By the time they reached the western training grounds, Cecil had stopped waiting for Arik to complain.
That was almost disappointing.
The inspection complex occupied a broad stretch of fortified land beyond the capital, built into a low ridge where black stone walls followed the natural slope rather than cutting across it. Crimson-and-gold standards moved sharply in the morning wind above the main command building, while several companies trained across the lower fields in black uniforms marked with deep crimson at the shoulders and cuffs.
Farther uphill, the Shadows were conducting drills of their own.
They were considerably less visible.
