The night deepened. The moonlight was sparse; the stars hidden, and the earth plunged into shadow, with the mountains and forests succumbing to darkness.
The Imperial Guard Legion's encampment was austere and heavily fortified, quiet yet deadly. Elite samurais holding torches patrolled outside the camp. They were guarding the king inside the large tent and also keeping watch over the nobles staying in the small town.
Xiulote, dressed in military attire, sat cross-legged in the large tent. He held a scroll in his hands, while beneath him lay a soft Jaguar fur carpet. A fire basin was lit inside the tent, which was open at the top, allowing the night wind to surge in intermittently. The southern November was still warm; there was no need for a blanket to sleep comfortably.