Only a faint light lit the cracked earth that stretched out between the two armies, it was noon, but the sky was covered in a thick blanket of dark clouds, the faint rumble of thunder in the distance.
Leynish had ridden into the center of Janul early that day, yelling about how the Kalun were preparing to ride out. Instantly, a hush had spread through the town turned military camp. Only broken by Tam's voice echoing out from the town hall, commanding the army to prepare to march out.
As he issued commands to the gathered nobles and platoon commanders, Tam realized how dependent he had become on his lieutenants over the years. Now with Serena, Boson and Balmin absent, he struggled to put together a formation he was confident in.
The Ursten rode out slowly, a shadow over their heads, their eyes downcast and their shoulders slumped. While Tam had the confidence of his men and the remnants of Kultas' army, the soldiers commanded by the nobles lacked conviction in their own leaders.
