***Cadiz***
The army assembled at dawn, a sea of soldiers stretching across the valley below Ravenshollow. Twenty-five thousand men and women, wearing the colors of Houses Ashforde, Draven, Blackwater, and a dozen smaller houses that had pledged their support to the rebellion.
It was the largest force ever gathered against the empire in living memory.
I stood with Raizel, watching the organized chaos below as commanders shouted orders and soldiers fell into formation. Supply wagons lined up in endless rows, siege equipment creaked and groaned as it was prepared for transport, and horses stamped impatiently, sensing the tension in the air.
"It's really happening," I said quietly.
"Yes." Raizel's hand found mine. "We're marching on the capital, no more defensive battles, no more waiting for them to come to us."
