By the third hour past midnight's peak, their weary company was on the march once more. The night's cloying blackness seed to swallow them whole as they departed the keep's confines, rank upon rank of haggard soldiers leading strings of laden packhorses.
Jaegar rode just behind the vanguard, his enhanced sight allowing him to pick out any potential threats or hazards in the gloom. Kaeso and Drasus travelled in the middle ranks, the forr brimming with simring pride at their accomplishnts and the latter silently stewing over the murky secrets surrounding their strange new "guest."
Twice more, they were forced to halt and make camp before the night surrendered to dawn's crimson tendrils. Though fitful, these brief respites allowed the exhausted n a mont's recovery while the rest could catch their wind. Every halt brought the chance of an ambush from their retreating foes, but the night remained blissfully calm and silent.
As the rising sun finally banished the shadowed lands, their company at last crested a low ridge...and the grand spectacle of their main encampnt lay stretched out before them in all its martial splendour. Row upon orderly row of pavilions as far as the eye could see, bustling with soldiers and craftsn going about their duties.
The air was rich with the scents of cookfires and fresh fodder, giving the entire scene an almost festive atmosphere.
A mighty cheer rang out from the camp as Kaeso's vanguard appeared, quickly spreading in wave after wave as more of the soldiers were spotted along the ridge's slope. By the ti the entire company had made their way down to the flats, a vast crowd had gathered to greet them, voices raised in revelous celebration.
Smiling despite his weariness, Kaeso brought his mount to a halt and waited for the tumult to die down. When at last a semblance of calm order had been restored, he raised a hand for silence.
Kaeso, using this mont as a chance, raised his voice, "We have prevailed through our combined valour and perseverance! That vital fortress has been reclaid in the na of our princess!"
A thunderous roar of approval t those words, soldiers and camp followers alike raising their voices as one in jubilant affirmation. Kaeso's eyes shone with barely restrained pride as he basked in their adulation.
From the midst of the thronging masses, a tall, cloaked figure erged and began wending its way towards them. As the person drew nearer, their features were finally revealed - a young woman of regal bearing, her blonde hair pulled back in a simple braid, and callused hands speaking to a lifeti of martial discipline.
Princess Kyra.
Kaeso quickly slid from his saddle and went to one knee, bowing his head respectfully. The princess placed a hand on his shoulder, a warm smile playing across her lips.
"Well done, my lords." Her gaze fell upon Draus, still mounted and regarding her with thinly veiled contempt. Yet if she took umbrage at his disrespect, she made no show of it.
Instead, her eyes slipped past the slighted commander, coming to rest upon the imposing figure of Jaegar, where he sat astride his horse, sowhat apart from the rest. There was an undeniable sense of power about the young warrior, like the air before a mighty thunderstorm. She couldn't tell what it was, but he seed different from the rest of the n.
It was only for a brief mont, after that, Princess Kyra, Lords Drasus, and Kaeso were escorted back to the main command tent.
Jaegar marched with Kaeso's n. Now they were treating him totally different, asking him if he needed anything. Arrane didn't co with them as he was left with the task of overseeing the fortress.
*
The cavernous tent bustled with activity as the remaining lords and officers assembled.
Minister Kimon presided over the war council eting, with Tavorn by his side.
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Kimon offered congratulations to Drasus on his recent success defending Stoneguard against Daikrimore's forces. However, the situation had turned dire while that battle raged elsewhere.
The previous day, while Drasus fought at Stoneguard, Tavorn led Wrescian troops towards the eastern watch posts. There they had t with the main Daikrimore invasion force in a bloody engagent.
Kimon's voice was sombre as he relayed the devastating losses. Only a third of the n he had led into that battle managed to limp back within the safety of the camp's palisades. Intelligence now estimates the enemy's strength at 20,000 footsoldiers, 5,000 cavalry, 1,000 spearn, and 1,000 mages.
In comparison, Wrescia's beleaguered forces amounted to just 18,000 footn, 3,500 cavalry, and 1,400 mages, including the companies commanded by Drasus and Kaeso. The first day of this war proved disastrous.
Kimon regretted his choice to send Tavorn to the battlefield. He had hoped that the experience might bring out a different side of him, one more suited to the harsh realities of war. His king had instructed him to keep a close watch on Tavorn and ensure his participation in the battle. Yet, this decision had cost them dearly, as Tavorn's actions had led to unforeseen complications.
As they gathered to discuss the strategy for tomorrow's battle, Kimon felt the weight of his mistake pressing down on him. The room was filled with the muted murmur of anxious voices and the flickering light of torches casting long shadows on the stone walls.
Kimon's thoughts were interrupted by Tavorn, who abruptly stood up and declared that the whole situation had beco too much of a hassle for him. Without waiting for a response, Tavorn left the eting, his indifference palpable.
Kimon clenched his fists, frustration and helplessness boiling within him. He knew he should have acted differently and should have found a way to guide Tavorn more effectively. But now, the damage was done, and they had to move forward.
Just then, She approached Kimon, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll find a way," she said, her voice calm and resolute. "We can't afford to dwell on what's already happened."
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