Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 345: Change of path(2)

Chapter 345: Change of path(2)

The remnants of the rebel army pressed onward until nightfall,as usual. There was no fanfare when they stopped—only the hollow shuffle of boots over dirt and the muted groans of aching bodies. Without tents, they spread out wherever they could find a patch of ground, hastily clearing spaces for small fires to fend off the cold. Sparks flickered against the darkening sky as groups of men huddled around the flames, sharing what little food they had and muttering in low voices.

Lucius and Marcus sat on a fallen log near the edge of one of the makeshift camps, their faces cast in the glow of the nearest fire. They hadn't spoken much during the march, both lost in their thoughts. Marcus idly poked at the dirt with the tip of his boot, while Lucius seemed to be staring into the flames, his expression unreadable.

A shadow fell over them, and one of their watchers stepped into the firelight. His face was grim, and his voice was blunt, short and gruff as that of an old man

"Inor wants to see you."

The two exchanged a glance, neither surprised. Marcus let out an exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Of course he does," he muttered as he rose.

Lucius didn't respond immediately, rising to his feet and brushing off his cloak. He adjusted the sword belt he still wore, though the weapon had been taken away "Let's get this over with," he said, his tone flat but resigned.