The last embers in the Ogre camp sizzled with a few final, reluctant pops before turning into wisps of smoke and vanishing into the air.
The stench of blood and rot perating the scorched earth seed to fade slightly.
Under the command of their respective captains, the soldiers of the Allied Army began to thodically clear the battlefield.
The bodies of the slain Ogres were dragged into a pile to be burned, a asure to prevent any outbreak of plague.
"Alright, look alive! Move all these damn logs and let’s see what goodies are in those caves!"
Captain Buck’s booming voice echoed through the camp. Wiping the soot from his face, he pointed toward the entrances of several enormous caves where the Ogres had lived.
The caves were hidden deep within the cliffside. Their crude entrances were haphazardly blockaded with massive stones and thick logs, and they exuded a damp, musty odor.
Soldiers scrambled to clear the blockades from the cave entrances. A few of the bolder rcenaries raised their torches and were the first to crawl inside.
A mont later, muffled cries of astonishnt echoed from within the caves.
"Gods! There’s so much stuff!"
"I can’t believe these Ogre bastards hoarded so much treasure!"
Soon, items were carried out one after another from the dark caves and piled in a clearing at the center of the camp.
In the sunlight, the spoils of war glead with all manner of lusters, forming a stark contrast to the surrounding devastation.
There were bolts of silk cloth that, despite being stained, still showed signs of their original magnificence. There were half-rotted spices and tea leaves, and cargo crates from different rchant caravans filled with a variety of miscellaneous goods, from delicate porcelain to common iron tools—it had everything.
More nurous still were the scattered coins: a mix of Golden Dragons, Silver Eagles, and copper coins.
There was no shortage of Weapons and Armor, either. Most of it was of human make, evidently stripped from the bodies of unlucky caravan guards or adventurers.
Mixed in with this dazzling array of goods were several Magic Artifacts that emanated waves of Magic Power. These precious items were separated and set aside—a dozen or so in total.
Raylo stood to one side, quietly observing it all.
His gaze swept casually over the spoils of war, searching for his objective.
Viscount Baker walked over, a smile on his face.
"Knight Raylo, as we agreed, you may have the first pick of the spoils."
He gestured toward the mountain of riches.
"See if anything catches your eye."
The surrounding Knights and rcenaries all looked on, their expressions a mixture of envy and curiosity.
After all, the right of first pick ant the chance to take the best item.
Raylo gave a slight nod, not refusing the offer.
He strode slowly to the pile of loot, his calm gaze sweeping over each item.
The items that emanated obvious pulses of Magic Power—the Magic Staffs, Scrolls, and Rings—were certainly treasures, enough to make any ordinary Caster green with envy.
The other Knights, for their part, were mostly eyeing the Enchanted Weapons and Armor, their eyes gleaming.
Raylo’s gaze, however, settled on an inconspicuous object in a corner of the pile.
The Horn was about a foot and a half long and had a grimy, dark-yellowish color. Its material was neither tal nor wood, looking as if it were carved from so kind of beast’s tusk. The surface was etched with indecipherable, ancient markings, and parts of it were even caked with dried, black stains.
Viscount Baker raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"Knight Raylo, are you sure you want to choose this... Horn?"
He chose his words carefully, evidently finding the choice surprising as well.
Raylo took the Horn in his hand, examining it closely for a mont.
He looked up, eting the Viscount’s inquisitive gaze.
"Yes, my Lord Viscount. This Horn may look ancient, but I have a feeling it’s sothing special. Perhaps it’s the product of so ancient craft I don’t understand. I plan to take it back and have an Alchemist or a Grand Mage take a look. They might be able to repair it, or perhaps discover its hidden value."
Raylo’s explanation was a mix of truth and fiction, enough to justify his choice without revealing too much.
Though the others still thought it a sha, no one said anything more.
Viscount Baker nodded.
"Since you’ve made your choice, then so be it."
He didn’t press the matter. Everyone had their own secrets and made their own judgnts.
He then began organizing his n to take inventory and appraise the remaining spoils of war.
The Ogres had been entrenched here for a long ti, and the wealth they had accumulated through raiding and pillaging far exceeded anyone’s imagination.
Excluding the Magic Items, which were difficult to appraise accurately, the gold and silver coins, silk fabrics, spices, and other goods alone were worth a fortune.
As per their prior agreent, Raylo was to receive thirty percent of the total value of the spoils.
Since transporting thirty percent of the raw goods would be too cumberso, his share was converted. Raylo received three pieces of Enchanted Equipnt and a chest heavy with Golden Dragons.
The first piece was a Knight’s Shield nad "Bear of Strong Wall." The shield was jet-black, its edges shimring with a faint cyan glow. At its center was the carving of a roaring bear’s head, rendered with startling realism. It significantly increased the wielder’s blocking power and had a chance to activate the Power of the Earth upon taking a heavy hit, forming a small Shield to mitigate so of the damage.
The second was a Knight’s Longsword nad "Wail of the Wind." The longsword’s slender blade was etched with flowing, cyan patterns reminiscent of the wind, and a Wind Magic Crystal Stone was set into its crossguard. When swung, it could channel air currents to increase the speed of a strike. As the blade cut through the air, it emitted a faint, wailing sound that could disrupt an enemy’s attacks, and it also possessed a minor armor-piercing effect.
The third piece was a simple, antique-looking bronze Ring called the "Vitality Ring." Its surface was not set with any gemstones, featuring only a looping, vine-like pattern. Its effect was to slowly restore the wearer’s stamina. While it couldn’t provide an instant effect like a Healing Potion, its continuous replenishnt would be invaluable during prolonged battles or strenuous treks.
In addition to these three carefully selected pieces of Enchanted Equipnt, the conversion of his share of the goods also netted Raylo two thousand three hundred Golden Dragons.
"Alright, Warriors!"
The Viscount raised his voice.
"The spoils have been distributed! We’ll break camp imdiately and return to Red Maple Castle! Tonight, I will host a victory banquet for everyone at the castle!"
The soldiers and rcenaries erupted in cheers.
The journey back was much easier than the one coming.
As the sun began to set, the familiar silhouette of Red Maple Castle appeared on the horizon.
In the light of the setting sun, the castle’s spires looked as if they were draped in a golden veil.
As night fell, the great hall of Red Maple Castle was ablaze with light. The long dining tables were laden with a sumptuous feast and flagons of fragrant, fine wine.
A whole roasted sheep sizzled, its skin glistening with oil and giving off an intoxicating aroma. All manner of wild ga and fresh fruits and vegetables were piled high. Golden ale and crimson wine filled huge wooden casks and exquisite silver pitchers, free for the taking.
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