[A few moments earlier…]
The thunder of hooves pounded fiercely through the forest as the warhorses surged forward, scattering snow with every stride.
Kyren, Adam, and Rafe navigated the last stretch of dense woods and burst into a clearing; a field stretched with white beneath the winter sky.
Rhen's barking grew sharper and more urgent, echoing across the open plains. The puppy sprinted ahead with a stiff tail. His senses were locked in one direction, and his sprinting became faster.
By now, they knew they were close to where Anna and Helen should be. Then, far across the white expanse, they spotted several dark shapes scattered against the snow.
At first, they looked like mere silhouettes, but as the trio advanced, the devastating scene sharpened into grim detail.
The battlefield was carved into the ground itself; long trenches cut by violent magic, scorched patches where flames had seared through the frost, and deep furrows from clashing weapons.
