The dawn broke over the settlement, cold and still. I stood on the roof of the council building, my eyes scanning the horizon. The sky was gray, the clouds heavy. Somewhere out there, Valerius was gathering his forces. Somewhere out there, the next battle was taking shape. But I wasn't going to wait for him. I was going to find him. "Aldric." A voice came from behind me. I turned. It was a young woman named Valentina. She'd joined us a few months ago, a refugee from one of the Outland settlements. "The scouts are back. They've found Valerius's location." "Where?" "The old citadel. In the eastern sector." "Then we go." "Alone?" "No." I looked at her, my eyes cold. "We go together. Everyone who's willing to fight." --- The meeting was called that morning. We gathered in the main

