Malak Warhammer's Arc

Chapter 3 of 6

Malak climbed the watchtower at the edge of camp and scanned the lowlands. Villages dotted the valleys below, small and exposed. Each one needed defenders. He gripped the wooden railing and made his choice. His army would spread across this territory. He descended the ladder and headed toward the construction site at the center of camp. Workers hauled stone blocks into position, stacking them into thick walls. The brownish burgundy facade rose higher each day. Harpoon launchers sat ready on the ground, waiting to be mounted on the roof. This recruitment facility would draw warriors from across the lowlands. They would see its strength and want to join. Malak walked through the unfinished entrance and examined the interior. Long benches lined the walls where recruits would wait to enlist. A desk stood at the far end for his officers to interview candidates. The stone kept the space cool even in midday heat. He stepped back outside and studied the empty courtyard. His army needed something visible, something that would stir pride in anyone who approached. A monument to past victories would remind new soldiers why they fought. By evening, workers unveiled the bronze statue in front of the facility. The troll figure stood twice Malak's height, weapon raised toward the sky. Carvings of strange plants wrapped around the pedestal, marking the alien threats his defenders had already beaten back. Malak circled the statue slowly. Torchlight made the bronze glow like fire. Any warrior who saw this would know the lowland army had already won battles worth remembering. They would want to add their own victories to that legacy. Malak turned toward the barracks across the yard. The structure matched the recruitment facility, same stone and harpoon launchers for defense. Inside, his soldiers would eat together and share stories after training. Trust built in moments like those, not just on the battlefield. He walked between the three buildings and pictured the army they would create. The recruitment facility would bring in fighters. The statue would inspire them. The barracks would forge them into brothers. Everything the lowlands needed was finally taking shape.