The first gray light of dawn filtered through the dense mountain mist, coating the granite boulders flanking the cistern departure road in silver frost.
Juna stood in the center of the switchback trail, resting Solar Vanguard's butt against the gravel while she watched the convoy descend toward her chosen bend.
Down the winding road, the rhythmic rumble of iron-rimmed wagon wheels and the clatter of armored boots announced the approach of the departing Choral procession.
Three heavy transport wagons loaded with resonance equipment and sealed alchemical canisters led the column, escorted by twenty veteran legionnaires in dark gray cloaks.
At the head of the vanguard rode Lieutenant Corin, mounted upon a heavily barded warhorse whose iron chanfron gleamed with defensive ward runes.
Corin carried a notched cavalry sabre in his left hand, his keen eyes scanning the rocky ridges with the disciplined wariness of an experienced frontier campaigner.
