Wang Feng and his Asena arrived outside of the great one's territory. The border town looked decrepit and miserable. It barely resembled a town. People had sunken cheeks and defeated postures. Hard winters and postwar conditions had done a number on the population.
The war between the small country of Gevaudan, with a population of two million, and the small country of Carlisle had ended in Carlisle's victory. The current king's father had made the mistake of ensuring his border lord's loyalty through hostages. Their wives, daughters, and sons were taken from them so that they would fight to the last man. What it really did was create informants for the enemy. There are just some things men shouldn't do to other men.
