General Holbryk peers out from behind the battlements and watches the sun sink beneath the Godstone Mountains, its dying rays staining the craggy peaks the color of blood. Holbryk tries to convince himself that he doesn't believe in omens. His scouts and spies have returned from the northwest, and Holbryk knows the Uthuk barbarians are marching on Godstone Pass and its ancient, war-torn stronghold. His small, poorly supplied garrison has been reinforced with fresh recruits from Falladir's kingdom. They are young and inexperienced, but Holbryk knows they will fight with the conviction that they are their homeland's last hope. The general prays fervently that it will be enough.