Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

On the evening of June eighteenth, the ten men raised their coarse cups that were filled with cold water. For years, they hadn't had coffee or a drop of alcohol.

In the border city, coffee was a luxury they couldn't afford. And though cheap, they didn't dare touch the local wine. They feared that even a single sip might lead them to reveal their identities in their drunken state, which would lead to their doom.

The only time they had bought alcohol was when they learned about the deaths of Hector and his six sons. Even then, they hadn't drank it, but instead poured the liquor onto the ground in tribute to their fallen leader. That night, they had spent hours sobbing under their blankets.

But they were only allowed a single night of mourning. The next day, they had to dry their tears and continue their perilous journey, as the Southern Frontier had yet to be reclaimed then.

After the Southern Frontier was recaptured and Victor brought his troops to the border city, it became impossible for the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team to send messages. Crossing the border had also become exceedingly difficult. Previously, they had mingled with convoys carrying food and goods to Simonton City to deliver intelligence. Now, they couldn't even manage to blend in and escape.

After Starhaven reclaimed the Southern Frontier, they spent their days trying to find a way to escape. They had run all over, which led to Law being captured.

Law was likely subjected to severe torture after his capture, but he never betrayed them. Otherwise, the Sandorian soldiers would have already found them. Law's resolve was unyielding, preferring to die rather than surrender. The men of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team weren't afraid.

shoes they had made themselves. They shed their ragged clothing and donned their new clothes, which they had sewn from black cloth

any skill in sewing? Yet, over the years, they had been unable to afford ready-made clothes and had to make their own from scraps

beatings. After several years of hardship, they now possessed their own reliable swords. When

the desert. Their loyalty and sense of duty were the only things that had carried them

night hung high in the sky. It was bright and clear, its light dimming the stars beneath

saluted in the direction

If this mission failed, they would be buried here in the border city. If that happened, they hoped their spirits would return to their homeland to see their loved ones

set out. They knew every road in this border city so well that they could walk it with their

near the garrison, ready to move

It was almost time.

was a platform on a high wall that could be used to station archers. However, due to the heavy troop presence, no