Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 162: Twice victorious

Alpheo and the royal army finally reached the gates of Yarzat after a grueling week of marching. The towering spires of the capital city glimmered in the late afternoon sun, casting long shadows over the roads as they approached. The banners of House Veloni-isha fluttered in the breeze, their royal sigils unmistakable as the procession entered through the main gates.

One by one, the army of 1,000 soldiers filed through the cobbled streets of Yarzat, their armor clanking and shields gleaming in the fading light. The men marched in disciplined ranks, their boots thudding in unison, and their weapons cleaned from the stains of battle now gleamed under the light of the sun . Alpheo led them from the front, his figure a grim symbol of victory. His helm was under his arm, his dark hair falling loosely over his shoulders as he looked straight ahead, his expression unreadable.@@novelbin@@

The people of Yarzat had gathered in great numbers along the streets, eager to witness the return of their victorious forces. They lined the roads, standing on balconies, leaning out of windows, and crowding the market squares. Shouts and cheers erupted as the first of the soldiers passed. 

"Victory to the Princess! Long life her grace!" the crowd roared as they pushed forward, eager to get a glimpse of the army that had brought them triumph, most of them happy that the war did not reach them and was instead a minor issue on the countryside of the princedom.

Alpheo's eyes scanned the masses, his face still set in a mask of composure. Behind him, the army marched on, their presence dominating the streets, banners of the royal family swaying high above their heads. Spears and swords glinted in the late sun, and the sound of horses' hooves striking the stone ground echoed through the alleyways.

The royal guard,sent by the princess to welcome their heroes, draped in their finest ceremonial armor led the column of soldiers, guiding them through the main thoroughfare toward the royal palace. Behind them, the victorious 1,000 soldiers followed, their chainmail and helmets dusty from the road, but their spirits lifted by the adulation of the crowd. They were greeted as heroes, and the city of Yarzat swelled with pride as the third victory in two months.