The vast column of forty thousand southern spears descended from the jagged, snow-dusted ridges of Karokai Valley. The cold mountain winds gradually gave way to the crisp, golden warmth of the northern foothills, where green grass poked through melting snow.
At the front of the grand vanguard rode Squad 25, mounted upon sturdy northern sand-striders and mountain mounts. Colossal titan serpent Zaira glided smoothly beside them, her shimmering armored scales reflecting the bright morning sunlight.
Sagiri rode at the head of the formation, the dark hilt of Nokai resting comfortably against his back. The silver-veined runes beneath his skin pulsed with a steady, soothing rhythm, in complete harmony with the earth beneath his feet.
Beside him, Lira rode her gentle mare, a small woven wicker basket filled with dried medicinal herbs hanging from her saddlehorn. She smiled warmly as she watched the color return to Sagiri's face, passing him a wooden flask of warm shyflower tea.
