Outside, the world was shrouded in a heavy veil of silver-gray mist. The persistent sulfuric scent of the region still clung to the air, and no light managed to pierce the thick canopy of clouds above.
At such an hour, the Outer Yard was usually sparse, occupied only by scattered groups of knights pairing up for morning drills. Now, it appeared invaded by a sea of bodies draped in blackened steel sitting atop restless mounts.
Cassian was already there, positioned at the center of the chaos astride his towering black stallion. Arrayed before him was the raiding party: four detachments, each comprised of five squads. Behind them, teams of squires held the reins of pack mules laden with heavy crates of supplies, bringing the total force to two hundred men.
