The towering black cliffs of Thazir rose like massive obsidian blades against the late afternoon sky as Zaira slithered into the western canyon passage.
High above the gorge, lookouts on the iron watchtowers spotted the colossal serpent surging through the narrow stone corridors.
A deep bronze horn echoed between the sheer rock walls, announcing the return of the Supreme Chief to the western capital.
The heavy iron portcullis of the outer gate groaned as massive chains lifted the barrier, allowing Zaira to glide smoothly into the inner fortress.
Citizens and newly settled Tatani clansmen lined the stone terraces, bowing with deep respect as Sagiri rode past on the titan serpent's brow.
The city was tense with whispered rumors about the forty thousand southern warriors who had broken camp and begun their grand march north.
Sagiri leaped down from Zaira in the central plaza, his black cloak whipping in the canyon breeze as Nokai hummed quietly at his back.
