At the horizon, dawn cut through the darkness like a sharp sword, spilling blood-tinted morning light.
Beneath the vast sky, over six thousand Dothraki Roaring Warriors, each with two horses, assembled outside the Vis Kwo Ruins along the Sarn River, fully prepared for departure.
Möngke rode his fiery red warhorse, galloping from the direction of the rising sun, his chest echoing with a thunderous roar:
"Since I first mounted a horse, I have never heard of a Dothraki fearing war."
The six thousand Dothraki Roaring Warriors had witnessed him single-handedly slay Jeko Kao and his blood-sworn guards. Seeing Möngke's imposing figure and the galloping warhorse, hearing his roar that split stone and tore clouds, their cheers thundered like a storm.
Möngke raised his arakh, riding fiercely, and shouted:
"Dothraki—this is their nature!"
The Roaring Warriors raised their arakhs and spears, shouting in a deafening roar.
Möngke rode among them, weapons clashing, bellowing:
"Now we march at speed! We must cross rivers and grasslands, and pass through forested plains. All of this is for you, for your honor, for your wealth. Dothraki men! Dothraki warriors! Dothraki Roaring Warriors! Follow me, follow your Kao! Victory—at all costs! Honor belongs to the brave Dothraki warriors, wealth belongs to the Dothraki people!"
The roar of men and the pounding of hooves shook the forests and the earth. Under Möngke Kao's leadership, six thousand Roaring Warriors thundered out from the Sarn River bank.
The army crossed the Sarn River from the Vis Kwo Ruins, heading north along the Valyrian Road.
Each warrior had two horses, swapping them back and forth; even while sleeping, they were tied to their mounts. Their provisions, besides beans, dried meat, and dairy, included leather pouches filled with milk and a corresponding amount of water. As the horses galloped, the shaking turned the milk into a paste, providing nourishment and hydration simultaneously.
By noon the next day, the army entered the Qohor Forest, the largest forest on the continent of Essos. The trees were tall and sturdy, trunks as wide as gates, and their leaves shone golden in the sunlight. The cavalry spread out, horses moving at a trot through the woods. Fortunately, the Dothraki were masterful horsemen.
Yet the forest was not safe. Herds of elk and spotted tigers roamed within. Dozens of Dothraki patrol riders perished beneath antlers or were dragged away along with their horses, leaving only chewed remains.
Dothraki horsemen were also expert archers, frequently hunting to supplement supplies. They even captured lemurs with silver-white fur and purple eyes, reminiscent of typical Valyrian features. Ofor explained that these lemurs, known as "Little Valyrians," were said to bring luck if touched.
The dense canopy of Qohor Forest blocked the sun, so they had to climb treetops to check the time and direction.
On the third sunset, Ofor suggested reducing rations for both men and horses to conserve supplies in case of emergency. Forests were easy to get lost in, and luck was crucial. He also worried that the Jumokao tribe might not progress smoothly, meaning the plan could slowly spiral out of control, requiring rapid adjustments.
By the eighth dawn, Möngke led the six thousand cavalry to finally see the end of Qohor Forest. The Dothraki, naturally a nomadic people, now resembled wild mountain men.
Even with Ofor's guidance, they were still a day behind schedule.
Before fully leaving the forest, they saw an endless body of water. Möngke felt a chill, as if sinking to the ocean floor. The northern edge of Qohor Forest met the sea; they had once gotten lost in the forest and ended up at the shore. He worried again—had they taken the wrong path? But it seemed more like a lake this time.
Suddenly, the Roaring Warriors stirred.
"This is not poisoned water, it's fresh! My horse can drink it!"
The Dothraki called seawater "poison water," distrusting any liquid their horses couldn't drink.
Ofor dismounted, scooping lake water to splash on his face, excitedly saying:
"This must be the lake north of Qohor City. I've been here before. Its waters connect to the Darkflow River. Follow the lake southwest and you'll find the Darkflow River."
Watching the red sun rise in the east and the lake before them, with the Novfos Hills faintly visible in the distance, Möngke knew they were on the right path.
He dispatched hundreds of patrol scouts to track movements and ordered the main force to rest.
At that moment, he fully appreciated the prowess of generals like Li Jing and Huo Qubing, though he wondered if they had ever also gotten lost during campaigns.
By noon, the scouts returned. Ofor confirmed they were north of Qohor City, northeast of the Darkflow River. The scouts also brought bad news: the Jumokao tribe was not outside Qohor City.
Möngke's mind raced—had they left Qohor, not arrived yet, or had they discovered his plans and returned to attack his tribe? For safety, he only brought six thousand Roaring Warriors this time; Kosoro's forces remained battle-ready at the camp.
Anything was possible. All he could do now was wait, while remaining calm and preparing to survey the terrain.
The Darkflow River rushed past, stars of spray flying, forming huge whirlpools.
Möngke led a cavalry unit along the riverbank, observing the raging waters and the widening river southward. He mused:
"It seems the only way for the Jumokao tribe to cross is the Darkflow River Long Bridge."
Hearing his mutter, Ofor confidently replied:
"The Darkflow River Long Bridge not only connects to the Valyrian Road but is wide enough for the Jumokao tribe to cross quickly. There's no better option."
Möngke agreed, though the widening downstream waters might reveal shallow spots, so it was not completely certain the Jumokao would use the bridge.
Only upon reaching the confluence of the Darkflow and Qinn Rivers did they confirm no other shallow crossing existed. Observing the turbulent Qinn River, he realized: the Darkflow River Long Bridge was indeed the only viable crossing.
Returning with the cavalry to the Long Bridge, the terrain was as Ofor described—open and flat. If they attacked while the enemy was mid-crossing, cavalry could strike from behind and charge from an elevated position.
Gazing at the opposite bank, Möngke felt a sudden urge to scout the western side.
The bridge was a crucial trade route for Qohor City but lightly guarded. To cross, one had to pay taxes. The Dothraki had no money, the tax officers merely pushed them aside, and no one dared stop the cavalry, allowing them to storm across freely. The bridge itself was well-built.
The western bank was less open than the eastern bank, though other terrain features were similar—sufficient for six thousand cavalry to charge, with the distant Novfos Hills aiding concealment. Each side had advantages, making the choice difficult.
Feeling something missing, Möngke called Ofor and a Roaring Warrior to his side, asking:
"If you were the Jumokao, how would you cross the river?"
"You mean… how would they arrange the crossing formation?" Ofor asked thoughtfully.
Suddenly, Möngke understood. He quickly said:
"Yes. Would they let the Dothraki Roaring Warriors cross first, or the common tribe members?"
"Dothraki Roaring Warriors."
Both answered in unison.
The Roaring Warrior proudly added:
"The Dothraki warriors go first."
Then Ofor gave his insight:
"Previously, Jeko Kao always arranged it this way. The warriors are the most important. Without their protection, ordinary tribes cannot survive."
At that moment, Möngke had made his decision.