[Border of Zahryssar — Night]
The rain had not stopped for three days.
It crashed endlessly across the deserts of Zahryssar, like the heavens themselves had descended into mourning. Far across the northern border, a massive black carriage moved violently through the storm.
The silver crest of House Veyrhold gleamed faintly beneath lightning flashes. The horses barely slowed despite the mud and brutal rainfall because inside the carriage sat Duke Aren Veyrhold.
And the northern duke looked afraid, and ahead, the gigantic serpent gates of Zahryssar slowly emerged through the storm.
Ancient and towering.
Guarded heavily by green serpent soldiers. The moment the carriage stopped several massive green serpents slithered downward from the walls immediately.
Then—
SWISSHHH!!!
