Even the repugnant light of Morrslieb could not dampen his mood this morning. A hundred Knights of the Twin-Tailed Comet were mustered before him, just a mile north of Altdorf, and as the sun failed to break through the thick green pall, Niclas thought his men made a suitable replacement. Every sword, breastplate and shield was polished to a dazzling sheen and as they cantered towards him, the Imperial standard snapped proudly over their plumed helmets. Attending on the knights were dozens of squires and servants, making final adjustments to their lords’ armour and driving wagons laden with supplies and weaponry.“This is my moment, Captain Stoltz,” said the reiksgraf, looking proudly at the knights. As he spoke, he flared his nostrils and lifted his chin, so that the moonlight flashed in his monocle.“Your moment, reiksgraf?” replied the knight at his side. He wore the same intricately filigreed plates of armour as his commander, but where von Südenhorst was slender, straight-backed and tall, like a sliver of Reikland steel, the captain resembled a bull stuffed into a can.
