Chapter 128: The First Blood
The neutral zone between the Forge and the Elven Sylvanate was a sprawling expanse of jagged rocks and dead plains. It was completely silent until the earth itself began to vibrate.
Chief Inquisitor Silas stood in the commander's hatch of the lead steam tank. He gripped the brass periscope and stared through the reinforced glass.
Two miles ahead, the dense and ancient tree line of the Elven borders loomed in the darkness. He could clearly see the faint, shimmering green domes of Purist magic protecting their vanguard encampments.
"They think their ancient barriers will hold," Silas muttered over the heavy roar of the steam engine. He pressed a button on his headset, connecting directly to the artillery battalions rolling behind him.
"All units, halt advance!" Silas barked. "Lock treads. Angle the heavy cannons. Give me a thirty-degree elevation."
