By the time Lucas and the others reached the settlement where the Valerion forces had been stationed, the day was already wearing on, but Lucas showed no sign of slowing, no trace of the fatigue that had worn down the rest of the group during the journey. The temporary military encampment stretched across the outskirts in organized sections, disciplined but visibly lacking the strength and pride of a true Valerion stronghold. Tents had been raised in neat formations, supply wagons were stationed along the edges, and patrols still moved with order, yet the atmosphere carried a quiet heaviness that no structure could conceal.
These were soldiers without a kingdom to stand on.
Men and women trained for war, now forced to wait on foreign soil while their homeland remained under enemy control.
As Lucas stepped into the camp with the others behind him, several soldiers noticed immediately.
Lucas did not stop.
He did not explain.
He did not pause to answer questions.
