Dawn broke crisp and pale. Thalen stood atop Reuven's border fort, gaze fixed on the distant ridge that marked the Ashen Canyons. Beyond it, the Crown's regiments drew rank, their silhouettes clean against the golden haze. Between them and Reuven's fighters lay only the open plain soon to become the stage for the first joint drills between former enemies. A sun-bleached banner snapped in the rising wind, bearing Reuven's emblem: the silver blade entwined with violet flame.
At his side, Captain Terres adjusted his helmet. "Regiment is ready."
Thalen nodded, his fingers tightening the straps on his gauntlet. "We begin."
