Tiese stood atop the city wall, charcoal pencil in hand, putting the final touches on his canvas.

He sighed, a mix of relief and reluctance in his breath.

The sheepskin canvas bore the image of Crystal City from a slanted bird's-eye view.

The city was guarded by towering walls on all sides, each adorned with a tall, straight obelisk. These were totems left by the old gods, which God Yao chose not to destroy but instead entrusted with the continued protection of the city.