Early morning light hit Gulchtown hard. Countess Velma stood in her battle gear near the training ground, watching the last of the battle preparations.
Elves checked their spear tips. The human soldiers stacked oil jars. She kept her arms crossed, her eyes moving from one group to the next, making sure no one slacked.
A couple of young elves nearly dropped a crate, and she shot them a look that straightened their backs fast.
Athena and Beatrix walked up beside her. Their clothes looked fresh—someone had cleaned them overnight.
Athena still had that ready-for-a-fight look, her hand resting near her blade like always. Beatrix kept glancing around like she expected something to jump out of the shadows.
Neither of them said anything at first. They just fell into step with Velma.
The Countess turned her head and smiled at them warmly. "Thanks again for watching out for Ethan. I mean it. He may not have survived the journey without you."
