The sky had gradually darkened as they left the well-maintained lands of the duchy. Thick clouds covered the horizon, filtering the light and plunging the eastern districts into a heavy gloom.
Scarlet rode at the front, back straight, reins firmly held. Her white horse no longer had the pristine elegance it displayed at the start. The rain of soot falling from the sky, mixed with humidity and dust, had turned the ground into sticky mud. The hooves sank into it with every stride, splashing the armors.
Even though they could not yet see the monsters, the damage was visible. Many houses were destroyed with fire crackling everywhere, and distant screams could also be heard.
Scarlet took a deep breath.
"Let's go!!!"
Her voice carried despite the wind.
The four hundred knights accelerated. The formation naturally tightened around her. Her presence at the front changed the atmosphere. The doubts about the duke's punishment for their disobedience had faded as adrenaline took over.
