The march of Riverdale's forces did not go unnoticed. Scouts and riders returned to Lionhart daily with reports of dark banners moving steadily closer.
The death legion, with its endless numbers and dreadful reputation, walked in disciplined lines. Alongside them marched Riverdale's human army, a much smaller but organized force.
The sound of war drums carried across the valleys, and with each beat panic spread deeper into Lionhart.
The most unsettling fact was not just the approach of this army but the timing. Lionhart had already been struck internally by the Messenger only days earlier.
Noble estates were burned, supply stores destroyed, and whispers of betrayal filled every corner of the kingdom. Now, before the smoke of those attacks had even cleared, a full war was upon them.
