Death to them

The streets of Riversian were filled with humans, lizardmen, dwarves, and griffons gathered along the roads, surrounding the soldiers who were preparing to depart for war. Families stood beside one another, saying their farewells as thousands of men dressed in black scaled armor marched toward the central gathering grounds.

Mothers held their sons tightly, wives tried to hide their fear behind forced smiles, and children watched their fathers prepare themselves for a battle that none of them could guarantee they would return from. Among the crowd stood a human man carrying his young son in his arms, his black scaled armor already fastened around his body.

"I have to do this, son. The great lord gave our family a second chance, and whatever happens to me is simply the price for allowing us to stay. I cannot repay that kindness by hiding when my people need me."

The boy reached toward his father's face and gently grabbed his chin.

"Da... da."