The northern ridge above Ouro bristled with the bronze standards of the three imperial choir commanders.
General Brand commanded the high aerial redoubt, his silver glider legion circling above the cloud deck in predatory rings.
Commander Orin held the western viaduct approach, his armored siege ballistas anchored upon reinforced concrete revetments.
The river prefect Malakor occupied the lower gorge, his steam sappers pumping alchemical incendiary fluid into the drainage channels.
"Look at their operational dispatches intercepted by our scouting relays," Lucan said, spreading three captured scrolls across the planning table.
Hajin leaned over the map, his five celestial rings hovering in tight orbital formation around his shoulders.
"General Brand carries orders to execute immediate aerial glassing without regard for civilian casualties," the archivist pointed out.
