By Masa's recollection, Athax did not feel like a city at war.
The streets bustled. Merchants shouted. Bells rang for prayer, for meals, for meetings. Stone walls held firm, banners snapping in the wind as if nothing beyond them threatened to burn the world down.
To him and the rest of Frost Fire, it felt wrong.
He noticed it first as they passed through the inner gate - how the guards stood relaxed, hands resting near hilts but not gripping them. How no one looked twice at bloodstained cloaks or scarred armor.
Perhaps they have been informed of their arrival beforehand.
They had come in quietly, as Santi guided them back. No formation. No banners. Shin was carried on a litter between him and Thorne, unconscious but breathing, his face too pale against the dark furs tucked around him.
Masa kept his eyes forward, even as Santi bade them goodbye to ride back to his King's side.
