The journey to Stormclaw Fortress was tense but uneventful. Their beastman escorts remained silent, moving with the grace of trained hunters.
Leon kept his eyes on the path ahead. Stormclaw was more than just a city—it was a fortress built into the wilds, a bastion of strength for the beastman race.
As they neared their destination, the landscape shifted. The rocky plains gave way to towering cliffs and dense forests, the air thick with the scent of earth and beast.
Then, as they crested a hill, it came into view.
Stormclaw.
A fortress of stone and bone, its walls carved from the very cliffs that surrounded it. Giant totems of beast gods loomed over the entrance, their eyes watching all who approached. The gates were massive, reinforced with iron and adorned with the sigils of the Beastman Empire.
Jarek let out a low whistle. "Well, that's… imposing."
Kaelen crossed his arms. "I doubt they get many visitors."
Rhun, who had remained quiet during the journey, finally spoke. "Stormclaw isn't a place for outsiders. It is a city of warriors—only the strong are welcome."
Leon studied the fortress carefully. They weren't here as guests.
They were intruders in a land that valued strength above all else.
---
The Arrival
The beastman warriors led them to the gates, where a group of heavily armored guards stood waiting.
One of them stepped forward—a massive lion-like beastman, his golden mane braided with silver rings. His armor bore the mark of a high-ranking warrior.
Rhun nodded in respect. "Captain Dhoran."
The lion beastman's sharp eyes locked onto Rhun. "Rhun. You bring outsiders to our gates."
Rhun didn't flinch. "They are under my protection."
Dhoran's gaze shifted to Leon and the others. "Protection means nothing if they cannot stand on their own."
Leon met his gaze, understanding the meaning behind those words.
Strength was the only language spoken here.
Dhoran stepped aside and motioned to the gates. "The Emperor has been informed of your arrival. He will decide whether you are worthy to remain in Stormclaw."
Jarek groaned. "Oh, great. A test."
Kaelen smirked. "You should be used to it by now."
Leon took a deep breath as the gates began to open.
Beyond them lay Stormclaw Fortress—a city of warriors, a den of beasts.
And at its heart, the Beastman Emperor awaited.
---
A City of Strength
As they stepped inside, Leon took in the sight before him.
Stormclaw wasn't like the human cities he had seen before. It was raw, untamed. There were no delicate spires or lavish buildings. Everything was built with purpose—solid stone, reinforced wood, and massive bone structures taken from powerful beasts.
The streets were filled with beastmen of all kinds—tigers, wolves, bears, lions, panthers—each one exuding an air of power. Even the merchants and craftsmen had the build of warriors.
Kaelen muttered, "No weaklings here, huh?"
Rhun smirked. "The weak do not survive in Stormclaw."
Leon could feel the weight of watchful eyes on them. They weren't welcome—not yet.
But that would change.
Because they weren't here just to observe.
They were here to claim knowledge long lost to time.
And nothing would stand in their way.
---