A chill swept through the Citadel as dawn broke, the eastern tower's stones still cold from the night. Thalen stood on the balcony, cape drawn tight against the breeze, watching smoke plumes drifting from the Ashen Canyons. Two formations his own and the Crown's now disciplined in formation and volley. But farther out, mottled rise in the distance, faint embers lit the sky.
He turned as footsteps approached. Renal, his Crown counterpart, emerged into the early light.
"More smoke," Thalen said without greeting.
Renal nodded. "From the northern ridge. New breach. Less visible than the last."
Thalen frowned. "Less visible, but just as deliberate."
They stood side by side, soldiers stirring below them.
Renal offered a scroll. "Council wants confirmation." He handed it over.
Thalen opened it. It was a request to send joint forces north to secure and investigate. He slipped it into his cloak.
"We'll do it," Thalen said.
"Today," Renal replied. "Before alarm spreads."
