Deep in the Himalayas, even the wind and snow seemed swallowed by an eternal silence. Time seemed to have lost all meaning here. As far as the eye could see, there was only unchanging, ancient cold and jagged black rock.
Yet in this remote, uninhabited wilderness, a fortress built into the mountainside and ancient ruins merged with the rock like a vicious bone spur growing from the sheer cliffs.
The observatory in the deepest part of the fortress resembled an enormous bowl carved from stone. Weathered stone pillars stood around its rim, engraved with symbols and prophecies the world had long forgotten.
Ra's al Ghul stood tall at the edge of the platform. He wore only a black robe with an ancient Eastern elegance, his gaze piercing the rolling sea of clouds toward the distant west. In those eyes, tempered by centuries, there was no uncertainty, only an almost ruthless insight and a trace of disappointment that was difficult to detect.
"Father, the vanguard has reached the waters off Gotham. The Ghost Ship can begin bringing in the main force at any time."
Light footsteps sounded behind him. Talia came to her father's side. A dark red windproof cloak covered her black combat suit, outlining her lithe, graceful figure.
Her voice scattered slightly in the wind. Ra's al Ghul did not turn, merely giving a quiet "Mm." His gaze remained fixed on the west, as though he could see straight into that city struggling in the darkness.
"Gotham... the city Bruce poured his heart and convictions into."
His voice was slow and low, carrying the cadence of an ancient language. "I once believed he could become a true successor and lead humanity toward a purer future. He possesses the finest will and strength I have ever seen... unfortunately, he chose