Chapter 118: Cold Wind over Athacea

Skies were clear over the Nolian countryside, and the air was dry and cold. The red, gold-tipped minarets of the palace reflected the midday sun. To the east, the Cervice River snaked its way through the city districts before disappearing into the Borderwoods. Beyond the river, rolling plains stretched out where agricultural fields were overgrown with tall grasses and weeds. The farmhouses were boarded up and abandoned. All these sights were nothing but unpleasant reminders of the happy homecoming that had eluded Leah. The fantasy of home just kept getting shattered.

Thankfully, progress was being made. The walls were now well-manned with guards and archers. Companies of scouts patrolled the Borderwoods and the edges of the Gravelands, and here in the city, daily training drills were being conducted to acclimate troops and civilians for the days ahead.

Leah, Hook, Worth, Endrus, and a few handpicked representatives from their respective camps stood on the wall.