Aiden stood on the raised platform at the Ironspine foothills, looking out over the assembled forces. Thousands of soldiers from the Thorn Legion, vassal companies, and fresh bloodline recruits filled the training grounds.
Banners snapped in the wind. The air smelled of oiled leather, sweat, and smoke from the cook fires.
"Form ranks!" commanders shouted. The three-day muster began at dawn.
The first day focused on mock battles. Companies clashed with blunted weapons and padded armor under strict rules. Aiden watched from the command tent as the Vessian cavalry tore through a defensive line. Captain Vespera led the charge.
She was tall, raven-haired, mid-thirties, with an athletic frame built from years of hard riding and fighting. Her unit broke the opposing shield wall in under ten minutes.
Winners received public honors at sunset. Medals, coin bonuses, and the promise of a private audience with the Emperor.
