GATHERING STORM

CHAPTER FOUR

The portal shimmered as Catriona, Daelen, and Mandalee stepped through. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and ash, and the sky was dark with storm clouds. They were back in Tempestria, but it was not the same world Catriona had left. The war had taken its toll, and the land was scarred and broken.

Catriona looked around, her heart heavy. The once-beautiful forests were now blackened and lifeless. The rivers were dry, and the fields were barren. The people of Tempestria were struggling to survive, their homes destroyed and their hope fading.

“This is worse than I thought,” Daelen said, his voice grim. “Kullos’s army has been busy.”

Mandalee nodded, her expression serious. “We need to get to the capital. If they reach it before we do, the war will be over.”

Catriona clenched her fists. “Then let’s go. We don’t have time to waste.”

The journey to the capital was long and difficult. The roads were filled with refugees, their faces gaunt and their eyes hollow. Catriona wanted to stop and help them, but Daelen and Mandalee urged her to keep moving.

“We can’t save everyone,” Daelen said. “Not yet. But if we stop Kullos, we can save them all.”

Catriona nodded, though it pained her to leave the refugees behind. She focused on the task ahead, her determination growing with every step.

As they traveled, they encountered small groups of Kullos’s soldiers. The soldiers were ruthless, attacking without warning. But Catriona, Daelen, and Mandalee were ready. They fought together, their skills complementing each other.

Catriona used her druid magic to create barriers and heal wounds. Daelen’s sword cut through the enemy with brutal efficiency. Mandalee moved like a shadow, striking quickly and silently. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

After days of travel, they finally reached the capital. The city was surrounded by high walls, and the gates were heavily guarded. The people inside were preparing for the worst, their faces filled with fear.

As they entered the city, they were greeted by a group of soldiers. The soldiers recognized Daelen and Mandalee immediately and saluted.

“Commander StormTiger,” one of the soldiers said. “We’ve been expecting you. The enemy is close. We need your help.”

Daelen nodded. “We’ll do everything we can. But we need to know what we’re up against.”

The soldier led them to a large map in the center of the city. The map showed the surrounding area, with markers indicating the positions of Kullos’s army.

“They’re here,” the soldier said, pointing to a spot on the map. “And they’re moving fast. We estimate they’ll reach the city in two days.”

Mandalee studied the map, her eyes narrowing. “We need to slow them down. If we can buy some time, we can strengthen our defenses.”

Daelen agreed. “We’ll take a small group and hit them where they’re weakest. Catriona, you’ll come with us.”

Catriona nodded, though her heart was pounding. She had trained for this, but facing Kullos’s army was different from training. This was real, and the stakes were high.

That night, Catriona, Daelen, and Mandalee led a small group of soldiers to a narrow pass in the mountains. It was the perfect place for an ambush. The pass was narrow, and the enemy would be forced to move slowly.

They set up traps and positioned themselves on the high ground. As they waited, Catriona felt a mix of excitement and fear. She had never been in a real battle before, but she knew she had to be strong.

“Remember what you’ve learned,” Daelen said, his voice calm. “Stay focused, and don’t let your fear control you.”

Catriona nodded, gripping her staff tightly. She closed her eyes and focused on the energy within her. She could do this. She had to.

The sound of marching feet echoed through the pass. Kullos’s army was coming. Catriona’s heart raced, but she forced herself to stay calm. She waited for Daelen’s signal.

When the enemy was in position, Daelen raised his hand and gave the signal. The traps were triggered, and chaos erupted. Boulders rolled down the mountainside, crushing the enemy soldiers. Arrows rained down from above, and the soldiers in the pass were caught off guard.

Catriona and the others attacked from the high ground, their weapons cutting through the enemy. Catriona used her druid magic to create barriers and heal wounds. She felt a surge of energy as she fought, her connection to nature growing stronger.

But the enemy was strong, and they fought back fiercely. Catriona was forced to defend herself, her staff clashing against swords and spears. She felt a sharp pain in her side as a blade grazed her, but she pushed through the pain and kept fighting.

The battle was long and brutal, but in the end, they succeeded. The enemy was forced to retreat, and the pass was secured. But the victory came at a cost. Many of their soldiers were wounded, and some had fallen.

Catriona sat on the ground, her body aching and her mind exhausted. She looked at the battlefield, at the bodies of the fallen, and felt a deep sadness. This was the reality of war, and it was far from the stories she had read in her books.

Daelen approached her, his expression grim. “You did well,” he said. “But this is only the beginning. The real battle is yet to come.”

Catriona nodded, though her heart was heavy. She knew Daelen was right. The war was far from over, and they had to keep fighting.

As they returned to the capital, Catriona felt a sense of determination. She had seen the devastation caused by the war, and she knew she had to do everything she could to stop it. The storm was gathering, and she had to be ready.

But as she looked at Daelen and Mandalee, she felt a sense of hope. They were strong, and they believed in her. Together, they could face whatever came next.

The capital awaited, and with it, the fight of their lives.