Chapter 193: Iron court

The walk to the Iron Court took two long days.

Captain Aldric led them across violently swaying rope bridges and crumbling stone paths that linked the floating islands together. Below them, the grey void stretched out forever. A freezing wind pulled constantly at their cloaks. Nathan kept his hand resting casually on Moonlight’s grip, scanning for trouble, but the path was dead quiet. Too quiet.

"Iron Court territory starts just past that jagged ridge," Aldric said, pointing ahead. "They run heavy patrols. We’re going to be spotted way before we hit the fortress."

"Good," Nathan said. "I want them to see us coming. We don’t want them thinking we’re sneaking in."

Aldric gave him a hard look. "General Kael doesn’t do negotiations. He conquers. My people and his have been killing each other for years. Walking right up to his front door is basically suicide."

"Maybe. But if we show up carrying a truce flag, he at least has to hear what I have to say." Nathan looked over his shoulder. "Smithy, what do we know about how these guys operate?"

Smithy rubbed his chin, thinking back. "From the old TCA files? The Iron Court only cares about one thing: raw strength. They run on martial honor. Duels, challenges, shows of force. If you prove you’re tough, they’ll listen to you. If you flinch, they’ll just execute you on the spot."

"Oh, great. Super charming guys," Dillon muttered.

"Then we just have to prove it," Nathan said. "We walk in under a truce, we talk to Kael. And if he doesn’t want to use words, we show him what we can do."

They followed the path until a crude wall of iron and stone blocked the way, manned by guards in heavy grey armor. Their helmets were shaped like screaming hawks, and they carried brutal, heavy weapons. They spotted the party immediately and leveled their spears.

"Hold it! State your business!"

Aldric stepped up. "I am Captain Aldric of the Legion. I’m escorting Climbers from the outside. We are here under a banner of truce to speak directly with General Kael."

The soldiers traded confused looks. A scarred sergeant lowered his spear just an inch. "Climbers? The Shattered Throne doesn’t get Climbers."

"Well, you do now," Nathan said easily. "We’re here to help end the war."

The sergeant just stared at him. "You’re either incredibly brave or completely insane."

"I get that a lot. Probably a bit of both."

The guards marched them past the barricade. The Iron Court’s land was harsh—just sharp rocks, concrete bunkers, and watchtowers looking over every hill. Everything was designed for war. Nathan counted at least fifty soldiers running tight, disciplined drills before he lost track.

At the center of it all sat a massive black iron fortress covered in brutal spikes. Heavy banners flapped in the wind, showing the Court’s symbol: a clenched fist wrapped in iron chains. The guards led them through the massive gates and into a wide training courtyard.

General Kael was already waiting for them.

He was a giant. Easily the biggest man Nathan had ever seen, with shoulders like boulders and arms as thick as tree trunks. His black iron armor was beaten and scratched from countless fights. His face was a map of old scars, and his pale grey eyes locked onto them with cold, disciplined rage. He stood in the middle of the yard, surrounded by his officers, judging them all in a single glance.

"Well," Kael rumbled. His voice sounded like rocks grinding together. "The Legion is sending outsiders to do their talking now. You’ve fallen pretty far, Aldric."

Aldric went completely stiff. "I am just their guide. Nothing more."

Kael’s heavy gaze slid over to Nathan. "And you, Climber. What exactly do you want?"

Nathan stepped forward, keeping his hands away from his weapons. "We want to end this war. We want to put the Shattered Throne back together under one leader and restore the empire."

Kael just stared. Then, a harsh, ugly laugh burst out of his chest. "Restore the empire? The empire is a corpse, boy. The Shepherd shattered it into pieces. War is all that’s left. And war only ends when someone wins."

"Then let us help you win," Nathan said. "But not by killing everyone else. By making an alliance."

Kael stopped laughing. His face went dark. "An alliance? You expect me to hold hands with the Legion? With the Vine Council? The Crownless? They are weak. They’re scattered. They don’t deserve the Throne."

"The Throne is in pieces," Nathan shot back. "But it can be fixed. If the factions actually work together—"

"Together?" Kael yelled, stepping forward until he towered right over Nathan. "You think the Vine Council is going to team up with us? You think the Deep Fleet will take orders from land? You don’t understand a damn thing about this place, Climber. The Shattered Throne is a crucible. The weak burn away. Only the strongest survive, and only the strongest get to rule."

Nathan didn’t back up a single inch. He looked straight up into the giant’s eyes. "And you think you’re the strongest."

"I know I am."

"Then prove it." Nathan held his ground. "I challenge you. Not to a full war—a duel. Your best fighter against ours. If we win, you sit down and listen to our pitch. If you win, we turn around, walk out, and you never see us again."

The entire courtyard went dead silent. The soldiers shifted uncomfortably. Kael’s officers looked at each other in shock. For a long, tense moment, no one made a sound.

Then, Kael smiled. It was a terrifying, hungry look. "You’ve got a spine, Climber. I’ll give you that." He took a step back. "Pick your champion."

Nathan glanced back at his team. Mirko was practically vibrating with excitement. Shiro was perfectly calm. Kuro was a still shadow. Garrett tightened his grip on Volcan. Dillon’s katana sparked. Elise’s staff glowed.

Nathan turned back to the General. "I’ll fight you myself."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You? Bowman? Against me? You must have a death wish."

"Or I’m just confident." Nathan unslung Moonlight and held it by his side. "Unless you’re worried you can’t beat a Climber."

That hit the mark. Kael’s jaw clenched tight, and he reached over his shoulder, drawing a massive warhammer covered in glowing ancient runes. "Fine. Clear the yard. Let’s see if you can back up that mouth."

The soldiers quickly backed away, forming a wide, silent circle around the two of them. Nathan felt the heavy weight of hundreds of eyes locked on him. This was it. Their very first test in the Iron Court.

He pulled an arrow from his quiver and nocked it to the string.

The duel was on.