Chapter 55
- Dawn came reluctantly to the Wild Lands.
- A gray, cheerless haze slowly seeped through the bare branches, settling over the tents as a layer of icy dew. There was no crowing of roosters, no ringing of bells—only the sentry’s command, delivered in a muffled, congested whisper, brought the soldiers to their feet.
- Their movements were practiced and economical. No one wasted energy.