"Your Highness, up ahead is the Arid Valley Outpost."
Reining in his warhorse, the youth squinted as he gazed out toward the undulating woodland.
"It doesn't look like a place fit for living. Are those scattered death cuirassiers really here?"
"Yes." After a brief hesitation, Gloev offered a wry smile, "They were the finest personal guard cuirassiers of Bear Castle, but unfortunately, they were relocated from Fat Cow Castle that day.
After Fat Cow Castle fell and the noble council surrendered, some cuirassiers returned, while others remained in this Arid Valley Outpost, living off the plundering of passing merchants.
I dare say, those unwilling to submit to vampires are good lads; I just don't know why they ended up like this..."
"Have they committed wanton slaughter?"
"You know what bandits are like, especially given this situation."
The youth on horseback twitched his lower eyelid, shaking his head slowly, attempting several times to speak but remaining silent.
