Chapter 7: The Challenge of the Captains
The Codex flame dimmed, but did not retreat.
It pulsed now—steady, breathing—as if the trench itself awaited judgment. The air in EchoWomb had changed. It was no longer anticipation. It was pressure.
Kael stepped from the flame. The black-gold crown still faintly flickered around his brow. The chime in his chest had gone silent.
Serrin joined him at his side.
*"They saw," she whispered. "But they haven't decided."
Kael nodded. "They will. Or they'll leave."
Maelith was the first to step forward.
"Obsidian Legion accepts the flame. We walked through fire before, we do not fear it now."
Her kin cheered. Drums pounded. Vhorr Krael bellowed a rally cry as Rynsha raised her blade.
Next came VyrmClaw.
*"I followed you before the Codex even knew your name. My Talons are yours. Until we bleed our last."
Zhaer slammed his rail-pike into the ground. Rythis grunted approval. The First Talons roared.
One by one, the captains spoke.
Whisper-Vow's veil drifted low as she inclined her head.
"We already built your silence. Now we sharpen it."
Ironmark stood in place.
"The Ashguard does not bend. It braces. But for you, Kael, we brace forward."
Even Ironwrought gave a single nod.
"You burn. So we forge."
Thyrn, seated atop a still-resting Gravemaw, clicked once.
"You brought light to the trench. We bring its pressure."
Kestri descended from a perch, wings coiled.
"Ashwings fly only for truth. If your flame breaks lies, we rise with it."
Talym of the Ring Strategists adjusted his Codex lens.
"The data is uncertain. But probability favors legend."
Crate just laughed.
"You're the only bastard I can't outbuild. That's reason enough."
The Codex flared blue. Then white.
Only one banner remained unraised.
From the far corner of the trench floor, a Warden-shattered Codex node began to blink.
A whisper from its cracked mouth:
"Thirteenth signal... missing. Coordinates: Verdance Rift... interference..."
Kael stepped toward it. Serrin followed.
*"The Morrowseed," she breathed. *"They were supposed to come."
Kael looked to the captains.
*"We swore no kin would be left behind. Not if I stood in the flame."
VyrmClaw cracked his neck. Maelith stepped forward. Thyrn grinned with sharpened coral teeth.
The warhosts moved.
"Then we ride."
Next: Chapter 8 - The Thirteenth Flame