(Thanks to -Orion- for the generous God-tier Certification gift. Today's bonus update is complete.)
"The fortress is about to fall, Unasis."
Dammekos's voice echoed through the underground Palace, filled with barely contained irritation and anxiety.
He sat on the Throne carved from black stone, his fingers drumming incessantly on its armrest in a rapid, heartbeat-like rhythm.
His gaze fell on the Ringwraith floating before him. The figure of coalesced black mist churned and twisted beneath the dim lights, like a mass of living darkness.
"Perturabo and his troops are about to break in. They've breached three fortresses in just two hours. My defensive lines are collapsing at an astonishing rate."
"Those Iron Warriors are like a tireless machine, crushing my armies one fortress after another." Dammekos's voice grew louder, laden with anger and resentment, as though he were demanding an explanation.
"Where are the reinforcements you promised? You've kept me waiting for three whole days! Every day you say 'soon,' 'soon,' but all I see is Perturabo's army getting closer and my soldiers dwindling!"
"Do not be impatient, you pitiful Mortals," Unasis said slowly, its voice a mixture of howling wind and scraping metal that echoed through the enclosed underground Palace.
"The reinforcements will arrive when they are meant to arrive—not a second early, nor a second late. All you need to do is wait patiently."
Dammekos did not know what to say to Unasis's words.
His mouth opened and closed, then closed and opened. Several times, he wanted to argue, but could not find the words.
How was that any different from saying nothing?
"The reinforcements will arrive when they are meant to arrive." Wasn't that just empty nonsense? He wanted a specific time, a specific location, specific troop numbers—not hollow, evasive promises like this.
His fists tightened against