The atmosphere inside the meeting room suddenly changed.
Just moments ago, the warriors had been listening to Chief Dross speak about the upcoming attack on Percvale. They had been confident, focused, united in purpose. The air had been thick with the energy of a people preparing for war, their voices rising in approval as their leader laid out the plan.
Now, one by one, they began reaching toward their faces.
Darion watched carefully. At first, he had not understood what they were doing. Then the first warrior removed his mask. His face was revealed beneath it. Another warrior followed. Then another. Slowly, faces began appearing throughout the room.
Darion's eyes moved from one person to another. Some were young. Some were considerably older. Almost all of them carried scars. Cuts across their cheeks. Old wounds around their eyes.
