The allied army reached Redmane Castle at dusk.
The setting sun stained the horizon a dark crimson, mingling with the sickly rust-red of Caelid's earth in an unsettling splendor. The walls were weathered, with repairs visible in many places. Redmane knights stood straight as spears along the battlements, their armor gleaming dully in the twilight. Before the gates, threads of Scarlet Rot spread like cobwebs to the foot of the walls, only to be forcibly checked by some power, leaving a distinct boundary.
Jerren was already waiting outside the gates with his men. Dozens of Redmane knights stood behind him, their armor old and worn, but their eyes fierce.
"Grace-Given King, Master Tarnished, Princess Ranni, Lady Tanith." Jerren's voice was hoarse but resonant. "Redmane Castle welcomes you."
Morgott inclined his head slightly, while Tarnished jumped off his horse and brushed the dust from his clothes. "Lord Jerren, it's been a while. We brought everything."
He waved a hand behind him, and the supply convoy rolled forward. The wagons were loaded with grain, medicinal herbs, weapons, armor, and sealed barrels of oil and specially made fireproof materials-all supplies for combating the spread of Scarlet Rot.
An almost imperceptible flicker of emotion crossed Jerren's eyes, but he quickly composed himself and stepped aside to usher them in. "You've come a long way. Please come inside and rest. We've prepared lodgings."
As they passed through the gates, every member of the allied army felt their heart sink. In stark contrast to Limgrave's flourishing vitality, Redmane Castle was steeped in a mingled smell of rust, medicinal herbs, and faint decay. Few people walked the streets, and most hurried along, their faces bearing the weathered marks peculiar to Caelid's people, carved by their long struggle against Scarlet Rot.
Yet the city was far from lifeless.