They came over a ridge of black stone on the morning of the second day and found another army waiting in the valley below.
It was a force nearly as large as their own, banners raised, ranks already formed for battle, spread across the valley floor with the patience of soldiers who had chosen their ground.
"That is not a trial monster," Aryan said, reading the enemy at a glance. "That is a kingdom. A real one, and a strong one. And they have been waiting for us specifically."
Almond studied the force below, the way a whole army had positioned itself across the only clear path through the valley, and understood the play immediately.
"They are not racing the peak anymore," he said. "They have decided they cannot win the crossing, so they are going to win by stopping everyone else from finishing."
His eyes narrowed as the pieces fell into place. "Cut down the strongest kingdoms, thin the field, and let the peak sort out whoever is left standing."
