400,000 Troops Marching

The first light of dawn spilled over the horizon as the signal horns sounded, their deep, resonant call echoing through the valley.

The big encampment stirred like a waking beast.

Soldiers hauled themselves from their bedrolls, rubbing sleep from their eyes, while officers bellowed orders to gather their units.

The march had begun.

Kael stood outside his command tent, adjusting his armor as Gerald approached with a stack of freshly written reports.

The cold morning air smelled of damp earth and smoke from the previous night's fires.

Nearby, the thunder of hoofbeats signaled Alexander's cavalry forming up, their banners catching the early sunlight.

"How are we holding up, Gerald?" Kael asked, his tone measured.