Shuraka

Snow fell in thick silence over the fortress of Leracal. The towering black gates stood open for the first time in months, revealing an endless procession of crimson banners advancing across the frozen plains. Southern cavalry rode in perfect formation, their polished armor gleaming even beneath the gray winter sky. Behind them came imperial guards, diplomats, servants, wagons filled with gifts, and finally a carriage carved from dark ebony trimmed with gold. Every soldier upon the walls tightened their grip on their weapons. "The Southern Crown Prince has arrived."