The mountain city stood high and dangerously, engulfed in a rain-soaked, lightless night. Black Serpent Teuctli watched with an impassive face, standing on the walls of the rear village, peering into the indistinct mountain path, awaiting an unclear future. Beside him, the small Dark Snake wore leather armor, hope evident in his eyes. He glanced up at his father for a moment, then silently lowered his head.
Further back, dozens of Black Serpent trusted aides and over a hundred Cloud Snake Warriors gathered by the walls, getting drenched in the rain, waiting silently. Under the sparse firelight, many appeared thin, gaunt, and starving, barely recognizable. Some were severely salt-deprived, causing their bodies to bloat and stand unsteadily; others had lifeless expressions, with blood continuously dripping from their weapons, unsure whose blood it was…
