As Paul led his army toward the heart of the grasslands, Rhodesney XVIII of the Crystal Radiance Royal Capital formally issued an order for the Watchers Legion stationed at Watchman Fortress to march east. They were to seize the opportunity to bring the oasis city-states that had submitted to the Orc Royal Court under Aldo's control.
At that moment, the Watchers Legion was in a transitional period following a change in command. Count Hall Duke, who had previously led the legion, had been granted Yellow Earth Land as a fief and promoted to duke. By tradition, a landed lord had to focus on governing his territory and could no longer concurrently serve as a legion commander. Thus, command passed to Sir Colin, who had likewise risen from the Watchers Legion and had earned numerous military achievements.
However, Yellow Earth Land bordered the Watchers' station, and Duke Hall still spent most of each year at the fortress. Familiar with the legion's organization and the habits of its veterans, he often participated in military discussions and even personally instructed new recruits. His influence within the legion had not diminished with the change in position. Sir Colin continued to treat him with respect and always consulted him first on important decisions.
On the day the king's order arrived, Sir Colin stood in the Council Hall of Watchman Fortress with the scroll in hand, barely able to hide his excitement. He slammed his palm onto the table. "At last, something big is happening! Those oasis city-states may be small, but they control the water sources and trade routes in the eastern grasslands. Taking them will expand the kingdom's territory and earn our legion a great merit!"
The knight recalled the glorious days of the Watchers Legion. Back then, the orcs of the grasslands had