The eastern watchpost rang twice before dawn, pulling Hajin onto the wall beside Hans while the cleared basin below remained empty beneath the fading stars.
Eight riders approached across the eastern rise, wearing scout leathers over narrow strips of ash-mirrored plate that caught the first gray light.
Juna watched from the raised western bank with every Wing closed, while Loccy guarded the northern bend beyond the clinic.
Orin's survey lines covered the withdrawal lane behind twelve shield recruits, yet the forward field showed only eight horses moving at an even, deliberate pace.
"Uriel counted thirty-six," Hans said, keeping the bell keeper below the parapet. "These eight want us watching them before the real formation appears."
The scouts halted beyond bow range and spread across the rise.
Each rider gained a clear view of the post, the basin, and the waiting defenders.
