Location:Lower Realm — Mercenary compound, outside Obsidian City
Date/Time:Late Emberrise, 9941 AZI
Realm:Lower Realm
The compound woke the way all military operations woke — gradually, then all at once.
First, the kitchen fires. Then the hammering on training posts, irregular and percussive, the sound of recruits who hadn't learned rhythm yet beating wood with more enthusiasm than skill. Then the recruitment bell — three sharp notes that meant another batch of hopefuls had gathered at the eastern gate, drawn by word-of-mouth and the particular rumor that traveled fastest across the Lower Realm: they pay on time.
Xinglong sat at his desk and listened to his empire wake up.
