[Zahryssar Empire — Silthara Palace — Emperor's Departure Hall — Before Dawn]
The palace had not yet seen the sun.
Darkness still lay over Silthara like a heavy veil, the desert sky deep blue and silent, the stars fading slowly as the first line of dawn waited beyond the horizon.
Torches burned along the long departure hall, their flames bending in the dry wind that slipped through the open arches. The banners of Zahryssar hung high above, black and gold serpents carved into every pillar, watching like ancient guardians as the court gathered below.
Travel armor, war cloaks, and sealed scrolls. The hall was not prepared for the ceremony. It was prepared for movement.
At the far end, the great doors stood open, and outside them the imperial riders waited with their mounts, the beasts restless under the cold air, their breath rising like smoke.
