Kingdom of Ash

The western gate buckled, iron screaming
as it began to peel apart.
He had to go—had to go down there to lead
the fight at the gate.
Where he’d make his last stand. Where
he’d meet his end, defending the place he’d
loved most. It was the least he could do, with
all the warriors who had fallen thanks to him,
to his choices. To fall himself for Terrasen.
A death worthy of a song. An end worthy
of being told around a fire.
If in Erawan’s new world of darkness,
flames would be allowed to exist.
The Morath Ironteeth legion barreled into
their rebel kin; the exhausted Crochans alit on
the stones as they guzzled down water,
checked injuries. A breath before their final
push.
Along the wall, Valg soldiers surged and
surged and surged over the battlements.