The first rays of dawn stretched slowly across the eastern horizon as the convoy emerged from the final mountain pass.
Night retreated one ridge at a time.
Soft golden light spilled across the endless plains ahead, washing away the lingering mist that clung stubbornly to the earth. Dew shimmered upon wild grass as the morning breeze swept across the open land, carrying with it the mingled scents of damp soil, burning firewood, forged steel, and freshly prepared food.
The mountains fell behind them.
The world ahead belonged to war.
Far across the plains, an enormous military encampment dominated the landscape.
