Finally, all the forces converged on the massive gate that led into one of the Nine Hells.
The halls around it were already overflowing, and the grounds beyond them had gone the same way, completely overwhelmed by the sheer numbers pouring in.
Banners jammed against banners. Officers lost their own companies in the press, and the noise of armor on stone never quite dropped.
War commanders and their personnel worked the lines alongside the neutral parties who would take no part in the conflict, Royal Vassals, Royal Tutors, and the rest of the staff who had been dragged out for the sending.
They directed the candidates, gave them their final instructions, and hurried them through the gate before the next company could jam the mouth of it.
The crowd thinned rapidly. One group vanished, then another, until only the final two candidates remained at the back, waiting for their turn to pass through.
Second to last was Dianna.
