The plains were filled with the thunderous sound of marching boots.
The black and gold banners of Eldoria fluttered in the chilly morning breeze. In perfect formation, thirty thousand Skyblade Knights advanced.
Arin rode at the front. His jaw was set, and his eyes were hard. To his ride, Marcus rode with absolute focus, while Gideon rode quietly but vigilantly to his left, scanning the horizon.
The Varennes army, a huge sea of soldiers, stood ahead, across the field. Their ranks, an unending tide of red banners, extended beyond the hills.
The man in charge was at the front, riding a black horse, accompanied by four other commanders.
The Architect.
He had neither a crown nor a command insignia on. His face was hidden by a silver mask carved like a serene smile.
In his hand, he carried no sword, only a single black glove, resting against the reins of his horse.
