The fortress’s northern wail withstood the impact, but the rest disintegrated beyond recognition. Maxi shuddered at the sight. The ground shook as the city collapsed, the deafening destruction echoing around the mountains.
As the last of the paladins slipped out of the city, the ramparts broke down. Blue flares burst from the battlement, along with a series of blasts that sent stone flying across the hill. Maxi watched, her face covered with her sleeve, as the city disappeared into a cloud of dust.
“We should set out now.”
Riftan’s voice came from behind. She turned to see the Remdragon Knights standing to attention next to Wedon’s forces. Her eyes immediately flew to her husband, whose head rose above the others. Even his warhorse seemed to loom above everyone else’s.
After surveying his men, Riftan gave the signal for the army to move, and the soldiers began to march in perfect order.
Maxi looked over her shoulder one last time as she followed. The ramparts were now nothing but rubble, lashed by the arid wind. She watched as streams of sand blew over the desolate city before turning away.
The war was over. Relief and a strange sadness washed over her. How many had they buried here? As Maxi traversed the field where fierce battles had taken place, she prayed for the eternal rest of the men lying in unmarked graves. Then, slowly but surely, they left behind the plains blighted with blood and nightmares.
***
The journey back was uneventful. They did not encounter any monsters emerging from hibernation, and the soldiers had no gripes despite their dwindling rations. No doubt the mountain of spoils was a great consolation.
Generous rewards awaited the soldiers, and the knights who had rendered distinguished services during the war would be bestowed with titles and land. The troops were so full of anticipation that they showed no signs of tiring. Before they knew it, they had marched out of the Pamela Plateau and were at Eth Lene Castle much sooner than expected.
A bright smile lit Maxi’s face as she gazed up at the gray ramparts of Eth Lene, then to the towering summits on either side thick with pine trees. It had been so long since she had last seen such greenery. Joy sang in her heart. Finally, they were out of that realm of rock and ice and back in the human world.
Rem snorted from fatigue. Maxi patted the mare’s neck and urged her along the winding creek, following the knights who were watering their steeds further downstream. Now that they were in safer territory, the soldiers appeared much more relaxed. Chattering excitedly, they dumped their heavy helmets and armor onto the wagons, the number of monsters they had slayed inflating as they walked. Some even whistled as they marched, a spring in their steps.
Thunderous cheers greeted the coalition army as they passed through the city gate. Maxi gazed over the crowded streets, brushing off flower petals thrown by the exuberant residents of Eth Lene. Neatly dressed women scattered yet more petals on either side of the road, and the men sang boisterous songs praising the valor of the heroes. The crowd was much larger than the one that had seen them off.
“Please don’t tell me we’ll get the same welcome in every city we pass,” Anette grumbled as she watched the cheering crowd with a discomfited expression.
Maxi smiled wryly. “As long as we’re traveling with the knights… I’m afraid so. The Remdragon, Bolose, and Temple Knights are heroes of the Seven Kingdoms.”
Conflicting emotions of joy and anger fought within her. While his gaze made her heart flutter, the fact that he was calmly asserting his marital rights now after ignoring her for so long inflamed a feeling of defiance.
She stiffened the arm he was holding, and for a moment, she wanted to wrench it free from his grasp. Still, this was an opportunity to mend their relationship, and she did not wish to ruin it out of pride. After all, had she not been hoping he would approach her first?
Composing herself, Maxi turned to Anette. “I-I apologize for changing my mind, but I think… 1 will stay with my husband after all.”
At her words, she felt Riftan’s grip loosen slightly. Had he been nervous that she would rebuff him?
She was carefully studying his impassive face when she heard Anette say, “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”
Riftan seemed offended by the question, and he shot Anette a glare. “Is there a reason my wife should not come with me?”
Anette’s lips twisted slightly. Seeing that her friend was about to sling back a quip of her own, Maxi intervened. “Riftan is right. I will be just fine… so don’t worry about me.”
Anette’s eyes darted over Maxi’s face, searching, before she shrugged and followed the other mages. When they had gone, Maxi looked up at Riftan.
His face betrayed no emotion as he said, “Come.”
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close and began leading her toward the main castle. She caught a whiff of his distinctive masculine scent. He would not have had the opportunity to wash himself properly during the long journey, so how on earth did he smell so good? He always seemed to have an air of leather and faint musk around him.
They were at the training grounds now. Riftan called out as they neared Sejuleu Aren, who was instructing his servants off to the side.
“I will stay in the same room as last time.”
Sejuleu nodded heartily. “As you please. The servants shall bring food and water for your bath shortly.” With an impish smile, he added, “I’ve told them to heat the sauna. Will you be joining me?”
“No,” Riftan replied curtly, then began leading Maxi away.
Maxi felt her pulse racing, and she heard Sejuleu’s mischievous laugh carry over to them as they neared the stairs.
“Oh, what a shame to be deprived of the pleasure of your company. I suppose I should use this opportunity to befriend our dear Sir Kuahel.”
Maxi peeked over her shoulder just in time to see Sejuleu swing his arm over the stiff clergyman in a chummy gesture. Kuahel promptly twisted the affronting limb. As she continued to watch the two commanders with wide eyes, Riftan led her into the main castle…
