Send the barbarians first

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls of the library as Henry sat behind a small desk, his fingers tapping the wood as he held his chin in deep thought - "Tell me again, what happened in the Valley" - he ordered, leaning forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Leier standing before him.

Leier took a deep breath, her voice calm and steady as she recounted the events - "We made our way up the mountain through a narrow and dangerous path, with thin layers of ice covering some parts of the way. We reached the peak within a few hours, where we could see the Screaming Valley below, hidden by a river of clouds." 

Henry didn't look away, his attention fully on her words, the shadows created by the candles creating a somber feeling.