The northern gate of Velmora was a little bit crowded when Simon arrived.
Merchants waited beside loaded carts, beast handlers argued with guards over inspection fees, and travellers gathered beneath the shadow of the city wall while their tokens were checked.
Two demons near the end of one line spoke in low voices.
"The convoy came back two days ago," the first whispered. "I saw it myself. Broken wagons, burned beasts, and more wounded soldiers than I could count."
The second demon glanced toward the guards before leaning closer.
"They said Black Banner attacked them before they even reached the rift site."
"So what does that say about Black Horn? They gathered soldiers, officers, Greater Demons, and more than a hundred recruits, yet the rebels still caused them that much damage."
The second demon clicked his tongue.
"And this is the force protecting Velmora. If Black Banner can do that outside the city, what stops them from walking through these gates whenever they please?"
