The sound of hooves thundered across the plains as a regiment of soldiers rode forward, their silver armor glinting faintly in the light. Though marred by the blood of the previous night's battle, the armor still retained a dignified sheen. Each soldier wore a red cloak adorned with the emblem of a falcon, one talon outstretched in an attack pose. Silver helmets topped with red feathers completed their imposing appearance as they pressed onward toward their destination.
In the distance, a city under construction came into view, its outline framed by scaffolding and bustling activity. "We're home, men!" Captain Kalrick called out, his voice carrying over the rhythmic pounding of hooves.
As they approached the city gates, the banners bearing the falcon emblem fluttered proudly atop the walls and watchtowers. The gate guards stepped forward, saluting sharply as the regiment arrived. "Welcome back, Sol Regiment!" they greeted in unison.
The gates opened, and the soldiers rode through, met by the cheers of townsfolk who lined either side of the main street. Red banners waved in celebration, and the falcon insignia flew high above the procession. The soldiers rode with stoic pride, their battle-worn appearance a testament to their recent victory.
After passing through the lively streets, the regiment finally reached the barracks, where the soldiers began to dismount and disperse.
"Captain, it seems the nighttime cavalry hasn't arrived yet," a soldier reported, holding his helmet under his arm.
Kalrick nodded thoughtfully. "That was the intent. Castellan Norman was to come to our conquered city and take the reigns and relieve us of guarding it with the newly formed Dawn Cavalry." Kalrick responded.
Another soldier, George, approached, curiosity evident in his expression. "Captain, does that mean Castellan John and Norman's apprentices will be traveling from the Alliance capital to govern on behalf of the lord?"
Kalrick shrugged slightly, a faint smile playing at his lips. "We'll have to wait and see. But yes, that seems like a strong possibility."
The soldiers exchanged glances before moving to their respective duties. Though weary from battle, the regiment carried the quiet satisfaction of returning home victorious. The city, still in the midst of construction, stood as a symbol of renewal and resilience. One by one, the cavalry members made their way to their designated barracks, eager to shed the tension and exhaustion accumulated over the long, grueling night. Their thoughts were united in one simple desire: to refresh themselves and find solace in much-needed rest.
In the other recently conquered city, Captain Thorpe was approached by Castellan John, who had arrived to relieve him and his regiment of their duty. Dismounting from his horse, John strode forward to meet Thorpe.
"I trust all is in good condition? It's time for you and your men to return home," John stated firmly.
"Yes, all are well enough to make the journey. Once we return, they'll receive the necessary medical treatment," Thorpe replied, his tone steady but tinged with fatigue.
"Very well," John nodded before turning to address his newly arrived regiment. "Dusk Regiment, it is time to assume your rightful position as sentinel guards of this domain, under the name of our lord, Kael Xerxes!"
His declaration was met with a thunderous cheer from the cavalry. The soldiers of the Dusk Regiment saluted and began preparing to take over their new post.
Once the transition was complete and the Lunar Regiment was ready to depart, Castellan John stepped out to see them off. "You are now relieved of duty! Return home safely!" he called out, his voice firm yet gracious.
"We bid Castellan John good governance! Lunar Regiment, it is time for our return!" Captain Thorpe commanded.
Reacting with precision, the cavalry's horses moved in unison, their hooves striking the ground rhythmically. The riders, clad in silver armor that retained a muted shine despite the stains of battle, raised their banners high. The royal blue flags, emblazoned with the symbol of a raven, matched the cloaks they wore. With banners fluttering and the regiment moving as one, they rode swiftly, eager to return to their city.
After several hours of riding, the Lunar Regiment neared their city. However, they spotted another regiment in the distance, adorned in orange and white, heading in the same direction. Noticing this, James leaned closer to Captain Thorpe and asked, "Captain, to the right, an unknown army sighted. What are your orders on how to engage?"
Thorpe squinted at the distant figures, assessing the situation. "Send three scouts to make contact with them and determine if they are friendly or if their path lies beyond our lord's domain," he commanded.
"Understood, sir," James replied. He slowed his horse, pulling back alongside two other soldiers. "You two, investigate the unknown group. Confirm their intentions," James ordered.
The two soldiers nodded and galloped off toward the distant regiment.
After some time, the scouts returned to James, riding swiftly to deliver their report. One of the soldiers spoke first. "It's Captain Farling from Marquis Raven's forces. They've come to station themselves at our lord's citadel while awaiting Lord Raven's arrival, though the timing of his arrival is currently unknown."
"Did you confirm their identity thoroughly?" Captain Thorpe inquired, his tone cautious and measured.
"Yes, sir. Their banners and documents match their claim," the knight affirmed.
"Good," Thorpe said with a nod. Turning his attention back to his regiment, he raised his voice. "We'll quicken our pace. The city gates are already within view."
With Thorpe's command, the regiment surged forward, their banners fluttering in the wind as they approached their home city. The sight of the gates in the distance renewed their energy, and they rode with purpose, eager to bring their journey to an end.
Soon, the Lunar Regiment arrived at the city gates, where the red banners of their lord's domain flew high above the walls. Before entering, Captain Thorpe and James dismounted to meet with Captain Farling of Marquis Raven's forces.
The two sides exchanged formal greetings before Thorpe inquired about the purpose of their visit. Farling explained that the Marquis was planning a campaign and desired the involvement of some members of their lord's forces.
After hearing the explanation, Thorpe nodded thoughtfully. "While I understand the Marquis's intentions, this is a matter for Lord Kael to decide, not me," he stated firmly. With that, Thorpe granted the Marquis's men the right to enter the city temporarily.
Once the discussion concluded, the Lunar Regiment marched through the city streets in formation. Like the Sol Regiment before them, they were greeted by the cheering townsfolk, who waved red banners and welcomed them as heroes. Behind them, Marquis Raven's men followed, their orange-and-white attire contrasting with the Lunar Regiment's royal blue banners adorned with the raven sigil.
When the procession came to an end, the Marquis's men were escorted to the city's inns, where accommodations had been prepared for them. Meanwhile, the Lunar soldiers made their way to the barracks.
There, the weary soldiers finally disbanded, each eager to refresh themselves and rest. The weight of the night's tension and exhaustion gradually gave way to the comfort of home, as they prepared to leave behind the trials of the battlefield, if only for a short while.