[h2]Chapter 2:[/h2] 

The first stronghold that had been taken set off a conflict that spanned thousands of miles from all across the Eastern mountains. Cries of open war and civil unrest spread throughout the Heroshidan lands as the West gained a foothold, capturing more of the border cities in the name of their God and for the transgressions that had been set upon them by the East. It was months before they were halted, but the battle of the Xinyang Ford halted their progression, and it became anyone's guess who would win the war now. 

The East was now fully mobilized and ready for a counter attack, though there were rumors of rebellion and unrest within the government and its people throughout the land. The Crusaders on the other hand had no such problems, but they were tired and in unfamiliar territory. 

It had been less than a year, but Rylen felt like it had been a lifetime ago. The young Crusader Captain gazed over the parapets of the captured fortress of the Song Province, looking further east. They had not yet reached the Heroshidan capital, and probably wouldn't for a long time coming. Supplies were needed from back west, and a shipment was to arrive soon. As of now, his mind was on tomorrow's raid on the small woodland town a few hours northeast of their fortress. Capturing that would give them one more foothold that would help them take the Xinyang river, and some foodstores.
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