Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 165: Dealing with the aftermath(1)

As the days passed, the royal army, was finally disbanded. With their purpose fulfilled and victory in their grasp, Shahab's and Leomar's soldiers and the sworn nobles who had fought under Alpheo's banner began to prepare for their long-awaited return to their fiefs. The clanging of armor and the sounds of boots marching one last time through the capital marked the end of this chapter in their journey.

Shahab's forces,were the first to break camp. The seasoned troops that had fought alongside Alpheo since the ambush of Lord Ormund, gathered their banners and packed their gear, ready to return to their homes.

Yet, even as they departed, everybody knew that they would be back , after all there was still a marriage to happen. The long-awaited and disliked by many union that would solidify the new reign, was officially set for one month from that day. It was a symbolic timeframe—enough time for the returning lords to deal with the affairs of their fiefs, organize their households, and make preparations for their departure once more.

Alpheo stood on the walls of Yarzat, his gaze following the columns of soldiers and nobles slowly disappearing into the horizon as they left the city. The banners fluttered in the cool breeze, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves and boots echoed faintly in the distance. His expression was one of quiet contemplation as he watched them go,this was after all the first proper army he led, and he kind of liked the feeling. 

Turning to Jasmine, who stood beside him, Alpheo broke the silence. "I'll miss Leomar," he said, a hint of fondness in his voice. "He's a good kid. Listened well, didn't throw his opinions around carelessly like the others and he had an innate courage."@@novelbin@@