The following morning, the warriors of the Dark King's army gathered at the skyport and began boarding the majestic flying vessel.
The process was orderly and quiet. Compared to the ground spectacle that had greeted their arrival in the capital, there was little fanfare this time. It was unnecessary.
The early morning air was cool, and soft mist lingered around the landing platform as the soldiers made their way up the gangways and onto the enormous ship.
Still, they were not without witnesses…
The Emperor had come to see them off, standing at the edge of the skyport with several of his trusted confidants and members of the royal family. Old Ani stood nearby as well, watching the preparations with thoughtful eyes.
A handful of citizens who had risen early had gathered beyond the guard lines. Though the crowd was small, they gazed at the skyship with the same awe that had gripped the city the day before.
