The Crossing of the Great Divide

Two days later, the allied host reached the Great Divide—the roaring, white-water torrent of the River Avelon that historically formed the impassable frontier between the northern alpine territories and the southern volcanic basins. Spanning the half-mile width of the rocky gorge stood the Great Stone Bridge of the First Sovereigns—a colossal viaduct of eight arched white granite spans built eight centuries ago during the golden age of the First Dynasty.…