Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 273: Finally at home

Chapter 273: Finally at home

The army moved steadily along the well-worn road, the rhythmic clinking of armor and the soft thud of boots against packed earth filling the crisp morning air. Banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, the falcon of Yarzat standing proudly against the pale blue sky. Soldiers marched in ordered lines, their faces uplifted by the thought of returning home and finally getting hold of their due payment . Supply wagons creaked under the weight of provisions and spoils, while the occasional neigh of a horse punctuated the steady cadence of the march.

Jarza, towering and broad-shouldered, rode beside Alpheo, his deep voice breaking the relative quiet. "So, your grace " he said with a crooked grin, "are you excited to finally be home? 

Alpheo, his smaller frame upright in the saddle, glanced at his long-time companion with a faint smirk. His dark hair, now longer from the weeks on campaign, shifted slightly with the motion. "I've had my fill of war for now, Jarza," he replied with a tired chuckle. "These last two months have been exhausting, and I won't pretend otherwise. I'm relieved to be heading back. Rest sounds like a luxury I've sorely missed."

Jarza barked a laugh, his broad shoulders shaking as he adjusted the reins of his horse. "Tiring for you?" he said, his tone laced with playful incredulity. "Imagine what it's been like for that Herculean prince! While you're getting ready to rest, I'd wager he's still trying to scrape together the pieces of his pride—if he can even find them."

Alpheo chuckled, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "For him," he said dryly, "the next few years will be a living hell. Mending scorched lands,facing famines, placating vassals who are likely questioning their allegiance after this debacle of his... I almost feel sorry for the man."