They reached the edge of Gonnb's territory when the sky was fully dark.
Darion called a halt at the treeline, a quarter mile back from the settlement's outer edge.
Far enough that the horses wouldn't be heard, far enough that the living knights waiting in the dark wouldn't be detected by whatever outpost watchers Gonnb had in the trees on their perimeter.
Close enough that when phase two started, the distance could be covered fast.
He dismounted and handed the reins to the nearest knight without speaking. Garren dismounted beside him.
"Stay here," Darion said, quiet, to the group. "No fires and no noise. Wait for my signal." He looked at Garren specifically. "You'll know when phase two starts."
Garren nodded once.
Darion took the perspective glass from his saddlebag, checked it, and moved into the trees alone.
