Exelia held the map suspended, now enlarging the city area around the castle. The projection showed winding streets, alleys shrouded in black mist, and shadows moving as if with a will of their own—but also, small points of rebellious light burning here and there.
"Despite the critical situation in the palace," Exelia said, with her usual cutting calm, "resistance still exists within Skarnhold."
Kael looked up quickly, focused.
"They're still fighting?"
"Yes." Exelia gestured, highlighting several points on the map. "Small groups—soldiers, ice mages, some generals who escaped the fall… They've spread throughout the city and are resisting as best they can. It's not an organized force, but morale is surprisingly high, considering the situation."
Eleanor narrowed her eyes, assessing the lights on the map with the gaze of someone who has won more wars than the age of many kingdoms.
