The march toward the Amber Capital was entirely unlike any military advance the continent had ever seen. The allied armies of the Emerald, Sapphire, and Pearl Kingdoms did not advance with the loud, aggressive beating of war drums or the terrifying, destructive roar of siege engines. They moved with a calm, absolute, and highly disciplined serenity. The morning sun had fully crested the eastern horizon, casting a brilliant, warm golden light across the vast desert sands and perfectly illuminating the towering sandstone walls of the ancient city.
At the very front of the massive, glittering column rode King Jaren and Queen Dora, their heavy warhorses stepping proudly over the hard-packed dunes. Jules and Bella rode gracefully beside them, their elegant desert coursers moving with fluid, effortless speed. Raven and Mana had chosen to walk on foot, entirely flanked by the magnificent, awe-inspiring forms of the six divine Guardian Beasts.
