[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-ember-dragon":3,"chapter-ember-dragon-ember-dragon-chapter-579":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Ember Dragon",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1162789,1504,"Chapter 579: The Holy Alliance","ember-dragon-chapter-579",579,"\u003Cp>Chapter 579: The Holy Alliance\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf king spread his arms and called out warmly, \"Hahaha, come up, honored guests from afar—you’ve arrived just in time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small door just tall enough for a dwarf opened in Avenderdan’s wall, and the elves bent down to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pegasi and unicorns took to the skies with the aid of magic, circling before landing atop the ramparts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, Rhea led the elves onto Avenderdan’s wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf king approached, extending his rough, still bloodstained hand, apparently intending a friendly handshake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Edd Kraine, Lord of the Highland Kingdom. Please convey my greetings to your queen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The half-elf hesitated but did not extend her hand. She merely gave a small bow, her gaze lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, King Edd. I am Rhea Nairo, General of the Silvermoon Followers and the commander appointed by Her Majesty Isilene for this mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her, the tall and graceful moon elves also bowed in unison to the shield dwarves’ sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, very good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd awkwardly withdrew his hand and mimicked the elven bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from sharing a common enemy in the orcs, dwarves and elves were not easy allies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dwarves viewed elves as arrogant and pretentious, while elves found dwarves crude, stubborn, and rude. Though clashes had occurred, they never escalated to war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, with Avenderdan under an unprecedented orc invasion, such details no longer mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf king laughed heartily: \"Hahaha, so you’re the famed ’Twilight Blade’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve heard of you—you slew a red dragon alone in the north, defeated a spawn of Bhaal, and banished a devil lord to the Nine Hells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a half-elf to gain the recognition of proud elves says much about your power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhea gazed at the dwarf. Her silver eyes were calm and cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, King Edd, but my past deeds pale before the Highland Lord and Shield Dwarf Sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I’m merely a royal guard captain loyal to Queen Isilene. Her will is my only guide.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, Edd might have muttered, \"Figures—half-long-ear, still all arrogance and airs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, he swallowed his impulse and quietly wiped the blood from his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The half-elf looked to the massive gold dragon perched atop the rampart and asked softly, \"King Edd, this is...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is Lord Titus, a friend of the Highland Kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As you can see, he is a mighty and ancient gold dragon. It was he who drove off the orcs at a critical moment and saved Avenderdan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, Lord Titus is a gifted spellcaster. He even foretold your arrival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edd’s tone brimmed with admiration for this \"Lord Titus,\" who had just saved the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhea met the dragon’s gaze without fear, speaking clearly: \"Lord Titus, it is an honor to fight alongside you. With your strength as an ancient gold dragon, this war may turn in our favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gold dragon lowered his head slightly, studying the half-elf. Light glinted in his pale golden pupils. His whiskers floated in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said softly, \"A half-elf chosen by the gods... how curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhea narrowed her eyes slightly, a faint frown forming. The dragon’s gaze felt too familiar, as if he knew her well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A prophet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Isilene’s most loyal and powerful follower, Rhea bore many secrets. She hated being seen through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could never imagine that the dragon before her was the same wyrmling she had spared years ago—the Tyrant of Anzeta.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fate had brought them together again in this ironic reunion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down her spine, vanishing instantly like it had never been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An illusion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhea gripped the silver sword at her waist, her eyes darkening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the guise of Titus, Cassius stroked his whiskers and scales, thinking to himself—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh... not yet. Once Rhea helps Isilene reclaim Serenia, then I’ll shed the mask. That’s when I’ll gain the most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He buried his thirst for revenge and maintained the dragon’s noble facade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassius continued to stroke his whiskers and smiled meaningfully: \"It’s a pleasure to stand beside a warrior like you, Lady Rhea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oblivious to the tension, Edd laughed heartily and hefted his warhammer onto his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thousands of years ago, the Highland Kingdom and Serenia’s ancestors forged a sacred alliance. Today, we gather once more in Avenderdan to face this threat! With your aid, I no longer fear the orc invasion!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarf king called for his guards to bring out barrels of strong liquor, offering them to the allies before draining his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To justice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elves disliked fiery dwarven brews and preferred delicate fruit wines, but out of respect, they raised their cups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rhea stepped forward and raised her cup without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the gold dragon received a full barrel, which he carefully lifted with a claw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To justice!