Large metal cooking pots were placed above the roaring flames, sending steam into the night air.
While some warriors sat together sharpening their heavy weapons, others checked the wooden wheels of the supply wagons.
Wei Xiang landed gracefully beside Wang after completing another long scouting flight, his large wings tucking tightly against his back.
"There are far more patrols in the area today," Wei Xiang reported, brushing the frost from his dark hair.
Wang looked up from his seat on a fallen log. "Are we getting closer to their main defenses?"
"Yes," Wei Xiang nodded, his expression serious. "The guard presence has doubled since yesterday. The enemy is definitely expecting us."
An elder walked over to their side, his face grim. "Patriarch, our western scouts have just returned. They found several abandoned villages along the path."
"Were there any survivors?" Wang asked.
