The dead did not run.
That was the first thing that bothered Damon.
Dozens of them advanced through the snow at a slow pace, maintaining an irregular formation, with ancient weapons dragging behind them or resting over frozen shoulders. Some wore armor from different eras. Others had nothing but torn travel clothes, as though they had died trying to reach the fortress.
All of them were looking at Damon.
None showed any interest in Ester, Aria, or Jian Yue.
"This is personal," Aria commented.
"I noticed."
Jian Yue fully drew his sword.
"Stay behind me."
Damon looked at him.
"No."
"You do not possess the Heavenly Body."
"I still know how to use a sword."
"Without Xue Lian's memories."
Damon spun the ordinary weapon in his hand.
"I knew how to fight before I met that woman."
The first dead man arrived.
He was tall, with half his face covered in ice. He carried a broad sword in both hands and did not change speed when he entered range.
Damon waited.
