In this extensive sentence, readers can understand that something big is going to happen. Giant cliffs are used to represent and remind the subjects of the story to imprudence and ineluctably of further events. This magnificent and terrifying scene can cause readers the prediction of the horrifying scene of the upcoming battle.
The nature and its strength in this landscape are bringing the picture of a cruel or brutal battle. The conditions are not helpful for soldiers and their fight will be long, hard and exhausting.
similies are things "like". For example, she acts like a chicken with its head cut off. inferences are a conclusion based on the basis of evidence and reasoning. which rules both of thise out and you are only left with idioms. Hope this helps!