The vanguard marched a whole day's journey ahead of the main force.
On the first day, they advanced along the southern bank of the Confluence River.
Downstream, the riverbanks were strewn with Herder corpses that had been washed ashore. Every few steps, Winters could see new swollen bodies.
Many crows and vultures rushed over for a feast, pecking at the rotten flesh with abandon while keeping a close watch on the living passing before them.
"Looking at what!" Xial, unable to bear it any longer, picked up a stone and threw it at the crows.
The black birds screeched horribly and took flight with a flap, circling above Paratu's army.
The other militia members also started picking up stones and flinging them at crows and vultures.
Winters did not issue any orders to stop them.
"Looking at what?" he thought somberly, "Food."
...
Shortly after the dispute between Winters and Haug had resolved, a messenger returned with the final decision from the two generals.
