The military camp stood west of Eagle Fortress, built on level ground atop a rise and surrounded by wooden walls two meters high.
After entering through the gate was a training field about the size of a soccer pitch. On its southern side stood a raised platform built from logs, used for issuing commands, while the northern side held neat rows of soldiers' barracks.
The sky had already grown dim, but the military camp's gates were still wide open—after all, no one would be foolish enough to attack this place.
The sun, having completely fallen behind the mountains, cast its final glow across the land and drew two long shadows along the road. They belonged to Raven, riding on horseback, and Volkov, escorting him at his side.
Riding into the military camp, Raven handed the reins to the gate guard and gestured for him not to make a fuss. He then walked straight up to the platform.
Eric was directing the training from above. Seeing Raven arrive, he was startled and hurriedly prepared to salute.
Raven shook his head and looked toward the dust-choked training field. Eric stepped back and stood behind the baron alongside Volkov, one on either side.
They were conducting combat exercises. The opposing sides were two square formations led by Gaul and Moxigan.
The former was a neat three-rank formation of spearmen, while the latter consisted of Sword and Shield Soldiers standing ready for battle. The two sides charged simultaneously from opposite ends of the spacious training ground.
They moved faster and faster, faster and faster, then crashed together like two city walls—or at least, that was how it should have been.
But the scene Raven saw was entirely different.
Their steps were orderly enough, but they had no momentum whatsoever. As they were about to