The Great Protector Site

The sound of stone grinding on stone was louder than thunder. The Great Protector shifted its weight, a movement that caused a localized earthquake, sending snow cascading down the slopes in massive avalanches that buried the shadow-beasts.

In desperation, Kael did something foolish. He climbed the ancient scaffolding left by long-dead stonemasons until he reached the statue’s chest. There, embedded in the granite, was a circular bronze seal the size of a shield. The "Heart of the Vow." The Great Protector

A sound like cracking glass echoed from the Wastes. Then came the shadows—beasts made of smoke and winter hunger, pouring over the ridges. The village bells began to toll, a frantic, rhythmic plea for help. Kael, trapped on the high slopes, watched in horror as the first wave of shadows reached the village gates. The sound of stone grinding on stone was louder than thunder

A deep, resonant hum vibrated through Kael’s bones. Blue light, pale as glacier ice, began to spiderweb across the statue's chest. Kael tumbled back onto the wooden platform as the colossal head of the knight slowly, agonizingly, tilted downward. He climbed the ancient scaffolding left by long-dead