Chapter 197 The Iron Mountain Camp (2/2)

And so, as the sky gradually grew darker, they waited

After what seemed like an eternity to Arran, Elder Naran suddenly spoke ”It has begun”

Arran could neither Sense, see, nor hear anything different, and when he glanced at Snowcloud, she gave hiroup tensed up, their eyes narrowing as if they were concentrating on so

Barely ain the distance, as if aBut this was no thunder The thunderclaps followed each other far too quickly for that, and as the sound grew louder, Arran recognized the sounds of blasts and bellows ao?” he asked somewhat anxiously

”Not yet” Elder Naran's voice remained as calm as ever ”We wait until the battle has truly started, and the Iron Mountain camp is in chaos”

At that, Arran sed hard Already, the sounds in the distance were overwhel, yet Elder Naran said the battle hadn't even truly started yet If this was just a prelude, then the real battle would be devastating beyond comprehension

For several nore the increasingly violent sounds of battle in the distance Then, finally, he said, ”Let's go All of you, follow my lead”

At once, he set off toward the Iron Mountain ca behind hinore the coh he could not help but notice that there were regular flashes of light illuht sky

They reached the Iron Mountain caroup of men and women ran toward them At their head was a wide-eyed man with a tense expression, who eyed Elder Naran uncertainly

”Halt!” theanxious to the point of panic ”Who are you, and why are you here?”

Elder Naran flashed a se at him ”Elder Herran sent us out on a iving the man a chance to respond, he continued, ”And what in the hells is happening in the ca Moon ar that he could scarcely believe it himself

Elder Naran cursed loudly ”This is a disaster! The Elder sent us to keep an eye on the Soaring Sun cauard's face twisted in terror ”They're attacking as well?!”

”Tell your commanders to prepare for an attack!” Elder Naran snapped ”I have to inform the Elder!”

He did not wait for the man to reply, and instantly set off at a run onceclosely after hi, fearfully preparing for an attack that would never come

When they entered the camp a moment later, they found it in a state of co in all directions, so toward the battle to the south while others ran the other way

Although the Iron Mountain ainst the them in utter disarray And within the confusion, few of theh their ranks

Those feho did confront them were easily dealt with by Elder Naran, whose brief but confident orders they folloithout question To Arran, it looked as if they were glad to have someone tell them what to do, even if they did not knohose orders they were taking

Yet despite Elder Naran's unexpected skill at deception, their progress was slow Because while the Iron Mountain recruits and novices ht not actively try to stop them, their sheerhalf a dozen disoriented ress was, it was progress nonetheless And while the chaotic battle to the south only increased in terrifying intensity, they steadilyever closer to the mountains — and with them, the Valley