He could no longer tell how many days and nights they had ridden. They stopped at parish houses along the way to receive recovery magic, but the relentless march that continued day and night left the mounted warriors visibly gaunt, and the warhorses began to stagger with white foam at their mouths. In the end, Varkas split the unit in two. While the vanguard, composed of light cavalry with relatively superior mobility, took the shortest route, the remaining heavy knights followed behind, gathering whatever forces they could from the lords of the territories near Kalmor. Thanks to their breathless, unbroken ride, they were able to reach the entrance of Armund Forest two days earlier than expected. “Please do not worry too much.” When they had passed about halfway through the birch-filled forest, Daren rode up beside him, breathing roughly, and spoke in a heavy voice. “The Kalmor Guard is not so easily broken. Even if the Zram people attack all at once, as long as they close ...