The horse trotted carefully towards the Dorochai Point, named plainly after the Dorochai Pass. The Point was a small fort, being the only thing between the western kingdoms and Heroshida. It was more of a symbolic defense, not having stationed more than 80 soldiers. That number was before the fighting, however. Mikasa didn't dare guess what the number had been reduced to, though she liked to think that for every Heroshidan that fell, two or three Crusaders met their end. The small gate, or giant door, was opened as soon as she approached. The courtyard was empty and messy, the stench of wounded soldiers filling the air, as she carefully dismounted her horse. With deep breaths she led her horse on, strapping it to a pole near the stables. The lack of horses worried her. Whatever had happened, nothing proved too good.  

She stepped towards the stairs, the ground having gotten almost muddy at the latest dragging and running the fort had seen. Having climbed the wooden steps, she carefully opened the door to the infirmary, hearing plenty noise from within. The same feelings that she had felt during the last war had overcome her again, though she held her posture this time. The latest years had been a golden period for the kingdom. War was over, peace had come and with that, plenty of celebration. Mikasa glanced towards the peaceful night sky, observing the harmonious stars, dancing without any worries. Alas, that wasn't the kingdoms destiny. Not yet

The infirmary was filled, but to Mikasa’s temporary relief, there were a good portion of unharmed soldiers. As she scanned the room, she didn't like the number she saw. Surely all the soldiers weren't in here? One man noticed the newly arrived woman, and quickly made his way towards her with light steps. They bowed quickly to each other, Mikasa still grimacing at the sight and sounds of the defenders of the Pass. “What…?”” Was all she could manage, not sure where to start asking questions. 
 “Our patrol got slaughtered. When the rest of us arrived, we were already outnumbered. We took down plenty of them too, but at a cost.” The man spoke with a grizzly old voice, shaking his head at the sight as well. Mikasa took in a deep breath, nodding. “I'm Mikasa Shuenaii. The War council sent me. We need to know what happened. This couldn't have come out of the blue, right?” She looked up towards the man, who offered a simple shrug in return.
 “I don't know what to tell you. We didn't see anything unusual, but suddenly they wandered into our territory and engaged. Something felt too odd about it. “ he replied, opening the door and gesturing her outside. Mikasa followed, folding her arms as she came outside again with her gaze returning to the man. 

“Do you reckon I can find anything near the battle site? Any clues to how all of this could've happened?” Her words seemed hopeful, which briefly brought some hope to the soldier, though he once again shook his head. “Perhaps. Both sides retreated at the same time, so perhaps something could've been left behind. But I wouldn't recommend it, should they be planning a second wave this instant.” The man scratched his forehead, closing his eyes for a second or two. It didn't seem like the soldiers had gotten any sleep this night, tending to the wounded. Mikasa wet her lips with her tongue, nodding.

“Soka! Prepare two horses! You're going on a field trip.” The veteran soldier grunted at one of the other men, who quickly ran towards the horses indeed. Preparing one of the stationed mares, and the pinto Mikasa had brought along. She had managed to convince the Commander to let her and someone ride out towards the Pass. It was clear the woman needed answers, and that the soldier didn't argue with. 

Quickly they left the Fort again, riding towards the Pass. Upon arrival to the two colossal mountains, the samurai by the name of Soka had led Mikasa along a mountain road, leading around the pass and overlooking the only entrance the crusaders had. Mikasa kept a steady hand on her sheathed sword, narrowing her eyes at the road leading into the Pass.