The ground beneath the Serpent Pass vibrated with a dull rhythmic thud. Captain Alden narrowed his eyes against the glaring sunlight reflecting off the obsidian plain. A massive cloud of grey dust billowed on the horizon and obscured the retreating lines of the Valorian infantry. The dust cloud moved too fast to be foot soldiers.
"Cavalry," Eamon said. The Valorian refugee gripped his runic spear tight. "He actually bought horses."
Alden pulled his communication stone from his belt and pressed the activation rune. "My Lord. Trent is fielding a mounted division. They are breaking through their own retreating infantry to reach us."
Up in the City Heaven Leo sat forward at his oak desk. He opened his system interface and scanned the shifting data on the battlefield.
"Three thousand system
