Far to the west of the fertile lands and elegant courts of Ivanova stood a city carved from shadow and iron.
The capital of the Empire of Draco rose like a dark crown upon a mountain of black stone.
Its walls were immense, built from towering slabs of volcanic rock that had stood for centuries against storms, sieges, and the passing of time itself.
From a distance the city looked almost unnatural, as though it had been carved directly from the mountain rather than built by human hands.
Massive iron gates guarded the entrance, each etched with ancient dragon sigils.
Above the walls, enormous war banners snapped violently in the wind. The banners bore the imperial crest of Draco — a coiling dragon crowned with flame.
Between them hung other banners as well.
Not symbols of loyalty.
Symbols of conquest.
The torn flags of defeated kingdoms had been nailed to the towers as trophies of war.
