Morning light spread evenly across the sea as the fleet advanced, the horizon slowly giving way to land that did not rise in jagged threat, but in steady presence.
The central island revealed itself in full daylight, broad and expansive, stretching far beyond what any of the outer isles had suggested. It wasn't barren or scarred. Patches of green broke up the stone and earth, fields and groves visible even from this distance, while clusters of buildings marked areas of dense habitation closer to the coast. Roads cut clean lines through the terrain, connecting districts with an ease that spoke of long planning rather than rushed necessity.
It looked lived in.
As they drew closer, the wall came into view.
