The evacuation began before dawn. Fifty-three thousand refugees had answered the call, streaming toward the city from camps scattered across the region. They came with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the desperate hope that someone, finally, would help them rather than exploit them.
Nox stood at the city gates, watching the long column form. His thousand soldiers moved with professional efficiency, creating a protective formation that could adapt to threats from any direction. Supply wagons were interspersed throughout the column, carrying food and medical supplies that would last exactly six days if rationed carefully.
"Final count on the escort force?"
Elisa consulted her roster. "One thousand infantry, two hundred cavalry, fifty mages, plus medical corps and engineers. Prince Matthias insisted on sending five hundred of his own troops as well."
"And Vexia's modifications to the supply wagons?"
