The dawn had just broken over the vast expanse of the Darkhart Dukedom, its first rays spilling over the massive city walls like liquid gold.
The city, nestled between the wilderness that stretched into the unknown, began to stir.
From within the towering stone walls, the sounds of life slowly awakened — local shopkeepers unlocked their doors, sweeping the dirt streets in preparation for another day of trade.
The clatter of carts and the low murmur of voices filled the air as merchants set up their stalls, while the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the early morning breeze.
This city, a fortress on the edge of a wilderness where no man dared tread too far, was alive with the rhythm of its daily chores, unaware of the looming storm on its horizon.
Atop the city walls, the soldiers stood lazily by, some leaning against their spears, their eyes half-lidded in boredom.
