City In The Sand

City In The Sand is the thirty-first chapter of Tales of Sheol'gotha:  Shadow of the Abaddon.

Synopsis
The army progresses south without much trouble, though there is resentment among the commanders as questions as to Palus' actions and allowing of Schurr's punishment go unsaid. As the army approaches Kopyragum they are stopped by a perimeter guard in blue robes who inform them the city is being besieged because King Adramelech is harbouring a religious relic there. The army pushes through until they are approached by another rider on a do'gita and with a harru, who offers to take them to the encampment, but cannot allow the entire army to go. Palus immediatley ofers to go, but Valon opts to take just Haebin, much to the general's chagrin.

Imma, concerned that Valon may be in danger, offers them the option of going to her homeland and hiding there, living together. Valon immediately points out that he would be abandoning his family, and Imma admits that she knows that he cannot abandon them. He embraces her for a moment, but she pulls away. He turns, expecting to see Haebin, but Gadden is there offering to join him in the city. Valon declines, warning Gadden that he is aware of the scribe's actions in Reitan, and that he will stay and manage the army. Haebin joins Valon, and the group departs on their mounts.

They arrive at Kopyragum and Haebin explains the way the city is designed, citing it as a terrible city for a siege, whereas Valon heralds it as a great one. They approach the gatehouse where the leader of the High Arcanist's army, Sorryl, is standing and overlooking the city's defenses. Sorryl's advisers speak for the commander, as his jaw is made of metal and refuses him the ability to speak. Valon tries to argue their way in, but is refused. He is surprised to find Donovan is there, who managed to barter for Soltas' life when the scoutmaster was captured. Donovan negotiates a road through with ease, and Valon, Haebin and Soltas follow him through and into the city.

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