Commander Fraanel led her warriors quickly and quietly through the giant forest of Myam. She could feel the thrum of tension vibrating steadily as they approached the Land Between. It was as the Enlightened One had foretold! It was in the very air they breathed. “Captain Sirel,” she commanded. “We will rest here for a moment. Break out the battle armor.”
The Captain turned silently; her body moved with lithe grace. She signaled for the packhorses to be unloaded. The women worked swiftly and silently as they unpacked the bright metallic breastplates and girdles.
The long, single plait of hair hanging past their waists was drawn up and entwined with the single coronet they placed on their heads. There was no conversation, no wasted movement. They were warriors and behaved as such. Spear ti
