The next day came with a sharp sense of finality, and by the time the sun rose fully above the horizon, the armies were already assembled in disciplined ranks that stretched far beyond what the eye could easily take in, banners standing tall, armor gleaming softly, and the air filled with a tense silence that spoke of readiness rather than fear.
Lucas stood at the edge of the encampment, watching the final preparations with a calm expression, while Tom moved efficiently beside him, overseeing the loading of a sturdy wagon that carried everything Lucas would need for the campaign, from sealed cases of alchemical supplies to carefully wrapped core of dominion gauntlets, and alongside Tom were two young boy servants who waited attentively for his instructions, already aware that from this moment onward, they answered to him alone.
