Outside Bonta Canyon.
The midday sun beat down upon a sea of golden sand.
It was nearly August, and the temperature had soared. In the distance, the air shimmered, distorted by the heat.
A lizard, running on its hind legs, scrambled quickly up a sand dune.
The scarcity of food had forced it to venture out and hunt under the blazing sun.
SWOOSH—!
A long arrow struck the lizard with precision, pinning it to the dune.
The sound of hooves approached from afar, and a group of cloaked cavalry drew near.
A few dozen men halted on the dune, their eyes fixed on the canyon exit.
"Buerwell, is Baron Porcupine really coming?"
"The raven message said he'd arrive within two days. I'm guessing it's today." Buerwell, leader of the Wandering Knights, tilted his head back to look at the towering, cloud-piercing mountains, his eyes narrowed in thought.
A Wandering Knight behind him said, "Stop hesitating! Let's just form up and charge!"
