The camp was filtered with silent activity, the warriors and scouts moving to ready themselves for what was becoming a decisive move.
Time was running against them, but at least their combined strength and growing alliances gave them an upper hand.
"My lord," Talon said, his voice low and even as he addressed Dimitri, who stood near the campfire, its warm light dancing across the lines of tension etched in his face. "Scouts confirm Cyrus has begun to shift his fortifications to the west, but only a partial mobilization. He's still heavy up along the northern ridge."
Dimitri nodded, impassive, and listened to the report. "Cyrus is spreading himself thin, then. He's trying to anticipate every possible move."
He turned back to Amelia, his tone calm and unruffled, yet threaded through wi
