After a long and hasty march through the treacherous Eternal Forest, Goldenveil's army finally reached the designated site for their first camp.
More than ten thousand men fanned out across the clearing, pitching tents, digging trenches, and driving sharp stakes into the damp earth.
Hammer blows echoed everywhere, mingling with the clanking of chains, the clatter of armor, and the low murmur of soldiers preparing the ground for the coming battle.
In the central tent, Ethan and his high-ranking officers finally gathered.
Doran, Thalion, Theron, and Laine—the latter a quiet but loyal and competent man, recently chosen as leader of the Second Legion—took their places around the large table.
Cain and Vaelith were also present, along with the leaders of the many cohorts who, having no reserved seats, followed the meeting on their feet.
Ethan, his body clad in the God-Slayer armor, sat casually at the head of the table, with Evelyn and Mireya occupying the seats beside him.
