The coalition reached the storm-barrier city at midday. Its walls stood above a green valley, and the barrier hummed beneath the stone like a second weather system. Yan felt the vibration through the soles of his boots as the army halted on the outer road.
“We’re still half a day from the town,” Wei said. “No one has brought us a request for help.”
Yan shaded his eyes and studied the upper wall. A pair of old anchor lights glowed along the ridge, one of them dimmer than the other. “I can read the outer channels from here.”
“You can. But their gate is closed, and their council hasn’t asked.”
The gate opened only wide enough for three people. Councillor Iven walked out with two wardens. He wore a plain green coat and carried no weapon. One of the wardens held a writing board; the other watched the coalition line.
“You will not bring the army inside,” Iven said. “The city has not joined the war.”
“We did not ask to enter,” Wei said. “We came because the road to the lower settlements is threatened.”
“Your soldiers are still near my gate.”
