On the twelfth day, Khao'khen evacuated Millbridge.
The entire Horde. Eight thousand warriors. Every piece of equipment. Every supply wagon. Every Rhakaddon. The Snarling Wolf banner. Everything.
The evacuation was conducted in six hours during daylight, the column moving south through the valley toward the corridor with the organized speed that the Horde's march discipline allowed, the movement visible to every Threian observation post on the northern ridgelines, the departure unmistakable and deliberate.
By the afternoon, Millbridge was empty. The market hall was vacant. The defensive positions were unmanned. The valley that the Horde had occupied for weeks was unoccupied.
Aldrath received the observation reports and convened an emergency council.
"He is withdrawing," Colonel Drev said.
"He is not withdrawing," Snowe said. "He does not withdraw."
"The valley is empty. The column is moving south. Every formation is in the column. The scouts have confirmed it."
