The sky was clear, and a gentle sea breeze blew across. Between the beach and the tidal flats, palm leaves swayed with the wind. Birds soared between the sea and the sky, and trout gathered and scattered by the sea. In tropical coastlines, January presents such a warm and comfortable scene.
Three thousand Canine Warriors rested for a day in Neshpa and then continued their march eastward. As the warriors progressed along the coast, they raised clouds of dust. News of the northern invasion spread gradually, and many villages up ahead had been abandoned, leaving only their modest buildings behind. Villages that dared to resist had been conquered, each turned into a torch by the seaside.
Half a month had passed without a major battle, and Black Wolf's mood had relaxed. With no pursuers from behind and no enemies ahead, plus the supply of food and fodder for several days via canoe, the dangerous enemy rear sweeps had become easy armed marches.