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooden cups clinked, liquor splashed, and the cheers of dwarves and elves echoed through the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the dwarves, elves, and gold dragon sealed their alliance. Together, they vowed to defend justice and order against the orc invasion from the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None suspected that among them was not just a gold dragon—but the red dragon tyrant of Anzeta wrapped in golden scales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>War loomed near. After the toast, Edd summoned Bjorn and the Serenia forces to strategize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in the orc hide tents north of Avenderdan, tribal chiefs argued furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orcs bearing tattoos of dire wolves, vultures, and lions glared and spat insults, nearly coming to blows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gattuso, you’re afraid of that golden lizard?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We should shoot it down and use its head to blood-sacrifice Father Gruumsh! True warriors fear no enemy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bullshit! That’s a gold dragon! Sending regular warriors after it is suicide!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cowards should be skewered with the Blood Spear! Real Gruumsh followers aren’t timid wretches like you! Seems the Coldcrow clan breeds only cowards!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True courage is proven with enemy blood, not loud words! I challenge you to a sacred duel—settle it on the battlefield!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let’s see if your spear pierces my heart first, or my blade takes your head!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two burly orcs stood, rage and killing intent flaring in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Batu unified Ugo Plains, clans constantly warred. Coldcrow and Blackwolf clans had long-standing blood feuds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty years ago, Coldcrow raided Blackwolf’s base, killed their chief, and enslaved over a hundred. Twenty years later, Blackwolf ambushed their hunters and made bowls from their skulls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such brutal reprisals were common among Ugo’s orcs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu had already exterminated Redfang’s enemies—every adult male slain, women and children enslaved. No absorption—just eradication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu’s so-called \"Great Orc Nation\" was less a state and more a massive tribal collective bound by Gruumsh’s divine authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud crack rang out as a table split under a mighty slap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu Skullcrusher sat atop the central seat, face grim, lone eye burning with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I gathered you by Father Gruumsh’s will, not to watch you bicker!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence fell. The shouting chieftains fell quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu glared, then lifted his blood-streaked axe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gattuso, Quett, forget the gold-scaled lizard—I’ll handle it myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood glimmered in his eye. He grinned, licking yellowed fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh. If it were Melward’s ’Silver Wing’, touched by Bahamut, I might hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some gold dragon nobody’s heard of?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking he can halt the orc conquest? Ridiculous!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vanguard’s loss had been expected, though quicker than Batu preferred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Monk’s death was foreseen—he was expected to give everything for clan and god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Batu’s ambitious brother, Monk had even gouged out his own eye in silence. His death was no loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dwarves’ deep-rooted strength needed testing. The vanguard was there to trigger traps and gauge defense. The real assault was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu would personally lead it, seize Avenderdan, and become the greatest orc hero in centuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the old shaman stepped forward: \"Lord Batu, I bring troubling news.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu frowned. \"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shaman drew a polished skull-shaped ritual relic and lifted it with shaking hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Images slowly surfaced: Avenderdan battered, elves with pointed ears, pegasi, unicorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu’s face darkened. \"This is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shaman sighed, voice hoarse as wind through dry grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you see, Serenia sent reinforcements. A powerful legend is among them—a half-elf called Twilight Blade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu snarled. \"Damn it! I thought the elf council broke the treaty! Why are they here?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shaman shook his head. \"I don’t know. But this much is clear—Avenderdan must fall within seven days. That is Father Gruumsh’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the blood mist lifts and Heaven Mountain’s reinforcements arrive, not even Father Gruumsh can stop the divine wrath of Moradin’s gods. Then we...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nasu, I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Batu’s words were sharp. His eye narrowed, face fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t fail Father Gruumsh. I will lead the orcs to take Avenderdan within seven days—at any cost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overhead, orc-trained eagles and vultures circled, squawking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Praise Father Gruumsh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He struck the land to form caves, woods, and wastes for his people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll use enemy skulls for bowls, blood for wine, and skin for clothing—all for you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orc shamans raised bone staves and chanted ancient rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the valley, they used dwarf remains to build altars, drinking enemy blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood-red mist rose from dwarf skulls, spreading across the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it expanded north, all who smelled it—worgs, manticore, owlbears, hyenas—grew more violent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wild beasts surged south, now orc weapons of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the orcs within the mist grew crazed, eyes glazed, chanting \"Blood for the Father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the gloom rose a massive, blood-glowing eye rune, staring hungrily at Avenderdan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, fanatical orcs drove beasts forward, flooding south like a tide toward the dwarven stronghold.\u003C\u002Fp>",1579,"2026-06-03T12:47:18.890Z","2026-06-03T12:47:22.748Z",1,"novelbin.me","07215cf02bc8d327d5b2fd0fc4f746d7a088cd7126dde309a5e08fbb538eeae0","ember-dragon-chapter-580","ember-dragon-chapter-578",603,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fember-dragon-cover.jpg"]