A few days later.
The autumn sun hung high in the sky, while gusts of cold wind swept through the fortress. Concrete shacks clustered around the stone blockhouses, spreading outward in a circular pattern. Brown flagstone roads crisscrossed the area, frequently patrolled by armed soldiers of the warlords.
"You, come here."
"How much is this?"
"You must be joking, sir. If you like it, just take it."
The targeted Alliance Country merchant forced an apologetic smile, wincing inwardly as he watched the soldier take a dried animal pelt. Seeing this, the surrounding residents of the Mountain City remained utterly silent. They steered clear, terrified of drawing unnecessary attention.
"Not bad. You know how things work.
"Let's go, boys. Looks like there are no harbored criminals here."
The Red River Army patrol leader grinned, leading his men away.
