I do hope you have some interest in politics or these next few Acts may get a bit confusing.

Act IX: A New Order

"It was just over a week ago when they came."

Vanath had taken Abaddon straight to Castle Avernus, its looming edifice belying the unusual emptiness. Given the insolence Kanthis had shown on the road, Abaddon could guess in part what had happened. The castle itself was unchanged, its titanic black stone walls pocketed with small windows, save the wall in which was set the massive gate. The mountain it was set upon appeared as impregnable as ever, the parapets of the castle allowing defenders to fire arrows or drop oil on any foolish enough to climb up. The only true entrance was through the gate, which was a fortified structure bristling with ballistae, catapults and cannons created by ancient magi that spewed imploding orbs of black mist itself onto attacking fortresses. The seven circles of walls and towns could house tens of thousands and store food to last for months.…
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