Black smoke rose from the northern ridges of Kovura Pass, spreading through the pine valleys.
Below the pass, the frontier settlement of Olaro was burning. Wooden roofs collapsed into the muddy streets as families fled south toward the fortress roads.
The sound of heavy iron boots echoed through the frozen valley.
At least five hundred Soulless soldiers from Glacial Lanka marched through the mist in tight formation. Their bodies were covered in frost-plated armor, and their faces were hidden behind iron masks.
They carried long pikes and heavy shields, walking through burning fences without slowing down.
On the limestone cliffs above the gorge, three hundred cadets from Galka War Academy and the Galka garrison prepared to stop them.
Senior Instructor Lotaga stood on a rocky ledge, his senior instructor duster whipping in the cold wind. He drew his bow and released one arrow after another, aiming for the weak points in the enemy's armor.
