At the edge of the horizon, a black city with a distinct and burgeoning silhouette was faintly visible.
Dusk.
The last ray of golden sunlight gilded the peaks of the Black Stone Mountain Range with a warm glow and draped the newborn city, which seemed to rise from the earth itself, in a magnificent tapestry of twilight colors.
On the city walls, the soldiers on guard leaned against the cold stone battlements, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Suddenly.
THUD.
A deep, muffled thud abruptly broke the silence.
Soldiers who had been idly chatting fell silent. Those polishing their weapons froze in place.
They exchanged confused glances.
"What was that sound?"
"Sounded like... an earthquake?"
THUD!
There it was again, clearer and heavier this time.
Expressions of alarm and uncertainty appeared on everyone's faces.
As one, they turned their gazes toward the direction of the sound—to the north, toward the rolling expanse of the Black Stone Mountain Range.
