You're riding in the far rear of your line once again, verbally whipping the soldiers who fall behind. Not that you can't sympathize with them. Exhaustion tears at you, too.
But those that fall too far behind can't be recovered.
The trees have quickly grown dense. More dense than the Atiming Forest. The trees are taller, too, with thick leaves that blot out the sun.
The shade is a blessing in this all-too-familiar heat.
Thankfully, the path you've been following has cut through the brush. For now, the dense foliage hugs the side of the road, rather than on it. The trees have been cut back too, giving you their shade without needing to maneuver through them.
This won't last forever, though.
The approaching figures of Darin and Velinor capture your attention. They motion for you to approach.
You ride Aurora over to the pair.
Darin speaks first, voice grim. "Marshal. We're here."
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