ADAMO'S CROSS
To the northeastern gate, a series of bridges known as Adamo’s Cross lap several small isles to connect the Arvegum Farmlands with Edelith’s East Fringe. These bridges, stony and wide, facilitated the flow of agricultural goods and foot traffic across Lake Adamo and into the walls of Inner Edelith. Upon the central island was constructed a garrison to mediate the crossing, Fort Adamo. Whilst a strategic choke point curbing attempts at a northern invasion, Fort Adamo primarily proved its use in toll collection. The taxation and inspection of goods was commonplace during this time and the regulation of trade facilitated less outbreaks of disease within city boundaries.
During the Wake of Steel, Adamo’s Cross was met with a heavy influx of refugees consolidating from the Arvegum Farmlands and the Coronal Valley. Processing of citizens slowed down and many awaited clearance outside Fort Adamo for a chance to be admitted into the city. Meanwhile, Adamo’s Cross served as a gateway for Edelithian Ministry armies stationed in Arvegum for the upcoming Battle of the Black Valley. This increased panic led to a refurbishment of the stronghold, outfitting it with ballistae and reinforcements. Upon the Ministry’s crushing defeat in the Coronal Valley, a last stand was staged at Fort Adamo against War’s demonic invasion. Remnants of Ministry armies held strongly at the Fort and successfully prevented further encroachment into Inner Edelith, at the cost of mass casualties.
Sometime after the Wake of Steel, the fort would go abandoned without Ministry contact. Curiously though, a lady by the name of Madame Haema has taken responsibility for overseeing Adamo’s Cross. An elderly human seemingly too fair in appearance to have witnessed Old Edelith, she exchanges entering her service to crossing the bridges. Involving menial tasks such as cleaning the fort or cooking a meal, the lady’s standout traits are her unhealthy luncheon schedule with her husband and her “omniscience” within the fort. Her acquisition to the garrison is a mystery as well, but evidence points to the cross being long abandoned after War’s onslaught. Despite its storied history, Adamo’s Cross still remains strong surrounded by the ruinous landscape.
Author’s Note: Interview Old Edelithians in Macabrell to gather more info on Madame Haema. Peruse Cathedral of the Circlet records to link family trees.
