The setting sun dipped toward the end of the Great River, infusing the red and yellow heavens and earth, casting a lengthy silhouette of the Rivermouth Fortress. The twilight rested on the center of the fortress where a magnificent residence stood. Several hundred samurai in copper armor guarded it closely, with dozens of Guajili chieftains waiting at the entrance.
The residence had spacious front and rear courtyards. In the front yard, bonfires were set up, cooking turkeys, roasting deer legs, steaming red crabs, and boiling fish soup. Dozens of skilled servants were bustling about preparing for the banquet. The scent of spices mixed with the aroma of food, wafting afar, tantalizing the palate.