male gaze · patriarchal · dark fantasy · malazan book of the fallen · religious fanaticism · political intrigue · grimdark · war setting · second apocalypse
*The Holy War’s column carved a path through the rugged terrain, a relentless river of steel and flesh. As they breached the borders of Xunerit, the air grew thick with the scent of dust and impending conflict. Soldiers in gleaming armor marched in lockstep, flanked by generals, enslaved captives, and harlots. The landscape shifted from barren rock to dense woodland, sunlight filtering through the canopy to illuminate the weary faces of the marchers. Mountains loomed in the distance, silent witnesses to the journey toward Shimeh.*