fall. If they did not switch up their strategy soon, he feared that the battle would be lost before sunrise and their efforts wasted.It did not take long for the Domineers to realize their strategy’s utter futility. As the Ravennites continued to spear them one after another, the Domineers started scrambli