The heavy hooves pounded over the snow, leaving small pits, while the saddle and various accessories clashed against each other as they ran, emitting a crisp sound as they swiftly passed through the snow-covered forest.
Outside the Shilin Mountain Castle, large and small settlement groups gathered, most of them riding horses, carrying weapons, with diverse clothing and races.
The iron chains slowly pulled open, the main gate of the castle opened, and rows of orderly warriors marched out. These warriors wore uniform battle armor, holding bayonet rifles; they were the castle's standing armed force, numbering about several hundred.
Once these warriors emerged, the clearing below the castle fell slightly silent, then the senior Grey Feather Species, as the rulers of the castle, came out to announce today's assembly agenda.
