Whispering Winds

[Koth]

Dust rose from the ground and swirled thoughtlessly through the air. The light taps that the larger pebbles made as they hit the ground were the only sounds, a low murmur of whispering winds over a harsh, deserted landscape. The buildings that once dominated the view had long since fallen into disrepair, and the streets that once bustled with life had sunken into the abyss of sand that encroached further into the old capital by the day.

Such is life in Kadesh. The Phantom Pharaoh frowned as the dust covered his window.

"Such a terrible day for a dust bowl," he muttered to nobody in particular. It had been a long time since Kadesh was known for its great military prowess, its legendary accomplishments on the battlefield were truly stuff of legend. There was still life, yes, but it had moved far away from here. Too many bad memories, too many soldiers slain. The blood of young men fighting battles they could never understand the reasons for ran thicker than the sand at times, and the people of Kadesh understandably wanted to lead more stable lives. Some moved to other great cities, but many stayed and rebuilt Kadesh as a new safe haven for all refugees of people escaping exactly what had defined Kadesh for so long.

But here, in the ruins of his old castle, The Phantom Pharaoh felt truly at home. Overlooking the scenes of where his comrades in arms had fallen, Ambroscus Koth let out one last sigh.

"This is my final goodbye, friends. But Kadesh lives on, despite its relocation. They may want to escape our past, brothers...but I will always remember."

As Koth descended the stairs from his old office and prepared to brace the fierce dust storm that awaited him outside, he smiled. His city may be naught but ruins, but his people had faith in him and the heart of Kadesh. He would see to it that his people would never be forgotten, yes, but they needed him more than ever to help them start anew. Today was the beginning of a resurgence for the Weathered Citadel.